Break up Bills; Steelers in Trouble

The Bills have won two straight and four of six. They are headed in the righ direction and considering the talent on this team Chan Gailey's coaching staff has done a remarkable job in turning things around after an 0-8 start. The least two games against the Pats and Jets will be tough to win. They must forge ahead and begin prepping for the college draft in April.
The Steelers are in a different situation. Injuries are catching up with the team and the loss of Troy Polomalu is damaging. The Black and Gold seemed to lose their swagger in the loss to the Jets. The Steelers have a pair of win-able games, Thursday against Carolina and on January 2 against the Browns. The key will be staying healthy, as that has been the biggest problem with the 2010 Steelers. If the Steelers can get healthy they could make a run.

Is Lee Evans Through in Buffalo

What's next for Lee Evans in Buffalo? Evans went on IR Tuesday with a high ankle sprain. Evan's wasn't the number one guy this year, that honor went to Stevie Johnson.
Evan's production was down and he wasn't the first choice of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick in the game plan. I'm betting the Bills will cut Evans lose at the end of the year and look at drafting a top receiver in the draft, if one of their quarterback possibilities is gone in the first round. Right now the Bills have just one wide receiver who was drafted. The other of four were undrafted free agents. Do the math.

The End is Near for Farve

It's sad to see Brett Farve, beat-up and broken. But after he had the ankle surgery last spring he knew that he would lose a step and not be as able to avoid the rush. The ankle injury brought him back to the pack. Now he looks mortal. When Bills linebacker Arthur Moats hit Farve on December 5 you could see it coming. Bret was vunerable. It's sad, but that's the way Joe Montana left the game, with a concussion after a hit in the AFC Championship game in the 90's at the Ralph against the Bills.
Now Farve may go on injured reserve, ending his season and most likely his career. Canton is next for the former Packer, and that's the way I'll remember him.

Bills Win, Again

The Bills beat the Browns Sunday. The Bills are now 3-10 and it looks as though they won't get the number one overall pick. It loks like my dreams of getting a franchise quarterback may be disappearing. Maybe we need another running back. Just kidding. The Bills still need a pass rushing linebacker, a right tackle and a defensive end. The quarterback may have to wait and Fitzpatrick is playing well, so that helps. Oh well all may not be lost.

The Pens are Red Hot

The Penguins have won eight in a row and are 10-0-1 in their last 11 games.
Why? The play of goalie Marc Andre Fleury. Fleury is 10-6-1 with a 2.44 goals against average. Fleury got off to a slow start but has stopped almost everything he sees during the recent win streak. He lost six of his first seven games, but has gone 9-01 lately. If Fleury stays hot and plays well this team can challenge for the Stanley Cup.

The NFL's 18 Game Proposition

The NFL wants to go to a 16 game schedule. That would knock the preseason slate to just two games. The reason, the NFL is concerned about poorly attended preseason games in August.

But, an 18 game schedule would stretch the season well into January and have the Super Bowl in late February. As i stands now the season is too long. and, what about the injuries. When the league went to a 16 game schedule years ago the amount of injuries went up.

The players are concerned that the 18 game schedule will further increase the amount of injuries and players who end up on the season ending injured reservelist.

It's more about increased revenue for league owners through higher rights fees with the extra regular season home game figured in.

The NFL is the largest business in America and wants to get larger.

What a game!

The Steelers game had all the highs and lows for both Steeler and Bill's fans Sunday. The Steelers looked great in the first half, but not the second. This one was one that could have been won by the Bills, but in the end the Steelers running game won it and the Bills run defense lost it. And, what about the serious one, Stevie Johnson? He could have won it for the Bills, but dropped the ball. In fact dropped passes did in the Bills. Johnson had five, including the one in overtime. Oh well, the number one pick is still within reach for the Bills and a division title for the Steelers.

What a game!

The Steelers game had all the highs and lows for both Steeler and Bill's fans Sunday. The Steelers looked great in the first half, but not the second. This one was one that could have been won by the Bills, but in the end the Steelers running game won it and the Bills run defense lost it. And, what about the serious one, Stevie Johnson? He could have won it for the Bills, but dropped the ball. In fact dropped passes did in the Bills. Johnson had five, including the one in overtime. Oh well, the number one pick is still within reach for the Bills and a division title for the Steelers.

Ahhhhh, it's Thanksgiving and that means football!

Today its the NFL's annual Thanksgiving day triple header. Wow! There are three games and maybe one might be interesting. Not the Patriots and Lions or Saints and Cowboys, but the Bengals and Jets. The Jets are the NFL's cardiac kids. It seems as though they wait till the end of the game to crank up their offense. Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez is truely becoming an elite quarterback in his second year. Could you imagine another 4th quarter comeback tonight, maybe overtime? Hey anything is possible with the Jets. And, their coach Rex Ryan he's a treat.

