By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

It’s arguably the largest spectacle in professional sports, and it’s less than four days away. The biggest professional football game of the season, also known as Super Bowl XLVI (46), will be played this Sunday, Feb. 5, at Lucas Oil Field in Indianapolis.

The two teams that have earned the right to call themselves conference champions are the New York Giants from the NFC and the New England Patriots of the AFC.

These two teams met one another in Super Bowl XLII (42) Feb. 3, 2008. The Patriots were a perfect 18-0 heading into that game. The Giants entered that game as 12-point underdogs. They exited the game as Super Bowl champions and ruined the Patriots’ shot at a perfect season. The final score was 17-14.

Giants quarterback Eli Manning was crowned the MVP based primarily on his last-minute heroics. He threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Plaxico Burress with 35 seconds left in the game to secure the victory for the Giants.

This will be the fifth trip to the Super Bowl in franchise history for the Giants. They are 3-1 in their previous four trips. This will be the seventh time the Patriots have been in the big game. They have a 3-3 Super Bowl record.

This year, the Patriots finished the regular season with a 13-3 record. The Giants were 9-7 during the regular season. The two teams had six common opponents. They both played the Jets, Dolphins, Bills, Cowboys, Eagles and Redskins. New England went 8-1, the Giants 6-3 against those teams. They played one another during week nine of the regular season. The Giants won that game 24-20.

This year’s game should be strikingly different from the one four years ago. I don’t see the score being anywhere near as low. The 17-14 score might be repeated, but I’m thinking it’ll be at the end of the first quarter, not the game. I highly doubt Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and the rest of their high-powered offense will be held to just two touchdowns over the course of 60 minutes.

The same holds true for Manning and his offense. I think both of these quarterbacks would be comfortable throwing the ball 35 or more times if necessary. Those types of numbers could lead to a very high-scoring Super Bowl. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a game where 60 or more points are scored.

For one reason alone, I’m taking the Giants. It has nothing to do with the records or the stats of either team. I don’t like Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick. I’m not a big fan of the Giants team, either, but I do like Manning. I’m going with the Giants 35-31.

Another nice thing about the Super Bowl is, even if you’re not a fan of either team, there are always the commercials!

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Rockford IceHogs center Peter LeBlanc (32) stickhandles into the offensive zone against Milwaukee’s Tyler Sloan (89) during Saturday’s (Jan. 28) 3-1 win. LeBlanc had the hot hand for Rockford this week, scoring four goals in two games on the road against the Charlotte Checkers. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

At the end of December, if I told you the ’Hogs would be in playoff contention by the All-Star break, you would have said I was crazy. It’s a good thing I don’t make predictions, because I would have certainly been wrong on this one.

January was the best month of the season for the Rockford IceHogs, with the team going 9-3-0-1 in their 13 January games. In comparison, Rockford’s record at the end of December was 11-18-1-3. So, in one month of 13 games, Rockford almost equaled their win total from their first 33 games.

In addition to their great January record, Rockford enters the break as one of the AHL’s hottest teams in the last 10 games, with a record of 7-2-0-1. Only three other teams in the AHL have had a better record in their last 10.

So what changed in January? Rockford changed their defensive scheme around, putting an additional forward into their neutral zone coverage, limiting the number of odd-man chances for the opponent. This also lowers the number of scoring chances for Rockford, but this has not been as much of an issue as the defense, hence the change.

Going back to the All-Star break, Rockford initially had one member selected to the All-Star team, then two, then one. The All-Star weekend, taking place Sunday, Jan. 29 and Monday, Jan. 30, in Atlantic City, N.J., will be the first for Brandon Pirri. The second IceHogs player to be selected, Brian Connelly, was chosen Jan. 24 as an injury replacement, which gave Rockford two skaters heading out East.

So how do we go back down to having only one All-Star? Friday, Jan. 27, the Chicago Blackhawks announced the acquisition of veteran center Brendan Morrison from the Calgary Flames in exchange for Connelly. Morrison will go to the Blackhawks and most likely play a second or third line center position, averaging about 12 to 15 minutes of ice time while logging some PK minutes. Morrison also brings a strong face-off win percentage with a 50.3 percent win rate this season for Calgary.

What does this mean for the ’Hogs? Rockford will lose a versatile defenseman who is second among AHL defensemen in points and holds almost as many assists as the entire Rockford defensive corps. He also holds the IceHogs’ record for most career assists and points by a defenseman. Some may ask why the Blackhawks would trade away such a good player, and the answer lies here in Rockford. The Blackhawks are very deep in the defensive position, and Connelly more than likely would not have cracked the Blackhawks’ lineup anytime soon.

Connelly’s last game for Rockford was Thursday, Jan. 26, in Charlotte against the Checkers. The ’Hogs were riding a season-high four-game winning streak, as well as killing off 27-straight penalties dating back to Jan. 11 against the Chicago Wolves. Charlotte put a quick stop to the PK streak, scoring on not only their first power-play opportunity of the game, but on all three of their chances, giving them a 3-0 lead.

Charlotte’s scoring streak held up until 1:01 remaining in the second period. Peter LeBlanc, who had been held without a point in seven straight games, tipped in a rebound from a shot by Rostislav Olesz to give Rockford their first goal of the game.

LeBlanc got his second goal of the night when he raced down a loose puck at mid ice to get alone in on Checkers goaltender John Muse, pulling Rockford to within a goal.

Pirri completed the comeback with 1:30 left in regulation with a quick snapshot over the left shoulder of Muse.

Charlotte would wind up taking the game in a shootout, scoring on three of five shootout attempts to Rockford’s two-for-five. However, Rockford’s comeback gave the ’Hogs a point, ending their winning streak but keeping their point streak intact.

The following night, Rockford played the second game of the back-to-back series against the Checkers, and just like the night before, Charlotte got the first goals of the game with goals at 13:15 of the first period and 9:59 of the second.

Staying hot, LeBlanc netted a blast from the point to close the gap within one. The power-play goal hit the iron behind Muse and found its way to the back of the net.

Toward the middle of the third frame, LeBlanc struck again, tapping in a rebound from a Brian Fahey shot to even the score at 2-2.

Only 2 minutes later, Rockford would take the lead for good. Olesz sent a pass to the near blue line to Dylan Olsen, who fired a shot at the net. Traffic prevented Muse from getting a good look at the puck, which drew iron and went into net.

A late Checkers power play was fought off, and Rockford came back home from Charlotte taking 3 out of a possible 4 points.

For their third game in three days, Rockford hosted the fleeting Milwaukee Admirals, who have been in a slump the last few weeks, going 2-7-1 in their last 10 games.

The sellout crowd of 6,287 fans showed up for the third annual Pink in the Rink Night at the BMO Harris Bank Center to watch their IceHogs skate to a 3-1 win.

Rockford scored early for the first lead of the game with Olesz tallying his eighth point in six games. Olesz redirected a shot from Joe Lavin that skittered past Jeremy Smith, putting Rockford up 1-0. Pirri picked up the secondary assist on the goal, giving him a point in seven straight games.

Milwaukee jumped right back into the mix later in the period on a redirected goal by Taylor Beck at 12:44.

Rockford controlled a majority of the second frame, outshooting Milwaukee 15-7. On top of that, the ’Hogs got two past Smith to take a 3-1 lead.

Lavin scored the first of Rockford’s second-period goals on a shot Smith would normally stop. Jeremy Morin found Lavin racing on the left wing around middle ice, and Lavin skated the puck to the offensive zone. Lavin got to the face-off circle and blasted a shot to the far post, and beat Smith between his pad and glove.

The second goal of the period came with 1:48 left in the period while on the power play. Ben Smith was playing on the left wing and found Fahey on the opposite side of the ice. Smith’s pass sailed in front of Fahey, who pounded a one-timer past Smith to put Rockford up 3-1 late in the second.

Milwaukee fought aggressively in the third, but couldn’t manage to get a puck past Carter Hutton, and Rockford held on for a 3-1 lead.

Keys for the week:

1. Making defensive adjustments — It is never easy to make adjustments for teams, especially when the team has been close in so many games. Now that Rockford has changed their plan around, expect to see fewer goals by both Rockford and their opponents.

2. Fighting back when down — In both games against Charlotte, Rockford was down by at least two goals and came back to force overtime in one game and win the other. Since the beginning of 2012, Rockford is 4-0-0-1 when trailing after two periods.

Looking forward:

Rockford takes their season-high seven-game point streak to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., for a 7 p.m. matchup against the Chicago Wolves Friday, Feb. 3, in Rockford’s only game of the week. The following week, Rockford has four straight games at home, starting Wednesday, Feb. 8, against the Lake Erie Monsters.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

The Advance Auto Parts Monster Jam Thunder Nationals will take over the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford for three shows Feb. 3-4. Featured competitors include Rockford native Jim Burns in “Mechanical Mischief,” plus World Finals competitors “Batman” and “Monster Mutt,” not to mention the high-flying antics of Freestyle Motocross.

Burns will take “home arena” advantage to crush the competition with his truck, Mechanical Mischief, which he built at his shop in Rockford. Burns has been traveling the country competing with Monster Jam since 2007, but still calls the Forest City home. His sponsor is also a local company, Rockford Drive Shaft.

