Did you catch Oregon’s performance in the Las Vegas Bowl? The Ducks need to spend less time designing uniforms and helmets fit for a Donna Karan show or a “Jetson’s” revival and more time learning how to block and tackle.
Oh, yeah. I had them in my bowl pool. That faint, fleeting thought that BYU was going to pound them was only that: faint and fleeting. I guess I won’t be sweeping the pool. Maybe I’ll break .500.

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The Grand Island Central Catholic boys have given Coach Bill Gavers a perfect 8-0 record for his stocking stuffer. Led by cousins Joe Partington and Jake Johnson, the Crusaders are cruising and looking more and more like one of the teams to beat in March. That may be a local affair, too. Of the top four ranked teams in C-1 according to the NSAA point system, three are within five songs on the radio: Gibbon (1), GICC (2) and St. Paul (4). C-1 district play should be torching plenty of barns in Central Nebraska.

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If you have been watching college hoops (and some pros) you know that carrying the ball is a point of emphasis for referees. I’ve seen guards calling out plays in front of the key get a whistle for holding the basketball. That’s good. The crossover dribble has become a favorite for even the slow of foot and clumsy of hand, mostly because a well-placed palm under the rock makes it happen. High school players can benefit from the zebras watching palmers, too. Why perfect a bad habit that will rain whistles at the next level?