Bills Get Second Win

The Bills won their second game of the season Sunday beating the Bengals on The Hero.
Wow, two in a row. But, the number one pick is now in jeopardy. The Panthers are 1-9 and the Bills are 2-8. At the rate the Bills are going they'll screw up their chance for one of the top three quarterbacks in next April's college football draft.
Tommorrow, the Bills and Steeler Sunday at the Ralph.

I want the #1 Pick!

I now know what winning is all about. Sunday the Bills beat the Lions 14-12 on The Hero. It felt great,err, maybe not so great now. See I want the first overall pick in April's draft. But with the Bills and Carolina Panthers both 1-8 it could come down to the strength of schedule and then the Panthers would win it. So, now that we have a win, no more victories this season. See I'm thinking like the GM of the Bills and I want the best quarterback in the 2011 draft. Whether it's Ryan Mallet of Arkansas or Stanford's Andrew Luck, I want the choice. I do not want the leftovers. Get it. So the Bills are done winning for the season, or else.

Will Bills Get First Win Sunday?

A lot of the experts believe the Bills will get their first win Sunday against the Lions on the Hero. The Lions are just 2-6, but they will be without their starting quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford has a shoulder injury and is out indefinitely. So with Shawn Hill quarterbacking the Lions many NFL observers fell the Detroit game plan will be extremely conservative. And, thus maybe the Bills will ge their first win of the year. But, the win could make it harder for the Bills to get the first overall draft pick in April. That's what I really want out of this Bills season is either, Arkansas's Ryan Mallet or Stanford's Andrew Luck.

NFL 18 Game Schedule Could be Rough

The NFL wants to go to an 18 game schedule, instead of the current 16 game schedule, which includes four preseason games.
With an 18 game regular season schedule we would see a two game preseason. But, look at the injuries in the present 16 game schedule. The Bills just put two more players on injured reserve and the Steelers may have lost another to IR with the injury to left tackle Max Starks. The game is so fast and physical now that many teams have lost star players to season ending injury. Look at the Dallas Cowboys. Tony Romo's injury may have cost Cowboys coach Wade Phillips his job. The Cowboys offense has fallen on hard times since the injury to Romo. The Detroit Lions lost quarterback Matt Stafford to a shoulder injury last weekend, and his season may be in jeporady. Take former Bills quarterback Trent Edwards, who led his team to a 5-1 record in 2008, the suffered a concussion and hasn't been the same. Injuries has always been a part of the game, but have increased since the team went from a 14 to 16 game schedule. Imagine what it will be like when the NFL goes to an 18 game schedule.

Boot Clearfield From District 9

A lot of people have been coming up to me to ask me why the Owls aren't in the District 9 football playoffs. Do I know all that has happened, no, but I do know that every other District in Pennsylvania has at least a semi-final and final to crown it's football champion, but not District 9. A committee of football directors decided that the District 9 AAA bracket would only have a final. Why, because Clearfield High School doesn't want one. Are they afraid to play Bradford High? Yes, ask Tim Janocko, the head coach at Clearfield High School. He and they have found away to keep Bradford out of the playoffs. The Owls play the best schedule in District 9, top to bottom. District 9 had better wake-up and rectify the Problem. They need to stand up to Clearfield High and boot them out of District 9 period. Clearfield pulled out of the District 9 Basketball League last spring. They do not want to play District 9 schools unless it's in the playoffs and under there guidelines. Come on, District 9 athletic directors, principals and other advisors. Boot Clearfield out of District 9, period!

BAHS Soccer Teams Win Titles

Congrats to Wes Lorhman and the Owls and Tony Doriguzzi and the Lady Owls soccer teams. They won District championships Wednesday at Clarion University. The Owls won in double overtime and the Lady Owls were 3-0 shutout winners. Both teams made the move to District 10 soccer leagues three years ago. And, you can see the level of competition helped the two teams. And, I'm sure the Tiger-Turf field at Parkway Field helped too!

The World Series

For the first time ever I failed to watch a single World Series game. First and foremost I'm a football guy. I watch NFL and college football, college basketball, golf and some hockey. Free agency has killed the game for me. When one team, the Yankees, can grab any players they want without regard to a salary cap it makes it harder for the smaller teams to compete. That's why I like the NFL. And, the NFL beat the World Series head-to-head in the ratings war Sunday night.

Key Game for Owls Tonite

The Owls host Strong Vincent tonight at 7pm at Parkway Field. Owls pregame on the air at 6:45pm on WESB and 100.1 The Hero and WESB.com. The Owls have to win the last two games to have a chance at going to the playoffs. Because of District 9's wacky AAA playoff setup only two schools go to the playoffs. So, the Owls need some help with a Clearfield or Punxsy loss somewhere in the final two games of the season. The Chucks host Brookville and the Bisons entertain Bellefonte. If the Owls win out and finish 8-2 there's no guarantee they will make the playoffs. So we have to hope for Punxsy and Clearfield to lose down the stretch too.