Monster Jam is the world’s premier monster truck series. Its events showcase freestyle and racing competition among custom-designed machines that average 12 feet tall by 12 feet wide, sit atop 66-inch-tall tires and weigh a minimum of 10,000 pounds.

Built for short, high-powered bursts of speed, monster trucks generate 1,500 to 2,000 horsepower and are capable of speeds of up to 100 miles per hour. Monster trucks can fly up to 125 to 130 feet (a distance greater than 14 cars side by side) and up to 35 feet in the air.

Show times are 7:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 3, and 2 and 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Tickets start at $20 for adults and $5 for children age 12 and younger, with a limited number of Gold Circle seats still available. Tickets can be purchased at the BMO Harris Bank Center Box Office, online at www.thebmoharrisbankcenter.com, and by phone at (815) 968-5222. Coupons for a $5 discount are available at participating Advance Auto Parts locations through Feb. 3, while supplies last.

A pre-show pit party will be from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 4. Fans can meet the competitors, collect autographs, take photos and see these outrageous rigs firsthand. Pit passes are $5 with an event ticket and can be purchased at the box office.

For more details, visit www.MonsterJam.com.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

The recent trend for college sports is to give a theme to a weekend slate of games. Following that trend, the past weekend was about separation in the NIC-10 while this upcoming weekend is about championship hopes.

What had seemed as one of the most wide-open conference races in recent memory quickly morphed into a two-team race.

Rockton Hononegah made the first statement of the weekend. The Indians went on the road to Rockford Boylan Catholic, dominated for three quarters, then survived a late flurry to hold on for a 52-49 win over the Titans.

Carlos Hendrix led an impressive first-half performance, scoring 10 of his 13 in the opening frame as the Indians pushed their lead to double digits. Coach Mike Miller has begun using Anthony Misuraca at the point, taking Hendrix off the ball, which has helped open up the offense.

The Indians also were impressive on the defensive end, holding Boylan to 20 first-half points and keeping the Titans off the free-throw line, where they normally do most of their damage.

Rockford Auburn, after having a night off Friday, Jan. 27, was not to be outdone. Hosting a feisty Freeport team, which knocked off Hononegah earlier in the season, the Knights raced out to a 24-2 first-quarter lead and extended it to 49-19 at the half on their way to an 82-44 win over the Pretzels.

The Pretzels came in determined to shut down senior guard Fred Van Vleet and were able to hold him to 7 points. But the crafty guard helped set up his teammates, and Elijah Smith scored 19, and LaMark Foote scored 16 to lead the way for Auburn.

What this sets up is a massive Saturday night showdown Feb. 4 at Auburn between the Knights and the Indians. As it stands, Hononegah trails Auburn by one game, despite being the only team to knock off the Knights in the conference.

“Forget the postseason, right now you are playing for a conference championship,” Auburn Head Coach Bryan Ott said. “Every season you are trying to play for that, and it’s important to win your league. Winning in the postseason is just icing.”

And with regional seedings set to be announced, both teams will find their path to a potential rematch in a regional final. While the top seed will likely get either Machesney Park Harlem or Rockford Guilford, the second seed will likely see Boylan again before playing a regional final.

“We could see them anyway in the regional,” Ott said of the Titans and Indians. “But you would rather see them in the regional final rather than the regional semifinals.”

The middle of the NIC-10 race has certainly heated up as well. Belvidere sits a half game behind Boylan for third after getting a tip-in by Joe Byers at the buzzer to knock off a hot Rockford Jefferson team 59-57.

Rockford East came back from 18 down to knock off Harlem on an Andrew Lantz buzzer-beater. After topping Guilford the next night, the E-Rabs sit at 5-4 in the conference, tied with Freeport and right on Boylan’s heels.

And despite Jefferson’s tough loss to Belvidere, they did knock off Belvidere North the night before and sit at 5-5 in the conference now after a 2-4 start to the season.

“I don’t think there is a big difference between the second-place team and the 10th-place team,” Jefferson Head Coach Todd Brannan said. “Most of the scores are 10 points or less. That’s a rebound, a loose ball or a couple of free throws.”

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Staff Report

ROSCOE, Ill. — Registration is under way for the Third Annual YMCA Stone Bridge Trail Marathon, set for 7 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 13. Race registration closes at 200 runners.

The Stone Bridge Trail is open year-round for training. Runners can practice their marathon plan all summer long in their own back yard. The friendly confines of the trail provide great protection from the elements.

The race, sponsored by the SwedishAmerican Foundation, will begin at the Belvidere Family YMCA, run along country roads to the Stone Bridge Trail path. It ends 26.2 miles later in Leland Park in Roscoe, Ill.

The course has been certified as a USATF Boston Marathon qualifying course (IL-10094-JW). The male course record held by Steven Hogan is 3:05:39. The female course record-holder is Katey Collins with a 3:51.14.

Two 5K runs, sponsored by Alpine Bank, will be held in conjunction with the marathon. Both the Belvidere Family YMCA and Stateline Family YMCA in Roscoe will start the 3.1-mile runs at 8:30 a.m. while the marathon runners are on the course.

Registration for the marathon is $80 through Oct. 5. It increases to $90 Oct. 6. The registration fee for each 5K run is $25 through Oct. 5, then increases to $30.

All race proceeds benefit the local participating YMCA’s Strong Kids Fund.

For more details, visit www.ymcastonebridgemarathon.org or call Marianne Eshleman at the Stateline Family YMCA in Roscoe at (815) 623-5858.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Most of us have appreciated the mild winter conditions we’ve had so far this year. I’ve enjoyed the respite from the high energy bills, and there’s no doubt my back is thankful for the lower snowfall totals than in years past. The only people who might not feel that way are the winter sports enthusiasts. The snowmobilers, cross country and downhill skiers and ice fishermen are not having the best winter.

It was exactly this time last year that our area got pummeled by a huge winter storm. At the time of that storm, there was already an ample amount of snow for winter sports enthusiasts to have a blast. That extra foot or more of fresh powder was icing on the cake for them.

Fast forward to this year, and right now there is hardly any snow left on the ground in this area. The snowmobile trails are bare. Ski rentals are down, and I’m not sure I’d feel safe venturing out onto any local body of water with the temperatures reaching the upper 40s this week.

My daughter and her friend wanted to go cross country skiing at Sinnissippi Park last Saturday, and they were turned away because of a lack of snow. They were told to come back when we had 3 to 5 inches of fresh snow. The question is, will we get that snow anytime during what we have left of this winter, and if we do, will it stick around for any length of time?

Time is running out. Tomorrow is Ground Hog’s Day. I’m hoping the little fellow doesn’t see his shadow. My apologies go out to all of you reading this who haven’t been able to get out as often as you would like to enjoy all of your favorite wintertime activities this area usually provides.

I’m totally OK with the mild winter we are experiencing. As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t complain at all if we get an early start on the golf season this year. Thank you, Mother Nature, and keep up the good work!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Feb. 1-7, 2012, issue

Rockford IceHogs Captain Brandon Segal (from left), Chicago Blackhawks forward Brian Bickell, Assistant Coach Mike Haviland, Defenseman Nick Leddy and Milwaukee Admirals Captain Scott Ford meet at center ice for the ceremonial puck drop Sunday, Jan. 22, as part of Chicago Blackhawks Night. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

With a winter storm warning blanketing the area, and the Chicago Wolves’ bus delayed on Interstate 90 en route to the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford, Friday’s 7:05 p.m. game was delayed until 8 p.m. Once the game started, the IceHogs wasted no time getting on the board.

Eighty seconds into the opening period, Rob Flick netted his second goal of the season. Brian Connelly passed the puck from the defensive zone to Brandon Bollig, who found Flick at the center line. Flick charged right into the offensive zone, bounced off a Chicago defender, and deked right, then flipped a backhand shot over Matt Climie for the quick 1-0 lead.

Brandon Pirri added to the lead at the 12:41 mark. Carter Hutton sent the puck over to Jeremy Morin on the near boards of the defensive zone. Morin, with speed, raced to center ice with Pirri to his left, and caught the Wolves in a change. Pirri switched to the right wing side in a 2-1 with Morin and fired a shot at the net, which Climie blocked away. The rebound hopped right back to Pirri, and his persistence paid off as he fired another shot, this time beating Climie, putting the ’Hogs up 2-0.

Chicago managed to get two goals back in the second period on goals by Jordan Schroeder and Darren Haydar less than 2 minutes apart to tie the score 2-2. Both Chicago goals were close, as both shots hit a goalpost on their way behind Hutton.

Persistence paid off for Rockford once again, this time by the stick of Rostislav Olesz. Brian Fahey initially took possession of the puck deep in the Rockford zone, and fed it over to Chris DiDomenico, who found Olesz skating backward at center ice. Olesz took the puck to the far wing, then made a backhand-to-forehand move with the puck right to the front of the goal. Olesz’s first and second shots were blocked off as his momentum carried him to the other side of the net. The second shot bounced right back to his feet, and he finally got his third shot past Climie, putting Rockford up once again.

The remainder of the game, almost 30 minutes of game-time would go by without another goal, and Rockford would shoot down the Wolves 3-2.

