My Turn: Panhandle's defense is stout
With September drawing to a close, here's a list of things the sports world has taught me:
First, don't schedule a Division I-AA opponent in your season opener.
Second, it might be smart to check the pockets of Bill Belichick's hoodie for recording devices.
And finally, when it comes to football in the area, defensive play is the top story.
Let's start with Panhandle, which has allowed its opponents zero points in four games.
After last week's 7-0 win against Sunray, the Panthers extended their streak to 16 consecutive quarters of shutout football. The Panhandle defensive line has four guys who tip the scales at more than 200 pounts.
Simply stated, I'd rather be Britney Spears' P.R. flack than line up on the opposite side of the ball from the Panthers' D-line.
# And They Might Even Play Some Football, Too: It's early in the college football season, but I'm already tired of these pre-game hype packages that introduce the games. If I wanted to see a bunch of singers and rappers, I'd watch MTV. I don't need a flashy fireworks show and a bunch of people dancing around on a stage covered with corporate logos to get excited about watching a football game.
# Scoring Machine Bushland's Todd Phillips has established himself as a true double-threat on the field, finishing week three with 72 points scored. Phillips has scored seven touchdowns, kicked four field goals, and been successful on 18 PAT kicks. Three of Phillips' field goals have come from 47 yards or longer. If there was a high school football fantasy league, this guy would be more valuable than LaDainian Tomlinson and Peyton Manning combined.
# Tough Break The Portland Trail Blazers are already the biggest losers of the 2007-08 NBA season after the news that Greg Oden will miss the entire year after having knee surgery. Portland, an orginization that still hasn't quite lived down drafting Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan in 1984, appears to have repeated its mistake by not taking Kevin Durant with the first overall pick.
However, Kevin Durant is not going to be the next Michael Jordan (unless he puts on about 40 pounds of muscle), and Greg Oden could still be the best long-term pick. If the big man can avoid the injury bug, he'll produce for Portland.
See more at www.amarillo.com