Losing Smith Tough Loss for Steelers

Sunday the Steelers defensive end Aaron smith injured his triceps on his left arm and is lost for the season. Last year smith lost the last 11 games of the season to a rotator cuff tear. At 34 years- of age Smith's career make be done. Former Steelers first round pick Ziggy Hood will now get the starting role. Many feel that when Smith left the lineup last season his loss was worse than Troy Palamulu's. With smith in the lineup the Steelers allowed 74 yards rushing a game last season. Without Smith it was closer to 100 yards a game allowed on the ground. Let's hope Hood fits the bill.

Owls Host East

The Owls hos the Erie East Warrior's tonight at Parkway Field and on 1490 WESB.
Owls Coach Jeff Puglio told me Thursday he isn't worried about his team being focused for tonight's game with East. The Owls are coming off a 28-0 upset-win over Warren last Friday. Can the Owls keep the momentum going and put last Friday's big win out of their heads? I think so. This team has a good senior nucleus and is focused. East has speed and plays pretty goo defense, so the Owls will have to be disciplined. Plus, this team has the negative playoff set-up to overcome in District 9 so they have to pretty much run the table to make the District AAA playoffs. So, this team has to stay the course and not let outside distractions bother them. I think there are players on this team who will not allow a letdown. Go Owls!

Frank's Bills Three Year Plan

2011
Draft franchise quarterback with #1 pick. #2 pick, right tackle. #3 pick inside linebacker.
Sign outside linebacker in free agency. Resign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
2012
Draft left tackle with #1 pick. #2 pick, wide receiver and a center with #3 pick.
Sign free agent strong safety.
2013
Draft a tight end with #1 pick. #2 pick an inside linebacker and with #3 pick a defensive end.

Bills Don't Lose

Hey the Bills didn't lose Sunday! Okay, I know, the Bills didn't play Sunday, they had a bye. But, still it felt good, knowng that the Bills couldn't lose Sunday.
I watched the Pats and Ravens and the Cowboys and Vikings. How about Dallas at 1-4.
Love it. Now, back to reality. The Bills play in Baltimore against the Ravens Sunday on The Hero. The Ravens were beaten in overtime by the Patriots and will probably be mad Sunday when they host the Bills. The Ravens will be really mad. Oh well, it was nice that the Bills didn't lose yesterday.

Why are the Bills behind the Patriots, Jets and Dolphins in the AFC East? Look at their offensive and defensive lines. Those three teams can run the football and generate sacks defensively. The Bills offense and defense have been woeful for a decade because they can not block and can't stop the run. Those teams have a franchise quarterback too. Priority one in the draft for Buffalo get a quarterback. The address the tackle and center spots either through the draft or free agency. The Bills also must find a pass rushing linebacker. What a laundry list, eh? It will take a few years to rebuild this franchise.

Big Game for Football Owls

Tonight's the first of several big games for the Bradford Owls. tonight they host Erie power, Cathedral Prep. The Owls are tied for first place in Region 6 with a 2-0 record. Tonight is a statement game for the Owls too. Not only is it a Region 6 matchup, but a game that if the Owls win would send a statement in District 10 football. Prep is big and fast, but the Owls are fast and physical too. Let's go Owls!

Edwards Released

Monday the Bills released quarterback Trent Edwards. Alot of questions here. Why was he released after just a couple of games into the season? Why wasn't he released during the off season? and, why was he released at all. Bills coach Chan Gailey is a pretty good judge of talent. Edwards has the talent to be a quarterback in the NFL. But he's not a leader and doesn't play well under pressure. Those two traits got him fired in Buffalo. It's better to get rid of him now, than to leave him on the roster and cut him at the end of the year. Edwards isn't the answer. The Bills needed to head in another direction. Fitzpatrick isn't the answer either. Maybe the Bills should audition Brian Brohn. He was a second round pick and projected as a future NFL quarterback. I'm excited that this team realizes where it needs to go, now, finnally.

Steelers and Bills Talk

The Steelers win over the Bucs makes them 3-0. Pittsburgh looks like a Super Bowl contneder.
Why, their defense is unbelievable. Everyone talks about Troy Polamula. What about Aaron Smith. The Steelers defensive end may be the one who makes the whole Steelers defense go. The Steelers evidently do not need Big Ben. Charlie Batch comes off the bench and throws three td passes. But, it's the Steelers defense that runs their ship.
The Bills offense looked better with Ryan Fitzpatrick at the hel. But, quarterbacking mistakes eventually did in the Bills offense. The Bills plain and simple need a franchise quarterback from next year's draft. And, the defense needs to be tougher. The Bills need a run stuffing linebacker and a pass rushing linebacker too.
It's the same old problem with this defense, can't stop the run and can't get pressure on the quarterback.