Less than 24 hours later, Rockford would face the Wolves again, this time at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, for the second game of the home-and-home series.

Chicago would play a more aggressive game, almost doubling Rockford in shots, 39-20, and in power-play opportunities, four to two, but it was Rockford that would come out on top, 3-2.

Once again, Rockford scored early on a strike from Olesz. Morin found Olesz at center ice, who took the puck hard to the net, and made a nice move to fake out goaltender Eddie Lack. Olesz quickly wrapped around the back of the net to the open side and shoveled in his ninth goal of the season.

Defenseman Kevin Connauton tied the score later in the first period for Chicago with his 10th goal of the season with a blast from a face-off win.

Just past the midway point of the second, Chicago took their first lead in both games. Tim Miller tallied his 11th of the season on a miscue from Hutton, as he missed an attempt to poke-check the puck away from his crease. Miller was there to capitalize on the error and stick the loose puck in the back of the net, putting Chicago up 2-1 at the end of two.

At the end of the year 2011, Rockford had yet to win a game when trailing after two periods. In 2012, Rockford has already beaten that mark by coming back twice when behind after two. Make it three times.

A face-off win by Pirri was the catalyst to tying the score for Rockford. The face-off win was drawn back to Shawn Lalonde, who fed the puck to Connelly at the point. With traffic in front of the net, Connelly blasted a shot that beat a screened Lack, knotting the game at 2-2.

One second after the halfway point, Byron Froese scored after he forced a turnover inside the offensive zone and sniped a shot past Lack, putting Rockford up for good, 3-2.

The Wolves turned up the heat late and blasted shot after shot at Hutton, but the ’Hogs’ defense, and Hutton, stood tall, and Rockford took their third win in a row. Hutton took home first star honors after stopping 37 of 39 Chicago shots, earning him — and his team — their third straight victory.

For their third game in three days, Rockford hosted the Milwaukee Admirals Sunday, Jan. 22. Also in attendance were former Rockford IceHogs and current Chicago Blackhawks players Nick Leddy and Brian Bickell, along with Assistant Coach Mike Haviland. Singing “The Star-Spangled Banner” was soloist Jim Cornelison, who sings “The Star-Spangled Banner” before every Chicago Blackhawks home game.

Milwaukee’s Aaron Marvin scored the first goal of the evening off a redirect from a shot by Jonathon Blum at 5:49 of the opening period. The goal would be the only one for the Admirals as Hutton and the Rockford special teams and defense once again stole the game.

Pirri evened the score at 1-1 midway through the first on Rockford’s first power-play opportunity of the night. Some nice passing between Olesz and Connelly set up Pirri for the one-timer on the right wing, beating Ads goaltender Jeremy Smith top shelf glove side.

The power play came through again for Rockford on their third attempt of the night at 8:17 of the second period, with Pirri picking the top shelf once again on Smith. This time, it was Connelly passing to Olesz before Pirri buried the one-timer from almost the same location as earlier.

Hutton was stellar once again, stopping 33 of 34 Admirals shots in his fourth-straight win, giving Rockford their longest winning streak of the season.

Rockford’s defensive special teams continued to shine, holding Milwaukee scoreless on three power-play chances, extending their penalty kill streak to 27 shorthanded attempts without a goal. The offensive special teams showed some spark, going two-for-five on the evening, accounting for both Rockford goals.

Keys of the week:

1. Longest winning streak of the season — Mentally, this could be a big boost for the IceHogs. Beating two division rivals in one week, including two against the Chicago Wolves, could help the team gain back some confidence.

2. Defense picking up — After a slow first half of the season, Rockford’s defense has stepped up, keeping the ’Hogs in more games. In addition, Hutton has been playing lights out, going 4-0 in his last four starts.

Looking forward:

The IceHogs put their four-game winning streak on the line as they travel to North Carolina for the final time in the regular season for two straight games against the Charlotte Checkers. Both games, Thursday, Jan. 26, and Friday, Jan. 27, start at 6 p.m. The following day, Rockford comes right back home to host the Milwaukee Admirals at the BMO Harris Bank Center Saturday, Jan. 28, with a 7:05 p.m. start time.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times … it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair. …”

Those words are from the opening lines of Charles Dickens’ classic novel A Tale of Two Cities. They also accurately describe the AFC and NFC championship games from this past weekend.

In the AFC game, it was the worst of times for the Baltimore Ravens’ field goal kicker, Billy Cundiff. A 32-yard field goal with 15 seconds left in regulation was all he needed to make to tie the New England Patriots. Had he made that field goal, he would have evened the score 23-23 and forced an overtime period. The Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes would have still been alive.

Instead, Cundiff’s kick sailed wide left, and the Ravens’ season came to a screeching halt. They lost to the Patriots 23-20.

On the West Coast, it was the best of times for the New York Giants’ field goal kicker, Lawrence Tynes. With the game already extended into an overtime period, he lined up for a 31-yard field goal. Even though the snap from center was low and just inches off the turf, the ball was placed down perfectly. Tynes split the uprights, His kick not only won the game, it assured his team a date with the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl Feb. 5.

It’s somewhat ironic how both games came down to the skill (or lack thereof) of their field goal kickers. With much of the media attention focused on the four quarterbacks involved in these two games and all of the talk about the defenses, both games ended up being decided by the right legs of two relatively unknowns.

Tynes will go down as his game’s hero, and he’ll spend the next week-and-a-half preparing for the biggest game of the year. Meanwhile, Cundiff will have the entire offseason to think about what might have been, if only that ball had not sailed left on him. That will certainly be his personal winter of despair.

By the way, the two cities Dickens’ novel refers to are London and Paris. Since Cundiff is not going to Indianapolis next month, perhaps he should consider heading to either one of those two towns to get away from it all. A week or two out of the country might be exactly what he needs to help ease some of the pain he must be feeling.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

Javauntae Hicks of Auburn goes up for a dunk against Boylan. Hicks only scored 2 points, but played great defense in Auburn’s 78-59 win over Boylan. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

By Matt Nestor
Prep Sports Reporter

Weather wrecked the Friday night (Jan. 20) slate of games in the NIC-10. Saturday, Jan. 21, Jaylin Marshall and the Rockford Auburn Knights destroyed a first-place tie in the conference.

Marshall, the senior big man for Auburn, capped off a 20-point night with two alley-oops from teammate Fred Van Vleet as Auburn turned an early deficit into a 78-59 win over Rockford Boylan Catholic to take sole control of first place.

“The last couple of years, I’ve been complacent,” Marshall said after shooting 9-for-10 on the night. “As I’ve become a senior, all the other bigs are gone, so I’ve had to step up. The last time we played Boylan, I didn’t get in too much, so I had to do it with maybe my last time playing them.”

The focus going into the game was on whether the Knights would be able to control the Boylan front line. Marshall, the tallest Auburn player, stands at 6 feet, 3 inches, while Boylan has three players who stand 6-foot-5 or better.

Marshall has been on the varsity team since he was a sophomore, but injuries have cost him most of the previous two seasons. But as his senior season has moved along, he has begun playing with much more confidence.

“I think that has been an evolving thing,” Auburn Head Coach Bryan Ott said of Marshall’s play. “For all intents and purposes, this is his first time getting a lot of action. He was shaky at the start of the season, as you might expect, but he’s very athletic and a great kid. He’s so unselfish, and I’m glad a kid like that gets a 20-point night.”

Auburn’s Jaylin Marshall goes up to finish around the basket. Marshall led all scorers with 20 points against Boylan’s big front line in a 78-59 win. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

The Knights, behind Marshall and Javauntae Hicks, were able to shut down the Boylan bigs on the offensive end, holding Ben Grygiel, Ben Eckburg and Dean Lowry to 10 points combined.

Tremel Rideout chipped in 8 points for Auburn to go with Marshall’s 20, part of a dominating offensive effort by the Knights down low. Van Vleet said that when the Knights get that production in the paint, it makes them hard to stop.

“That’s when we’re at our best, when we have low-post guys that work and play strong,” said Van Vleet, who hit four 3-point shots on his way to 18 points. “When you throw it in to a guy and the zone has to collapse, that opens up the threes. When you have someone that is going to finish, it’s a lot of fun.”

The game started slow for Auburn, as turnovers on their first three possessions helped Boylan race out to a 7-0 lead. The Knights were able to gain a 1-point lead by the end of the first quarter and were up 6 at the half.

In the third quarter, Auburn was able to break loose as Van Vleet and sophomore Phil Trammell combined for five 3s as Auburn outscored Boylan 28-13 in the quarter.

Elijah Smith added three straight 3s in the fourth to continue the barrage, and Boylan’s offense could not keep up. Despite 17 points from Brock Stull, the Titans only made four shots in the third quarter and a 6-for-18 night at the free-throw line helped keep Boylan out of the game.

“You know teams are going to make shots in their own gym, and you have to do a better job of withstanding it,” Boylan Head Coach Mike Winters said. “But our biggest disappointment was on the offensive end. We didn’t execute the game plan very well, and some of the credit goes to Auburn, but I didn’t think we stuck to the game plan.”

With the win, Auburn (6-1 NIC-10) now controls the conference race and has an inside track for the top seed at the regional. With this being their only match-up this season, Boylan (5-2) now has to hope for Auburn losses to win the conference, something that could be tough after that performance.