King of the HIll at McKean County Raceway

Thursday night I had a chance to take in the Fall Classic at the McKean County Raceway in Smethport. It was my second trip to the track and wow, the racing was spectacular.
My wife and I had a chance to go into the pits with Barry Synder. Barry even took us through one of the Late Model haulers and their truck-motor home. McKean County Raceway also had a King of the HIll for Late Models and that was a treat. The weather was beautiful and the fans were really nice to us. Congrats to Ken Leet and the crew for bringing in the 2009 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year and several other touring drivers from the northeast and even Wisconsin and Deleware. thanks again, Barry and Ken.

Batch Gets Call for Steelers

The Steelers will go with Charlie Batch Sunday at Tampa Bay. This is a good move. although, Charlie is 35, he has the expereince in the Steelers offensive system to manage the game so the defense can win it for them. With the Steelers at 2-0 and Ben Roethlisberger to return in three weeks the team is in good shape despite being without their starting quarterback for the first four games. I thought that if the Steelers went 2-2 without Big Ben they would be fine and make the playoffs. Now they could be 3-1 or 4-0 when he returns. That would put them in perfect place to win the AFC North. And, Batch is the right move going against the Bucs team, although, 2-0, but ready for an off game, especially against that Steeler D.

Bills and Steelers

The Bills decision not to start CJ Spiller mindboggling. Where's 2009's number one pick Aaron Maybin. TheBills could have had Clay Matthews. He was drafted behind Maybin in 2009. Matthews had 13 tackles yesterday and three sacks. Maybin, well 13 plays no tackles. Look at the Bills offensive line. The Bills need tackles and haven't drafted one in the first four rounds in 10 years. The Bills are bad because their past 10 drafts have been awful. You build your offense and defenses from the front back, not the back, front like the Bills have. Many feel the Bills secondary is the best in football. Doesn't matter, if your line and linebackers can'r play.

The Steelers are 2-0. Their defense forced seven Titan turnovers. Lawrence Timmons, Jason Worilds, Aaron Smith, it goes on and on quality draft selections by the black and gold. That's the difference between the Steelers and Bills. Pittsburgh is built thru the draft, the Bills aren't, period.

Quiti Picking on Buffalo

Why does the national media keep picking on the Bills? You very rarely see news about the Bills on ESPN or innespapers like the LA Times unless it's about them moving or how bad they are. However, the Bills sld out their home opener last Sunday against the Dolphins. And, there are five NFL teams who didn't sell out their openers, including Detroit, San Diego and Jacksonville. When teams are mentioned as possible suitors for Los Angeles The Bills are ussually the first mentioned. But, the Bills sell-out. Wednesday on ESPN former Bills quarterback Jim Kelly said he has a group of investors ready to buy the Bills someday and keep them in Buffalo. And, I think the Bills are headed in the right direction now on the field too. Look at all of the Bills backers groups throughout the nation. When the Bills play on the road there's always a great Bills presence in the stands. So, stay off our backs America the Bils are America's team and not the Cowboys.

Steelers Need Better Passing Game

The Steelers had a 50 yard touchdown run by running back Rashard Mendenhall in overtime Sunday in the win over the Falcons on WESB. But, face it Steeler fans, the Black n Gold struggled offensively with Dennis Dixon at the controls last Sunday. The Titans are going to put eight and nine guys in the box and force Dixon and the Steelers to throw it Sunday. If The Steelers are to win in Tennessee they have to get some kind of passing game going. We all know that Big Ben returns to the lineup in three weeks. But, the Steelers need to go at least 2-2 during Roehtlisberger's absence to have a chance at the playoffs. Dixon has to play better and the Steelers need to block more efficently too.

Bills Offensive Woes

For the most part the Bills pass blocking wasn't bad. When a Dolphins team puts nine and 10 men in the box and dares you to throw you had better be able to compelete passes. If you don't you lose. The Dolphins aren't dumb, they know to beat the Bills you must take away their running game. The Bills pass offense struggled because their quarterback still makes bad decisions and poor throws. I think the Bllls know he was their best chance at the end of training camp. In a couple of weeks it may be Brian Brohm. Let's face it. The Bills defense wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. The offense was worst then I thought it would be. But, Sunday's loss also tells me that the Bills still do not have their franchise quarterback. it may come next April in the likeness of Jake Locker of Washington. Locker is the top rated quarterback in next year's draft.

Owls and Bulldogs Tonite

The Owls host Meadville tonight at 7pm at Parkway Field and on WESB and The Hero.
Meadville is 0-1, but big and strong. the owls are small and fast. If the Owls are to win this one their defense must play like last weekend in the win over the Huskies. The Owls defensive line and linebackers surprised even me with their shutout performance. Defensive coach Jeremy O'Toole has done a nice job with this group and got them to shine last Friday night. When your ends and d-tackles are making tackles that is a great sign. One thing is evident, to play in district 10 football you have to be fast, not only in the backfield, but up front offensively and defensively. Let's go Owls!

Williams on theDL

I know all about the disabled list know. A strained hamstring sidelined Frankie from the City Beers golf league Tuesday nite. I guess too much golf and then trying to cut the lawn over the holiday weekend did me in. It doesn't help when you try to do too much and cut the ditch as well. A slide down the hill and a spill damaged my hamstring on the side where I had my hip surgery. the hips fine, but it looks like two weeks at least on the DL. Missing golf hurts and poor Mikey, my partner, was left to toil without me. I know that next year I will be 100 precent. That's what I got to look forward to. The golf game hasn't been what it was, but a lesson from Kirk and I should be good in the spring.

Owls Opener Tonite

The Owls host the Olean Huskies tonight in the 113th renewal of this storied rivalry. Kickoff is at 7pm at Parkway Field. Owls pregame on WESB, The Hero and WESB.com on the air at 6:45 with Jeff Puglio's coaches show. Will the Owls win? I think so. Olean has a good team, the Owls a good and experienced team. With the reutn of the entire Owls backfield and a couple of lineman the edge goes to the Owls.
The Owls were 6-4 last season. Last year the Team started 6-0 and finished 0-4. So Jeff Puglio and his coaching staff expreienced the highs and lows of a first year at the helm. That should help too. The Offensive line has expereince too and that always helps. I do not predict high school football games. But, I will tell you this Owls team will play hard and fast. Go Owls!

Big 10 Lineup

The Big 10 has realigned it's conference with the addition of Nebraska.
Now we have two seperate divisions for 2011 and a playoff to crown the Big 10 champion. How about the divisional lineup? Penn State is in with Ohio State and Wisconsin. And, Michigan is in the other division. It sort of stinks that Penn State may not play Michigan ever year. It's like when the NFL setup it's current divisions. Think about the Bills being in a division with Cleveland and Pittsburgh. It would not only be goof for Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Cleveland, but think about the storylines on ESPN. With the super-conference setup in college football some of the best rivalries, like Penn State-Michigan will be lost.

Williams Kelly Lose Again

Last night it was the team of Eric Haynoski and Justin Girard who took Wiliams and Kelly down on the golf course. Huhnewski and Girard can both play and are in second place in the City Beers Golf League. What really set them apart last night was there matching pink shirts and their golf balls. See, on their golf balls they had written Mike and Frank suck. Lots of class, huh? Actually, we had a ball, although we lost, it was a hoot. Both of those guys can hit a golf ball too. Although, Girard has a 60 degree wedge, but never hits it because he says it doesn't fly as far as his driver.
Thanks guys!

Owls Scrimmage Positive

The Owls scrimmage with St. Marys had a lot of positives last Friday night at Parkway Field. One of the most exciting parts of the scrimmage was the Owls passing game. Cody Coats had a couple of nice passes and a touchdown pass. Also, the play of the Owls offensive line has been good. Owls Coach Jeff Puglio has had to deal with a couple of injuries along the line, but others had responded when called upon.
Alot of talk about the Owls schedule and how difficult it is. It's sad that that's the first thing everybody talks about when mentioning this Owls team. I'm excited and know that this team can be pretty good, if the offensive and defensive lines play well.

Love the Way the Media looks at the NFL

If your a Bills fan you know what I'm talking about. The National Media overlooks the Bills. The Bills have a huge following and it is evident by the Bills backers clubs throughout the nation. When the Bills and Steelers play on the field there are alot of transplants in attendance rooting on them. Last year the Bills played the Panthers in Charlotte. My son Tyler, who lives there, told me that the parking lot they tailgated in was full of Bills fans. He said during the game when the Bills scored, the place went nuts. My sister lives in LA. She went to see the Bills play in Seattle a couple of years ago and it was full of Bills fans. Then why does the national media overlook this team. It seems that the major market teams get better coverage. But, when you look at the sidebars concerning teams like the Bills there seems to be more support for them in their market. Take the TV ratings for individual games. Green Bay, Pittsburgh and Buffalo all always have better ratings for their games then teams like the Giants, Jets, Patriots, Dolphins. I could go on and on. And, the NFL wants to put a team back in Los Angeles. They've had two teams in the past and couldn't support anyone of them. Los Angeles is a baseball town. New York is a baseball town. Buffalo and Pittsburgh are football towns. Nuff said.

Pirates Headed in Right Direction?