Fred Van Vleet bounces a pass to the corner against Boylan. Van Vleet hit four 3-point shots and scored 18 points in the Knights’ win. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

“Of course, we’d like to have a big guy, but I will say that we really like our group,” Ott said. “The five guys we start play very well together. Regardless of their lack of size, it’s amazing to me how often those guys are able to dictate what happens on the floor.”

Around the NIC-10:

• The young, up-and-coming Rockford Jefferson J-Hawks picked up their second statement win in as many weeks. Freshman Antoine Pittman scored 18 points to lead Jefferson, while senior LT Davis scored 17 as the J-Hawks improved to 3-4 in conference play with an 83-66 win over Rockford East. Senior Steve McNease continued his improved play, scoring 20 points for the E-Rabs, who fell into a tie with Jefferson at 3-4.

• Machesney Park Harlem is only 2-5 in conference play this year, but their two wins are big ones. After beating Boylan early in the season, the Huskies slewed another giant as Justin Van Wambeke’s 30 points helped Harlem defeat the Freeport Pretzels 82-77. Luke Norman led all scorers with 33 points, but it was not enough to keep Freeport from falling to 4-3 in the NIC-10.

• Carlos Hendrix has been a great distributor this season, but his 17 points led the way for Rockton Hononegah as they stayed one game behind Auburn at 5-2 with a 65-53 win over Rockford Guilford. A 17-2 third quarter for the Indians was the key in the win. Juwan Hubbard scored 22, and Marcus Hardison scored 17 for Guilford, which falls to 2-5 in conference play.

• The battle of Belvidere was not much of a war, as 10 Bucs players scored as they cruised to a 23-point lead after three quarters before holding on for a 70-59 win, tying them with Freeport at 4-3 in the conference. Belvidere North (1-6) was led by Jake Boxleitner, who led all scorers with 19 points.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

After thinking about the subject of many of my recent columns, I think it’s fair to say I’ve been a little obsessed with professional football. I’ve inadvertently ignored many of the other stories happening in the world of local and national sports.

Now that the NFL has taken a week off in preparation for the biggest game of the season, I’m going to try to rectify some of those oversights.

First, let me share my opinion about the southward migration of former White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen and former Chicago Cubs pitcher Carlos Zambrano. Both of them will be wearing Miami Marlins uniforms this spring. All I can say is the collective IQ of the state of Florida will probably drop a couple of points, and the sports psychologists in and around Miami are undoubtedly salivating.

In the world of professional basketball, the Chicago Bulls are atop the Central Division of the Eastern Conference with a 15-3 record at press time. They are a perfect 7-0 at home and 9-1 in the conference. They’ve managed this dominance despite their best player and last year’s league MVP, Derrick Rose, being sidelined for a couple of games with a nagging toe injury.

Locally, there isn’t much earth-shattering news in college basketball. The Fighting Illini and Wisconsin both have 15 wins and are fourth and fifth, respectively, in the Big 10 standings. Northwestern is tied for ninth with a 12-6 record.

The other college teams from Illinois aren’t doing a whole lot better. DePaul is 10-8. Illinois State is 12-8. Bradley and SIU have a total of 12 wins combined. What has happened to college basketball in our state? It wasn’t that long ago that Illinois was a pretty good place for college hoops.

I’ve intentionally abandoned my writing about the IceHogs because this paper now has another writer that focuses on them. I enjoy keeping up with them via his work.

I do get frequent Facebook updates on my high school basketball team of choice. The Rockton Hononegah girls’ team is one of the best in the state. They are 23-1 overall and undefeated in the conference. Lehigh University-bound senior guard Elizabeth Jordan recently scored the 1,000th point of her high school career.

NASCAR inducted another five members into their Hall of Fame this past weekend. Most notably, Cale Yarborough and driver-turned-announcer Darrell Waltrip were inducted.

The Rockford Speedway will be hosting their annual Champion’s Banquet this Saturday night (Jan. 28) at the Forest Hills Lodge. For more information or tickets, call the Rockford Speedway at (815) 633-1500.

The Belvidere North High School girls won the conference cheerleading competition. Yes, yes, they got spirit! How ’bout you?

Legendary Penn State football Head Coach Joe Paterno lost his battle with lung cancer last Sunday, Jan. 22, and earlier in the week, free-style skier Sarah Burke succumbed to injuries she suffered during a training accident. May they both rest in peace.

I’m fully aware there are a multitude of other things happening in the dynamic world of sports. It’s just not always possible to make sure they all get covered here in one of my columns. Thanks for all of the e-mails and suggestions. Keep them coming, and perhaps you’ll see your idea in an upcoming column — once the Super Bowl is over, that is.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

Rockford Park District wants to help you learn to ice skate, improve your skating skills, or learn to play hockey.

The Learn to Skate and Jr. IceHogs/Learn to Play Hockey programs offer people ages 3-adult of all abilities the opportunity to learn the skills to enjoy ice sports recreation for a lifetime.

Six-week group sessions are offered for beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels, and meet at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park once a week for 30 to 60 minutes, with skates provided; the next sessions begin the week of Feb. 16.

For skaters interested in additional advanced training, private lessons are also available from the professional figure skating and hockey coaching staff of the Park District’s ice facilities.

Registration is under way for skating and hockey programs, and will continue until capacity is reached. Fee assistance for group lessons may be available to those meeting program qualifications.

Registrations are taken online at rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), by mail, fax or at Customer Service locations in downtown Rockford, or at Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park.

Registration information and class descriptions, schedules and fees are available online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), in the Park District’s Winter/Spring 2012 Youth/Adult Guide (www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/programbrochures), at Park District Customer Service and facilities, or by calling (815) 969-4069 or (815) 987-8800.

For information about support and adapted sports programs for skaters and hockey players with disabilities, call (815) 987-8800.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Former Rockford RiverHawks catcher Elvin Millan Jr. has been involved in the local baseball community since his first stint with the team in 2010. He made numerous appearances as a player, and continues to give hitting lessons at Wallbangers Academy in Loves Park.

Millan is taking his community involvement to the next level this spring, as he will be the head coach for Rockford Guilford High School’s freshman baseball team.

“Wallbangers Academy opened a whole new network of people to me,” Millan said. “I learned about the opening at Guilford through my work at Wallbangers, and decided it would be a good fit.”

Millan will coach from mid-February until April 27. At the end of April, he will go to New Mexico to play for the Las Cruces Vaqueros of the Pecos League.

“I have always wanted to get involved in coaching, and there are a lot of kids in Rockford who have the drive to play and continue to improve their skills,” Millan said. “I want to teach the kids about respect and discipline, and show them there is something other than baseball out there.”

Millan has some previous experience coaching and mentoring college and high school players. He has worked with a few college players from Heartland Community College in Normal, Ill., and high school kids throughout the Rockford area. Millan’s job at Guilford is the first time he’s ever coached a high school team, though.

Millan, 24, is from Queens, N.Y., but he lives in Rockford now.

“I would like to stay here in Rockford because the fans have always supported me,” he said. “The RiverHawks gave me my opportunity, and I will always be willing to help them and the community at large.”

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Rockford RiverHawks pitcher and Rockton native Brett Scarpetta is holding pitching lessons from now through the end of April at Wallbangers Academy in Loves Park.

Scarpetta is offering half-hour sessions for $35 for anybody interested in improving their pitching skills in preparation for the spring and summer seasons. All ages are welcome, and Scarpetta is filling sessions on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“My lessons will cater to everyone’s individual needs,” Scarpetta said. “Whether you are looking to improve your overall pitching ability or master your command of a particular pitch, I can help you get ready for 2012.”

Scarpetta, 25, is entering his fifth professional season and second with the RiverHawks. He has a 31-18 career record in 76 games and 67 starts.

Scarpetta is also the pitching coach for Rock Valley College.

“Coaching at RVC has given me the opportunity to work with many young pitchers in the Rockford community,” he said. “I am excited to work with a group of new players, and become more involved in the community through my lessons at Wallbangers this winter.”

For more details and to sign up, contact Scarpetta at (815) 543-0708.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league that will play its 20th season in 2012. Advertising and season ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the Jan. 25-31, 2012, issue

The teams are now set for both the AFC and NFC championship games. I, for one, could not be happier with the results. Even though last week I didn’t pick the Giants or the 49ers, I am delighted they prevailed and will be facing one another this weekend.

Both teams owe a word or two of thanks to their respective quarterbacks. The 49ers’ Alex Smith led his team to a miraculous fourth-quarter comeback, and the Giants’ Eli Manning surgically tore apart the Green Bay Packers’ defensive backs.

Now, those heroes from last weekend will lead their teams into battle against one another at Candlestick Park in San Francisco this Sunday (Jan. 22).

These two special quarterbacks will bring entirely different styles of leadership to the stadium. Manning possesses a calm demeanor and a ton of post-season experience. That will be contrasted against Smith’s let-it-all-hang-out/we have nothing to lose style of play.

I’m predicting a well-played game by both teams. This game may very well come down to which team makes the fewest mistakes. If it’s a clean game, the other determining factor may come down to coaching.

I like the Giants’ coach, Tom Coughlin, and have little doubt he is very capable of taking his team all the way to his second Super Bowl championship.

The intangible element in this game might be the 49ers’ head coach, Jim Harbaugh. He’s proven he has a way of getting his players to give their all for him. They believe in what he is selling. This game is undoubtedly the biggest of his young professional coaching career. His players are already well aware of that fact.

My brain is telling me to go with the experienced, calm, surgeon-like quarterback coached by the guy who has been there before. For some reason, I’m ignoring the brain and going with the youthful exuberance of Smith and Harbaugh in a close game. I’ll say 31-28 San Francisco.

In the AFC, it’s the Baltimore Ravens at the New England Patriots. I did correctly predict these two teams would battle for the title. They are not strangers in the post-season.

The teams have met once before in the playoffs, following the 2009 season. Back then, the wild-card Ravens became the first team to win a playoff game in New England since 1978 and only the second in history. The Ravens shocked the Pats by scoring 24 first-quarter points and running away with a 33-14 victory.

This year’s Ravens aren’t likely to repeat the shellacking their predecessors laid on New England back then. That doesn’t mean they can’t win, though. As a matter of fact, I like their chances.

For much the same reason I’m taking the 49ers over the Giants, I’m taking the Ravens over the Patriots. Let’s call it the Harbaugh factor. The elder Harbaugh brother, John, coaches Baltimore. I think it would be great to have a Super Bowl rematch of the Thanksgiving night game between the two brothers. The Ravens won that week 12 game 16-6 in Baltimore.

Their defense dominated that night. They tied a franchise record by sacking Smith nine times. They will have to try to duplicate that effort this weekend if they intend to move past the Pats.

Tom Brady and his receivers may be the only thing left standing in the way of an all-Harbaugh Super Bowl. No doubt, that’s a huge obstacle, but one I think the Ravens’ defense can overcome.

I think this might be a lower scoring game than most fans would predict. I’m going with the Ravens 20-16.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Tim Tebow

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

Now that Tom Brady and his New England Patriots teammates have eliminated the Denver Broncos from the playoffs, one might think the end of (Tim) Tebowmania has finally arrived. Not so quick. I found a story this week worth sharing. Whether or not you like Tebow, I think you’ll agree it’s a miraculous story.

In a recent e-mail, I read about a woman named Pam, who knows the pain of considering abortion. More than 24 years ago, she and her husband Bob were serving as missionaries to the Philippines and praying for a fifth child. Pam contracted amoebic dysentery, an infection of the intestine caused by a parasite found in contaminated food or drink.

She went into a coma and was treated with strong antibiotics before they discovered she was pregnant.

Doctors urged her to abort the baby for her own safety and told her that the medicines had caused irreversible damage to her baby. She refused the abortion and cited her Christian faith as the reason for her hope that her son would be born without the devastating disabilities physicians predicted. Pam said the doctors didn’t think of it as a life, they thought of it as a mass of fetal tissue.

While pregnant, Pam nearly lost their baby four times but refused to consider abortion. She recalled making a pledge to God with her husband: If you will give us a son, we’ll name him Timothy, and we’ll make him a preacher.

Pam ultimately spent the last two months of her pregnancy in bed and eventually gave birth to a healthy baby boy Aug. 14, 1987. Pam’s youngest son is indeed a preacher.

He preaches in prisons, makes hospital visits, and serves with his father’s ministry in the Philippines. He also plays football. Pam’s son is Tim Tebow.

It might be several months from now before we see Tebow back on the field and see his name plastered in the headlines. When that does happen again, perhaps now you’ll have a little better insight into why he drops to a knee and honors his faith.

I don’t think he’s deserving of the criticism he’s endured for such a personal and obviously meaningful gesture. Something tells me it doesn’t faze him one bit.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

The Rockford IceHogs continued their improved play in the second half of the season, but only showed 2 points for their efforts in three games.

Rockford’s first game of the week took place at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Ill., Wednesday, Jan. 11.

The ’Hogs started the game with a five-on-three power play only 3:30 into the game, but Chicago fought off the early penalties, holding the score at 0-0.

It looked like Rockford’s penalty kill woes would continue as Chicago got their first power-play opportunity of the evening at 8:29 of the first frame, and promptly scored on the attempt, giving them a 1-0 lead.

Jeremy Morin quickly tied things back up with his seventh goal of the season 1:18 after Chicago took the lead. Brandon Pirri led a two-on-one into the offensive zone and made a nice pass to Morin, who buried the shot. Brian Connelly was also credited with an assist on the goal.

Victor Oreskovich gave Chicago the lead later in the period. Alec Richards was out of position as he came way out of his crease on the right side. Oreskovich took possession of the puck in front of the net and had a huge opening on the left side to bury his sixth goal of the campaign.

Seven minutes into the second period, Morin netted his second goal of the day to tie the game once again. Morin’s tally was the only goal for both teams in the period. Pirri held the puck on the right side of the ice and passed to Chris DiDomenico stationed in the center of the offensive zone. DiDomenico quickly fired a shot on net, and the rebound came out to Morin, who was conveniently stationed on the left side of the net, and had an easy tip-in for the goal.

Chicago took control at the midpoint of the third, scoring two goals in a span of 57 seconds, both by Mark Mancari. The two-goal advantage was too large for Rockford to overcome, and the Wolves took the game 4-2.

Friday, Jan. 13, Rockford returned to the South to take on the Western Conference’s best team, the Oklahoma City Barons. If you want to talk about polar opposites, this game was the perfect example; Rockford, the last-place team in the conference, against the Barons, the first-place team in the conference, and Rockford with the last-ranked penalty kill in the conference and the Barons with the top-ranked power play in the conference. It seems like a recipe for an easy win for the Barons, but Rockford has played much better in the last week and was hoping to spoil the feast.

The game turned out to be a defensive battle with nine total shots on goal in the first period. Surprisingly, it was Rockford holding court with an impressive 7-2 shot advantage, but even more surprising, it was Oklahoma City holding a 1-0 lead.

Mark Arcobello gave the Barons the lead 14:22 into the first period on their second shot of the game.

Period two was more of the same, but no goals for either team in the second set of 20 minutes.

Prior to this game, Rockford was a dismal 4-for-14 on the five-on-three power play, and had a golden opportunity to tie the game early in the third with a 1:39-long five-on-three power play. The Barons pushed the ’Hogs to 4-for-15 and fought off the penalty, retaining their 1-0 lead.

Oklahoma City then had a chance to put Rockford away 12:54 into the last period when Brandon Segal was caught for a hooking penalty.

Rockford fought off the Barons’ fourth power-play opportunity of the game, and kept the game 1-0. After the power play had expired, the Barons got a quick two-on-one in the ’Hogs’ zone, and Rockford goaltender Carter Hutton fought off the shot. The puck came rolling to Segal, who was fresh out of the penalty box. Segal took the puck up the right boards and found Phillippe Paradis, who got behind the Oklahoma City defense. Paradis came hard to the net and slipped the puck under the pads of netminder Yann Danis, tying the score at 1-1 with less than 5 minutes left in regulation.

If you recall, as 2011 ended, the ’Hogs were winless when trailing after the second period. That streak was broken the other night against Texas with Rockford winning their first game after being down after two periods. Rockford aimed to make it two as the game ended in regulation tied 1-1. The IceHogs held a slight shot advantage on the Barons, 20-18.

A key offensive face-off win courtesy of Ben Smith would be the game-changer for Rockford. Smith won the draw and sent it directly back to Brian Fahey on the blue line, as Smith headed toward the net. Fahey blasted a shot, which Smith redirected past Danis, giving the ’Hogs a big 2-1 overtime victory. This was also only the second time this season that Rockford has held an opponent under two goals in a game.

The next night, Rockford traveled back down to the state of Texas for a meeting against the San Antonio Rampage. Typically, Rockford and San Antonio have higher scoring games, but this would be an exception.

In fact, there were more fights in this game than goals. Rob Flick and Eric Selleck both dropped the mitts two times, 18:35 into the first period and 17:37 into the second period, as well as Segal and Fahey getting into altercations.

Rockford drew first blood on the scoresheet, however, as Smith remained hot, scoring a goal in his third consecutive game. Joe Lavin was credited with an assist on the goal.

Hutton and the IceHogs’ defense played a stout 40 minutes of hockey, with Hutton stopping all 24 shots he faced in the first two periods.

It wasn’t until 11:49 of the third period when the Rampage finally broke past Hutton. Two former ’Hogs, Mark Cullen and Bracken Kearns, tied the game when Kearns tallied his 11th of the season.

Greg Rallo gave San Antonio the lead just under 2 minutes later with his ninth goal of the season.

Rockford pulled Hutton to the bench in the waning minutes of the final period, but was unable to tally a tying goal, as San Antonio grabbed a come-from-behind 2-1 victory.

Key points for this week:

1. Improved special teams — After some poor showings by the IceHogs’ special teams, and a last-place penalty kill in the league, Rockford’s defensive special teams played very well in the last three games, giving up only one goal on 14 shorthanded opportunities.