Are the Pirates heading in the right direction? Yesterday I talked about how Chan Gailey, I feel, is the right man for the Bills in leading them back to the playoffs. The Pirates have alot of young talent seeing alot of action now in Pittsburgh. Take Neil Walker for an example, he had another game winning hit last night a three run triple in the Pirates 5-2 win over the Cardinals on WESB. Pirates Manager John Russell doesn't seem to have the same fire that a Chan Gailey does in Buffalo. I know many Pirates fans are sick of the losing attitude in the Burgh. And, Russell is not who I would want piloting the Pirates. If the Bucs are to take the next step and make the playoffs, in a couple of seasons, a different style manager would be required. Russell is to laid-back with the media too. I think that will be his undoing.

Where are the Bills Headed?

I'm excited about the NFL season and the Buffalo Bills. Thas right, Im fired up and looking forward to the Chan Gailey era in Buffalo. is he the right hire? Well, time will tell. What about GM Buddy Nix? I'm excited with what he is doing too. Remember, these two guys have to rebuild the team, change the defense to a 3-4 and upgrade the offense. Are they a playoff team? No. Too many question marks, starting with the quarterback spot. But, I'm sure this team wlll be more exciting offensively than under Dick Jauron. Speaking of Jauron, I can now see why he is not considered a good coach. he's not a leader, Like Gailey. That you can see just from training camp.

Everyone is talking about who will be the starting quarterback on opening day for the Steelers. Alot of fans like Dennis Dixon. But, Byron Leftwich has the experience.
Remember one of the two will get the nod and lead the team for a few weeks while Big Ben serves his suspension. I think Leftwich should be the one. You do not want to start the season 1-3 of even 2-2 and then have Big Ben take over and a change of direction. The offensive line has to jell and then the running game take-off. This could be one of the most interesting Steeler seasons because of all of the ifs.

Owls Football Schedule is a Tough One

I continue to hear comments about the Owls football schedule. After Clearfield left District 9 and later Punxsy finding a football schedule for the Owls became a difficult proposition for BAHS AD Tim Walter. The Owls would have had no league representation and down to just a few games. Face it. The landscape changed after Clearfield dumped Bradford after the Owls started to beat them on a regular basis. When Clearfield Coach Tim Janocko absorbed a 56-35 spanking in front of the home fans in 2006 the writing was on the wall and he and his football program bolted for a District 6 League. As for the District 10 football schedule suck it up and let's go play football. If the parents and players get behind Coach Jeff Pulio and his program the Owls could make a statement sooner than later. Teams want to be the best, winners and not losers, so to get there you have to play the best. The Owls open the season at home to Olean on September 3 at 7pm on 1490 WESB, 100.1 The Hero and WESB.com.

Steelers Move Pouncey to Center

The Steelers have moved their first round pick center/guard Maurkice Pouncey to center at training camp Monday. Steelers center Justin Hartwig was signed to a four year deal in 2009. But, the Steelers were impressed with Pouncey's performance at center inthe preseason win over the Lions on WESB. Let's face it; the Steelers offensive line has to be better this year. That means a better running game and less pressure on the passing game. Remeber, the Steelers will start the season without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who will serve a suspenion to start the campaign. If Pouncey makes the team better up the middle put him there.

Bills Injury Woes Mount

The Bills are again racking up injuries at an alarming rate. Running backs Freddie Jackson and Marshawn Lynch are both out of the lineup for several weeks. Lynch has a sprained ankle and Jackson a broken hand. The Bills led the league in players on injured reserve last season. Conditioning and the Bills off season weight program were cited as the problems last season.
But, these injuries are just bad luck. As for the Bills performance in last Friday's loss to the redskins on The Hero, typical of a rebuilding team without a clear-cut quarterback and a new defense. The Bills are switching from a 4-3 to a 3-4 this year.

Big 30 Game Unknown

The annual Don Raabe Big 30 classic, which pits graduated seniors from Pennsylvania against New York, is Saturday night at 7pm at Bradford's Parkway Field. You'll hear the game on 1490 WESB, 100.1 The Hero and on line at mybradfordradio.com, streaming live.
The defenses are usually far ahead of the offenses in all star games. what should we expect Saturday night. Well, both coaches feel they can move the ball. But, Wellsville's Frank Brown, who is coaching the New York All Stars, says what makes all star football games unique is the fact you can not scout your opponent and have no film study to look at. A guess, New York 24 Pennsylvania 14

Schobel Released by Bills

The release of Bills Pro Bowl veteran defensive end Aaron Schobel is no surprise.
Schobel didn't figure in the Bills plans and would have to move from end to linebacker in the new 3-4 defense. Plus Schobel failed to inform the Bills in a timely fashion thathe still wanted to play. Plus, he missed all of the off season workouts and mini-camps too. The Bills drafted defense ends and linebackers who fit their new defensive scheme. Schobel is not a 3-4 man and would have been a back linebacker at best.