2. Dealing with a shortage of players — In the last few weeks, Rockford has had to deal with quite a few of their key players being out of the lineup. Rostislav Olesz was out of the lineup for a few games because of injury. Upon his return, Olesz suffered another injury on his first game back, a different injury, and has been out of the lineup for three games. Two other losses are those of Andrew Shaw and Jimmy Hayes, both of whom have been called up by the Chicago Blackhawks. The call-ups are the result of ’Hawks injuries to Patrick Sharp, who is listed as being out three to four weeks, and Dan Carcillo, who will be out for the season to undergo ACL surgery.

Looking forward:

Rockford returned home Monday, Jan. 16, for an early 1:05 p.m. tilt against the Texas Stars. Results of that game were not available at press time. The ’Hogs then have a home-and-home series against the Chicago Wolves — home in Rockford against the Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 20, and then at the Chicago Wolves Saturday, Jan. 21. The ’Hogs return home at 5:05 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 22, to host the Milwaukee Admirals.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Senior Jefferson point guard LT Davis rises up for a 3-point shot against Machesney Park Harlem. Davis scored 17 points to help lead the J-Hawks to an 84-67 win over the Huskies. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

By Matt Nestor
Prep Sports Reporter

Rockford Jefferson’s LT Davis knocked a ball loose on defense and had to race against a Machesney Park Harlem player for the ball. Streaking to his right, ahead of the play, was his teammate.

Davis was half a step ahead of the Huskies’ player, but knowing he couldn’t stop and grab the ball without traveling, he simply hit it forward the best he could. The result was a perfect pass to his teammate and a layup — the type of heady play only a strong senior can make.

“We didn’t know if (Davis) saw him ahead,” Jefferson Head Coach Todd Brannan said. “I think he was just playing on instincts at that point.”

A talented group of underclassmen, including four freshman, is making the NIC-10 fret about the J-Hawks’ future. But their senior point guard is doing his best to make his team dangerous ahead of schedule in the wide open NIC-10.

Davis has been the J-Hawks’ most consistent threat, leading the team in scoring with nearly 14 points per game. But more than that, he has been able to use his deft playmaking skills to help set up his talented teammates.

Jared Mayes is the most seasoned of Davis’ talented underclassmen. The junior is the only player besides Davis with any extensive varsity experience.

His full array of skills was on display in an 84-67 win over Harlem that helped push Jefferson to 2-4 in the conference and 8-7 overall. Mayes killed the Huskies on the offensive boards and put down a thunderous dunk as the J-Hawks avenged an earlier 18-point loss to Harlem.

In addition, freshman Antonie Pittman displayed great strength for a young player on his way to 11, and fellow freshman Delundre Dixon scored 8 and helped Davis with the ball handling as the J-Hawks attacked the Harlem press.

Davis scored 17, hitting several big threes that would thwart Harlem runs and keep Jefferson’s lead in double digits. It is that mix of scoring, passing and clutch play that could make the J-Hawks a threat sooner rather than later.

Jefferson is the only Rockford school in class 4A that will not be participating in the Rockford Auburn regional, which means whoever comes out of Auburn could be looking at an improved Jefferson team come sectional time.

For Harlem (9-7, 1-5), it’s back to the drawing board. The Huskies got off to a great start to the season and remain the only team to knock off Rockford Boylan Catholic in the conference thus far.

But while Justin Van Wambeke has been a revelation for the Huskies, much of the rest of their offense has been inconsistent, and their lack of size has hurt them in rebounding.

Around the NIC-10:

• Despite still missing Quavion Scott, the Freeport Pretzels picked up a big statement win going in to Rockton Hononegah and coming away with a 40-32 victory. While an all-confererence spot is assured, the Pretzels’ Luke Norman continues to assert himself as a potential MVP candidate, this time leading all scorers with 17 points in the victory. The win keeps Freeport (8-6, 4-2) one game back of first place, while Hononegah (10-5, 4-2) falls one game off the pace and is now tied with the Pretzels for second.

• Kane Steger scored 23 points as Belvidere (12-4, 3-3) made a statement of their own in a 75-65 victory over Rockford East. Joe Byers also scored 16 as the Bucs continue their resurgence in the NIC-10. Devion Smith scored 15 to lead the way for East (9-7, 3-3).

• Jake Boxleitner scored 27 points for Belvidere North (6-9, 1-5) as they led the Boylan Titans for nearly all of their match-up. But it wasn’t enough as Adonis Brown helped Boylan (10-6, 5-1) escape with a 60-57 win over the Blue Thunder.

• Rockford Auburn (13-2, 5-1) scored early and often, racing out to a 29-9 lead in the first quarter on their way to a 104-56 win over Rockford Guilford (7-9, 2-4). Fred Van Vleet scored 27, and Lamark Foote scored 23 to lead the way for the Knights. Marcus Hardison scored 14 for Guilford.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Adult golfers ages 18 and older who want to improve their game in time for the spring season are invited to sign up for Rockford Park District indoor golf clinics scheduled Jan. 16-March 14.

The 50-minute group lessons meet Monday afternoons, 12:30-1:20 p.m. or 1:30-2:20 p.m., at the Indoor Sports Center in Loves Park, and are taught by PGA members and apprentices.

Attend all, some, or one — each clinic will focus on a specific type of shot or skill: Wedges, Irons, Woods, Accuracy and Full Swing.

Fees are $20 per clinic ($23 non-resident). Register online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now) or by mail, fax (with credit card), or at either Park District Customer Service location (downtown Rockford, or Carlson Ice Arena, Loves Park).

Registration will close as capacities are reached.

A schedule of all clinics and topics, as well as a registration form, are included in the Winter/Spring 2012 Program Guide available on the Park District website, at Park District offices and facilities, or by calling Customer Service at (815) 987-8800. For information about support or adapted golf programs for golfers with disabilities or special needs, call (815) 987-8800.

From the Jan. 18-24, 2012, issue

Rockford IceHogs goaltender Carter Hutton skates onto the ice after being awarded first star of the game during a Monday, Jan. 16, 2-0 shutout win against the Texas Stars at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford. Hutton had the first shutout of the season for Rockford, stopping all 34 shots he faced. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

If you went to the BMO Harris Bank Center Monday, Jan. 16, expecting a high-scoring, heavy-hitting and hard-punching hockey game, you were sorely disappointed. If you went expecting Rockford to play a strong game and get their first shutout win of the year, then you were in luck.

In a battle of goaltenders and defense, the Rockford IceHogs edged out the Texas Stars 2-0 Monday in front of a crowd of 4,717 fans.

Getting his third start in a row, Carter Hutton stopped 34 shots and earned the first shutout of the year for the ‘Hogs. In those last three games, Hutton has allowed just three goals and holds a record of 2-1-0.

But the win did not come easy, as Andrew Raycroft, Texas goaltender, was playing just as well as Hutton, stopping 32 of 34 shots he faced.

“Looking down the rink seeing Raycroft play well was kind of disheartening, and you’re watching a guy steal a game down there,” Hutton said after the game. “But we knew we could get a couple goals and our power play came up big in the end there.”

Indeed, the power play did come alive for Rockford. The ’Hogs had been held scoreless in their last 11 power-play opportunities, but with 4 minutes remaining in the game, Jeremy Morin sealed the win with a power-play goal. Ben Smith made a great pass and Morin buried the shot. Brian Fahey was the secondary assist on the goal. After the goal was scored, Hutton pumped his fist and skated over to the near boards, where he hammered the butt of his stick against the boards in celebration.

And not only did the power play finally click for Rockford, the penalty kill has been outstanding in the last four games, holding their opponents scoreless in their last 17 shorthanded attempts.

“I think our overall team defense and trying to take care of our end a little better and not give up as many line rushes is huge for us,” Hutton said.

The game was tied at zero after 20 minutes of hockey, and it wasn’t until the midpoint of the second frame that the first goal was tallied.

Brandon Pirri held the puck a few feet off the right side of the net and slid it across the blue paint past Raycroft. Waiting on the other side of the net was a recent arrival to Rockford, Brandon Svendsen, who buried the puck for his first goal of the season. Svendsen was in Rockford in the preseason in tryout camp and was signed to a PTO (Professional Try Out) contract last week.

Looking forward:

Rockford hosts the Chicago Wolves Friday, Jan. 20, at 7:05 p.m., then heads to Rosemont the following night to finish a home-and-home series with the Wolves. The ’Hogs are back home Sunday, Jan. 22, to play host to the Milwaukee Admirals at 5:05 p.m.

“What do you think about the Bears getting rid of (Jerry) Angelo and (Mike) Martz?” I’ve been asked that question and I’ve heard it asked of others dozens of times over the last several days.

Last week, Bears President and CEO Ted Phillips informed Angelo he was being relieved of his duties. That same day, Martz and the team agreed it was time to go in different directions.

After parting ways with Martz, only a couple of days passed before Head Coach Lovie Smith promoted veteran offensive line coach Mike Tice to offensive coordinator. Tice will call the plays and continue to work in a hands-on manner with the offensive line.

That brings me back to the original question. My initial response is it’s a good start. I’m still not convinced the Chicago Bears will be successful as long as Smith is their head coach.

In my opinion, Smith is more to blame for the Bears’ disappointing 8-8 record this year than either Angelo or Martz. Smith has consistently failed to prepare his reserve players to be ready to take over when a starter becomes injured. This was never more evident than this year when quarterback Jay Cutler suffered a season-ending thumb injury.