Congrats to Bradford Drillers

Congratulations to the Bradford Drillers. They finished the round robin part of the Cooperstown, New York baseball 11 and 12 year-old tourament Tuesday by going 4-2. If you heard the boys on WESB's Sports Forum last Friday you would have heard a bunch of kids having fun with team front and center. And, a great job by the Barry Bacha and the other coaches. This team is focused with the right attitude to boot.

Steelers Getting Banged-up

Injuries are apart of training camp. But, it's out of control at Steelers camp at St. Vincent College in Latrobe. Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall suffered a pulled hamstring Monday. Guard Maurkice Pouncey and linebacker Jason Worilds both have hamstring injuries. Pro bowl nose tackle Casy Hampton hurt his hamstring last Saturday and is limited in camp.
My doctor told me that nine times out of ten a hamstring injury is because your not in shape. I should know. And, then there's the hamstring injuries resulting from not stretching properly too. You see far fewer hamstring injuries in high school football then in the pros. It's a shame, because those guys are getting payed to be in shape.

Notes on the Bills and Steelers

New Bills Coach Chan Gailey is making all of his offensive linemen wear knee braces during training camp practices. This is a great idea. A lot of college football teams do this during games too and it makes a lot of sense. Why lose a lineman to a knee injury in camp.

Steelers kicker Jeff Reed wants a long term contract. The Steeler's aren't negotiating. Reed ought to be excited that he has a contract at all after some of his off field incidents.
Why is that athletes believe they are above the law.

PA Practice Smooth

Thursday night's Big 30 practice at Kane went smoothly for Pennsylvania.
A couple of players getting nicked up and leaving practice because of injury.
PA had an extra half hour of practice last night because of a rainout Tuesday.
The Keystone gridders looked good in the passing game and even had a couple of nice runs. And,there was some popping as the two teams raised their intensity levels from previous practices. The weather was nice and cooler for practice too.
And, thanks to Larry and the Kane Sports Boosters for the hamburgers and hotdogs. The brownies were tasty, too.

Players Added to Big 30 Roster

The following players have added to the roster for the Don Raabe Big 30 All-Star Charities Classic:

Travis Enser
West Valley Central School
Height: 6’ 0” Weight: 160
Position: Wide Receiver/Corner

The valedictorian of his graduating class at West Valley, Travis will attend Rochester Institute of Technology in September, majoring in chemical engineering. He was the recipient of the Bob Davies and Lou Foy Award and his teams “Heart & Hustle Award”. Like many of his Big 30 teammates, he is excited about playing in the 2010 Raabe Classic, “because it’s one last opportunity to play in an organized football game.

Travis says his biggest thrill came in qualifying for the Section VI, Class D playoffs. In his leisure time Travis enjoys running, dirt biking, swimming, reading and ultimate Frisbee. His favorite NFL team is the Tennessee Titans and Chris Johnson is his favorite player,


Chris LeBlanc
Salamanca High School
Height: 5’ 9” Weight: 150
Position: Running Back/Corner

Chris was named the Brady & Swenson player of the week seven times in his football career. He was Salamanca’s Offensive Most Valuable Played for the 2007 season and Special Teams M.V.P. for 2009. He was also a recipient of the “Accepting the Challenge” award for success in academics and was a 2nd team all section defensive back for the 2009 season. When asked why he wants to play in the Raabe Classic Chris says, “Since I’ve participated in football it’s been a dream of mine to play in the Big 30 Game and represent New York with the elite seniors of our area”. Chris lists playing under the lights and scoring touchdowns as his greatest thrills while playing football. A Buffalo Bills fan he notes that Adrian Peterson is his favorite player. In the fall Chris will attend Jamestown Community College and earn an associates degree in criminal justice. He then plans to transfer to Fredonia for a B.A. degree in the same filed. His hobbies include working out in has weight room, hanging out with friends and playing horse shoes.

Jon Jones
Portville Central School
Height: 6’ 1” Weight: 255
Position: Guard/Tackle

Jon was named to the Olean Times Herald Big 30 Wrestling Team for 2 years and was an Expressway All Star for 2 years. He set school records in the shot put and discuss and finished 7th and 6th the last two years in shot and discuss at the State Meets and was 1st in sectional meets in those disciplines the last two years. Jon wants to play in the Big 30 Game for the Tradition. “I’m the seventh member of my family to play in the Raabe Classic! I love football!” His biggest thrill came in the playoffs at (Rich), Ralph Wilson Stadium. He says that he’s been too busy with sports and work to have much time for hobbies but does enjoy hunting and fishing. Jon will attend Buffalo State University and participate in track.



Zach Zurat
Salamanca High School
Height: 5’ 11” Weight: 185
Position: Fullback/Outside Linebacker

Zach was named defensive player of the game after one of the Warriors’ games in 2009 and was named the “Most Improved Player” for the 2009 season. He says his biggest thrill was just playing defense with all his friends. When asked why he wants to play in the Raabe Classic he said, “I love to play football and I want to meet new players and coaches”. Zach spends his spare time playing lacrosse and basketball. He will be studying at Jamestown Community College in the fall. Zach is a buffalo Bills fan who lists Bob Sanders as his favorite player,

Carmen Papa
Salamanca Central School
Height: 5’ 8” Weight: 165
Position: Running Back/Safety

Carmen was named to the Olean Times Herald Big 30 All Star Team. He received the Merit Award and the “Male Athlete of the Year Award from Salamanca. He was a 1,000 yard rusher and was a first all league selection for lacrosse as well as second team Western New York. Carmen plans to attend Thiel College to pursue a degree in business and will be a member of the lacrosse team there. He says the greatest thrill for him is that first hit of the game, the one that gets your juices flowing! Carmen is excited about playing in the Raabe Classic because it will be his final game. He wants to play PA and beat them. He likes to spend time playing football and lacrosse with his buddies. His favorite team is the Buffalo Bills and his favorite player is Adrian Peterson.

PA All Stars Fall Behind at Practice

The Pennsylvania All Stars had a second practice cut short, with Wednesday's workout at Port Allegany called because of a thunderstorm.
Pennsylvania also lost time last Friday due to a storm.
So, the Keystone State gridders are behind their counterparts in New York by over two and a half hours of practice time.
Big 30 Committeeman say that Pennsylvania had a good practice Tuesday and New York has been sharp, but has some injury concerns.
Tonight the PA All Stars are at Kane and practice will begin at 5:30pm as they try to make-up some of the lost time.
The Empire State gridders are at Olean Middle School for their workout.

Bills Open Camp With Many Question Marks

It's a shame that the Bills aren't a winning team. Look at the fan support, the talk show lines never fail, win or lose, to light up in Buffalo. And, here we go again. Another coach, no clear-cut starting quarterback and an offensive line that, well is inexperienced to say the least. I have been a Bills fan my entire life, being born in Lockport, when the Bills were beginning their first year of football in the old AFL. My mother is 79 and a die-hard Bills fan. It would be nice to see a Super Bowl championship in Buffalo before she moves on. I keep hoping they will win one soon, but I also hope they do not move when Ralph passes on. If the Bills move, so would my support of the NFL. I hope it doesn't come to that.

Big 30 Teams Practicing for 37th Classic

The 37th Don Raabe Big 30 Classic is less thant two weeks away.
Tonight the Pa All Stars workout at Sheffield and the NY All Stars practice at Ellicottville. All Big practices run from 6-8pm.
Much of the talk centers early on how the coaching staffs are handing the practices.
Sources tell me that the NY coaching staff has installed it's offense and defense, while the PA coaching staff hasn't put their's in yet.
There are only so many practices to put your offense and defense in and many observers feel that PA may have falling behind NY in the race to win the 37th classic

Bill Cowyer Could Return to Coaching Again

Former Steeelers Coach Bill Cowher's wife Kaye died Friday after a battle with skin cancer. Kaye Cowher was 54. Kaye was supportive of Bill Cowher's coaching legacy and later as a football commentator on CBS Football. She had to spend a great deal of time raising her three daughters during the long football seasons in Pittsburgh. When she wanted to relocate to North Carolina, Bill didn't hesitate and soon gave up coaching. I think that we might see Cowher back on the sidelines somewhere in the NFL. The loss that Cowher is feeling may be enough to bring him back to the NFL.

Pirates Youngsters Producing

Everyone knows how bad the Pirates have been over the past 18 seasons.
But, there may be hope ahead. The Pirates have won all three series's since the All Star break and have won the two of three in a four game set with the Brewers.
And, it's the youngsters who are doing the damage, lie Pedro Alvarez, Delwyn Young and Neil Walker. Now if the Pirates young arms can mature too things may change. But then again the trading deadline is just ahead and we all know what the Pirates have done before in late July. Trade away their youngsters.

NFL Training Camps Set to Open

I hate to see summer pass so quickly, but there is excitement in the air knowing that the Bills and Steelers are ready to open their summer camps next week.
The Steelers report on July 30 and their first workout is July 31 at St. Vincent College in Latrobe.
The Bills report on the 28th and their first practice is July 29th at St. John Fisher College in Rochester.
If you like football there's nothing like the opening of training camp around the NFL.

A Summer Classic is Only a Couple of Saturday's Away

The 37th annual Don Raabe Big 30 Charity Classic is Saturday August 7th at Bradford's Parkway Field. A new kickoff time is in effect for the game, at 7pm.
Many New York followers are hoping that the NY All Stars can get back on the wining side.
Also, talk is centering on the NY quarterback spot and where will Olean's Kevin Stevens lineup at.
You can catch the Big 30 Classic on August 7 on 1490 WESB, WESB.com and 100.1 The Hero.