Back-up Caleb Hanie has been on the Bears’ roster for four seasons and looked lost and inept this year when he was called upon to lead the team after Cutler went down. I lay that directly at the feet of Smith.

In 2010, Hanie appeared in two games, throwing for 55 yards on five-of-seven passing. His best game was when he entered the NFC Championship Game versus Green Bay (Jan. 23, 2011) late in the third quarter and led two scoring drives, completing 13-of-20 passes for 153 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.

The year before that, he appeared in only two games. He was a paltry three-of-seven passing for 11 yards. He also had one interception.

That’s hardly enough real game experience over a four-year period for a back-up quarterback. There have been ample opportunities for Smith to insert him in a game when the Bears have had a secure lead. For some unknown reason, Smith chose to stay with his starter.

I have numerous other issues with Smith’s ability to motivate and be an effective head coach. I’m somewhat bewildered how he has managed to stay in Chicago as long as he has. It was almost exactly eight years ago (Jan. 15, 2004) when he was hired as the 13th head coach in Bears history.

I believe the Bears will continue to wallow in mediocrity as long as Smith remains at the helm. If Phillips had really wanted to make a difference, he would have thoroughly cleaned house and included Smith in his dismissals. Instead, he merely did the football equivalent of sweeping the dust under the rug.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

One of last weekend’s NFL Wild Card games was just that — wild. Tim Tebow and his Broncos teammates shocked the Pittsburgh Steelers 11 seconds into the overtime period. On the first play from scrimmage in the extra period, Tebow connected with Demaryius Thomas on an 80-yard touchdown pass and defeated the Steelers 29-23. The win was the fourth overtime victory for Tebow and the Broncos this season.

Their win earned them a trip to New England this Saturday, Jan. 14, to battle the Patriots. Now, the question is, can Tebow’s magic continue? I’m saying the rabbit has left the hat for the Broncos, and the Patriots will make them disappear.

The Patriots have had an extra week of rest and are much healthier going into this game than the Steelers were last Sunday. Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will be playing on two healthy ankles and won’t be a sitting duck for the Broncos’ defense. I look for the Patriots to end Tebow’s storybook season and send the Broncos back to Mile High Stadium on a low. I’m predicting a Patriots win over the Broncos 38-17.

The other game this Saturday, Jan. 14, features a pair of teams with identical 13-3 regular-season records butting heads. The New Orleans Saints will be in San Francisco. The Saints destroyed the Detroit Lions in the Wild Card game 45-28.

I don’t think they’ll have that easy of a time against the 49ers, but I do believe Drew Brees and his Saints will continue their march through the playoffs. I’m predicting a 10-point win for the Saints, 41-31.

The Green Bay Packers (15-1) host the New York Giants (9-7) Sunday, Jan. 15. The Packers were resting last week while the Giants were eliminating the Falcons 24-2.

It should be a good match-up between Eli Manning and Aaron Rodgers. Both quarterbacks are capable of putting up big numbers. These two teams should easily combine for 80 or more points. I’m predicting a home win for the Pack, 49-42.

The other Sunday, Jan. 15, game is in Baltimore. The Ravens host the visiting Texans. The Texans are coming off an impressive Wild Card win over the Bengals, 31-10. The Ravens used the week to rest up and heal some wounds.

They should be back at full strength and ready to go against the Texans. I’m taking the Ravens at home by a touchdown, 28-21.

I was 2-2 in the Wild Card games. I got both Saturday games correct, and then turned around and blew it on Sunday. This weekend, I hope my Sunday is better than last, and my Saturday stays the same.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

The Rockford IceHogs headed down to Texas for the weekend and split their two-game series with the Stars. In this photo from 2011, Brandon Pirri scores on Stars goaltender Brent Krahn in the shootout. The Texas Stars will visit the BMO Harris Bank Center Monday, Jan. 16. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

For the Rockford IceHogs, consistency has been an issue. Last weekend’s games were no exception.

On the first of two weekend games, the IceHogs played host to the Toronto Marlies Friday, Jan. 7.

Rockford was behind the eight ball early in the game when Ben Smith was flagged for hooking less than 1 minute after the puck drop. This penalty would turn out to be an advantage for the ’Hogs, with Igor Makarov scoring shothanded to put the ’Hogs up 1-0 early.

That fast start went downhill just as quickly as it started. ’Hogs goalie Hannu Toivonen, who has been brilliant as of late, was the exact opposite. In a span of just under 6 minutes, Toivonen faced just three shots. The bad news is, all of them found the back of the net, and Toivonen was pulled. Alec Richards came in as a substitution, but the damage had already been done. Richards stopped 24 of the 26 shots he faced, but the ’Hogs were unable to muster any offense.

After their three first-period goals, Toronto scored once more in the second and again in the third to walk away with a seemingly easy 5-1 road victory.

Rockford was 0-3 on the powerplay while the Marlies were a successful 2-6, with their powerplay goals scored in the first and third periods.

Highly sought-after Marlies prospect Nazem Kadri was the second star of the game, notching one goal and two assists on the night.

The following night, Saturday, Jan. 8, was a completely different story. Rockford has fared well against the Grand Rapids Griffins in the last few years, and it is hoped this game would be the cure the ’Hogs needed to get over last night’s hangover of a game.

Defenseman Ivan Vishnevskiy put the ’Hogs up first 4:35 into the first. Smith was credited with the assist, along with Evan Brophey.

Vishnevskiy added to his goal count for the night more than 1 minute later with a powerplay goal, giving the ’Hogs a 2-0 lead.

Defensive scoring continued later in the first. Shawn Lalonde would tie Vishnevskiy on their yearly goal total as he tacked on his fifth goal of the season with fewer than 5 minutes remaining in the first. Lalonde’s defensive partner Brian Connelly was awarded an assist on the goal.

Not to be outdone, Connelly added to the defensive scoring for Rockford just 34 seconds into the second period, extending the ’Hogs’ lead to 4-0. Connelly’s goal would lead to the exit of Griffins starting goalie Joey MacDonald and make way for Jordan Pearce.

But just like the previous night, the damage had already been done. And the netminder change didn’t seem to make much of a difference. Three minutes after the previous goal and goalie change, Jeff Taffe scored his team-leading 10th goal of the season.

Some physical altercations took place with Kyle Hagel dropping the gloves with Adam Keefe in hopes of sparking some fire under the Griffins.

Two more fights would take place in the second with captain Garnet Exelby taking on Evan Rankin and Brandon Bollig (who had an amazing fight last week against Houston) roughed up assistant captain Greg Amadio.

Kyle Beach would add another goal midway through the third, closing the scoring for Rockford and bringing the lead to 6-0.

One more fight would take place with Makarov tying up with Brent Raedeke, leading to a game misconduct for Makarov. The misconduct was the result of Makarov’s jersey not being properly secured, as the fight strap came loose, allowing his jersey to be removed.

On the Rockford end of the ice, Alec Richard notched a 22-save shutout for the ’Hogs, his second of the year.

Rockford has three games this week with the first taking place at the BMO Harris Bank Center in Rockford Wednesday, Jan. 11, against the Houston Aeros at 6:35 p.m. The ’Hogs stay home Friday, Jan. 13, against another Texas-state rival, the Texas Stars with game time at 7:05 p.m. The following night, the ’Hogs travel to the Allstate Arena in Rosemont to face the rival Chicago Wolves at 7 p.m.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — The Rockford RiverHawks are seeking families interested in housing a player for the 2012 season.

This unique experience will allow a family to get to know a player beyond the field and allow them the insight of the player’s everyday life.

“My family and I became the first host family for the RiverHawks,” said Sally Hoesel. “We started out hosting to give our then 9-year-old son a different experience, and it’s now something we look forward to every summer.”

Players may be assigned housing as early as the first week of May. Pending the length of the postseason, players may be in homes as late as mid-September.

Host families can enjoy many benefits in exchange for providing room and board: up to four season tickets (depending on household size), a VIP parking pass, a discount card for purchases in the team store, and monthly picnics with the whole team, all exclusive to host families.

Many host families have developed relationships with players that have lasted long beyond the players’ days in Rockford.

“We have been blessed with players who have gone on to play in the major leagues, including Jon Garland, Kyle Lohse and Adam Dunn,” Hoesel said. “Regardless of who you host, it is a great feeling to sit in the stands while your player is on the field. You will forever be a part of that person’s life.”

Families unable to host a player for a whole season can host for just spring training May 1-17. For that, families can receive up to four 10-game mini plans.

Families interested in the program should contact Hoesel at (815) 871-5245 or at sallyh@rockfordriverhawks.com.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league that will play its 20th season in 2012. Advertising and season ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

The Rockford Foresters baseball team has signed first baseman Geno Larkin from Division I program Wagner College, where he is currently a freshman.

Larkin was the 20th player to sign to play for the Rockford Foresters for the 2012 season.

The 6-foot-3-inch, 230-pound Larkin is a switch-hitting player who has gap-to-gap power. In addition to playing first base, the Minnesota native can also play third base. Larkin played high school baseball at Eden Prairie High School, where he lettered and was part of the team that went to the state tournament.

Larkin is the son of former Minnesota Twins World Series hero Gene Larkin, who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1987 to 1993 and was a member of the 1987 and 1991 World Series championship teams.

Gene is best known for hitting the series-winning single in 1991, a deep fly ball that was not caught by the Braves that scored fellow teammate Dan Gladden from third base during the 10th inning in Game 7 of the 1991 Series. Gene played college ball at Columbia University and was the first alumnus to make it to the major leagues since Lou Gehrig.

Game-worn jerseys for sale

The Rockford Foresters are getting new home team uniforms in 2012. A combination of different game-worn jerseys from 2011 will be for sale. All of the white jerseys (home jerseys) from last season will be for sale, along with a select number of black away jerseys.

Following is a breakdown of the jerseys for sale, by jersey color:

Black jerseys: No. 3, large; and

White jerseys: No. 30, large; No. 3, large; No. 27, extra large; No. 12, extra large; and No. 7, large.

Jerseys are $25, plus tax and $6 shipping. Orders can be placed by e-mailing tickets@rockfordforesters.com.

From the Jan. 11-17, 2012, issue

Carlos Zambrano looks on during a game against the Florida Marlins at Sun Life Stadium May 18, 2011. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Online Staff Report

Carlos Zambrano will not get his wish to “remain a Cub for life.” The Chicago Cubs have agreed to send the 30-year-old pitcher to Miami in return for 25-year-old starting pitcher Chris Volstad.

The Cubs will pick up about $15.5 million of Zambrano’s salary, while the Marlins will pay the remaining $2.5 million.

The 6-foot-8 Volstad started 102 games over four seasons with the Marlins. He is 32-39 as a starter and has a 4.59 career ERA.

Zambrano last pitched for the Cubs Aug. 12, 2011. After giving up five home runs to the Atlanta Braves, he was ejected from the game after aggressively throwing two inside pitches at Braves third baseman Chipper Jones.

Following the Aug. 12 game, Zambrano cleaned out his locker from the visitors’ clubhouse and told the team he was retiring. Aug. 13, the Cubs placed Zambrano on the 30-day disqualified list, preventing him from having any activity with the club and having his pay suspended for a period of 30 days.

Zambrano later apologized for his actions and said he wanted to “remain a Cub for life.” Sept. 2, 2011, the Cubs announced Zambrano would not pitch for the rest of the 2011 season.

In November 2011, Zambrano met with new Cubs President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein. Epstein reportedly said Zambrano seemed apologetic, but added in a Chicago Tribune report that “[F]rom what I understand, he has seemed that way before, so I think this is a trust-but-verify situation.”

Zambrano will join former Chicago White Sox Manager and current Miami Marlins Manager Ozzie Guillen in Miami. Guillen reportedly pushed for the trade.

Guillen and Zambrano bonded over their Venezuelan heritage while they were both in Chicago, and Zambrano even had dinner with Guillen following a 2010 dugout explosion that occurred during an interleague game against the White Sox. The move angered Lou Piniella, the Cubs’ manager at the time.

Guillen reportedly said he and Zambrano had been texting one another every day during baseball’s winter meetings, but at the time said he was not pursuing Zambrano.

“We talk as friends, we talk about what happened in the past, yes,” Guillen said during the winter meetings. “We talk about how better it’s going to be, yes. We talk about what kind of pitcher he can be, yes. But talking about the Marlins, I never did.”

Zambrano’s 11 seasons with the Cubs were often marred by seemingly temperamental outbursts. The Cubs likely had higher expectations for Zambrano on Aug. 17, 2007, the day they signed him to a $91.5 million deal over five seasons through 2012.

During his career spanning back to the 2001 season, Zambrano is 125-81 with a career 3.60 ERA. He is a three-time All-Star and three-time Silver Slugger winner, and also finished fifth in National League Cy Young Award voting three times. He pitched a no-hitter Sept. 14, 2008, against the Houston Astros.

A switch-hitter, Zambrano has a career .244 batting average with 23 home runs, 69 RBIs and a slugging percentage of .396. The 23 home runs are the most ever by a Cubs pitcher. He also co-owns with Ferguson Jenkins the record for most home runs hit in a single season by a Cubs pitcher, hitting six in 2006. He has pinch hit 20 times throughout his career.

Despite his performance as a player, Zambrano has often been at odds with fans, umpires, teammates and management during his career.

In 2007, Zambrano got into a fight with teammate and catcher Michael Barrett. The fight began in the dugout and continued in the locker room. Barrett sustained a bruise under his eye and a cut lip as a result of the altercation.

Later in 2007, Zambrano blasted Cubs fans after being booed at Wrigley Field following a four-inning performance. In a postgame interview, he said: “I thought these were the greatest fans in baseball, but they showed me today that they only care about themselves. That’s not fair, when you are struggling, you want to feel like you have their support. I don’t accept their reaction.” Zambrano apologized for his comments the next day.

In 2009, Zambrano went on a tirade against an umpire, throwing a baseball into the outfield, pretending to eject the umpire and slamming his glove against the dugout fence. The tantrum led to a suspension and a $3,000 fine.

June 25, 2010, during a game against the White Sox at U.S. Cellular Field, Cubs coaching staff had to separate Zambrano from teammate and first baseman Derrek Lee. Zambrano had given up four runs in the first inning and proceeded to mount a furious tirade in the dugout. Zambrano appeared to yell at Lee, whom he reportedly blamed for not fielding a sharply-hit ball that resulted in a leadoff double. Piniella did not send Zambrano back to the mound in the second inning. Cubs General Manager Jim Hendry suspended Zambrano indefinitely for his actions, and the next day, Piniella announced Zambrano would be moved to the bullpen when he returned from his suspension.

Earlier this offseason, the Marlins signed former Chicago White Sox starter Mark Buehrle, former San Diego Padres closer Heath Bell and former New York Mets shortstop Jose Reyes. The team opens its new $515 million, retractable-roof stadium in 2012. They had the lowest payroll of any team in the major leagues last season.

In no particular order, they are athletes, comedians, entertainers and showmen all wrapped up in basketball uniforms. I’m talking about the legendary Harlem Globetrotters. The traveling troupe of historic hoopsters will make a return visit to Rockford this Sunday, Jan. 8. They will tip off at the BMO Harris Bank Center at 2 p.m.

The Globetrotters have played their unique brand of comedy basketball in almost every country on the planet. They’ve entertained presidents, popes, kings, queens and millions of ordinary people of all ages, shapes and sizes. They dribble, pass and shoot and create smiles and life long memories in a world without boundaries.

Some of their previous players have included Wilt Chamberlain and Magic Johnson. They’ve starred in their own movies and television shows. They are undoubtedly the most famous basketball team in the world.

This year, the team has a bit of a different look than in years past. Joining the usual group of characters is newcomer TNT Maddox. The 5-foot-6-inch rookie out of Temple University is only the ninth woman in the 85-year history of the team to put on the famous red, white and blue uniform.

Maddox will be accompanied by her teammates that sport nicknames such as Jet, Ant, Stretch, Bones, Quake, Hacksaw, Hammer, Spider and a guy from nearby Chicago, who goes by the name of Flip. He’s a 5-foot-9-inch guard who used to be a member of the famous Jesse White Tumblers here in Illinois.

Tickets for Sunday’s game are still available and can be obtained at the door or in advance by contacting the BMO Harris Bank Center ticket office at (815) 968-5600.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

On the one hand, there is not a typical post threat in the NIC-10 this year like former Freeport Pretzels star Austin Davis or former Rockford Boylan anchor Nick Bautch.

On the other hand, that would likely make no difference to Rockford East’s Darshawn Pumphrey-King.

DPK, as his teammates call him, is as tough and physical as they come down low in the NIC-10. And that goes for all 5 feet, 7 inches of him.

“One thing you can say about Darshawn is you know he is going to show up and play every day,” East Head Coach Roy Sackmaster said of his senior star.

Last season, during the E-Rabs’ run to the sectional finals, they relied on offensive rebounds. With no shooting threat, East would like to throw the ball on the backboard and go get it.

Much of that rebounding was done by since-graduated Alonte Holiday. With most of that team back, there is still not a consistent shooting threat on the team.

There is some size, with senior Steven McNease and junior Devion Smith. But Pumphrey-King has taken over as that bulldog down low.

“He doesn’t have the most skill in the world, but he plays hard and he plays tough,” Sackmaster said of Pumphrey-King, who also starred on the football team. “So far, that’s why he’s been our best player by far. It’s not even close, even though he’s not our most talented guy.”

Sackmaster said the undersized player would likely shatter the record for rebounds by a player his size, if anyone kept track of such a stat. And it is that type of tenacity that has helped East struggle through a tough start offensively.

“When he moved to the four and went into the post for us, at 5 feet, 7 inches, we actually played a little bigger than when we have our post players in there,” Sackmaster said. “You know what you are going to get every day. You are going to get a consistent effort.”

In holiday action:

• Belvidere, which was coming off a big conference win over Machesney Park Harlem, had the most successful holiday break in the conference. The Bucs went 4-0 on their way to winning the Plano tournament, including a win over Rockford Christian. Kane Steger, Joe Byers and Josh Houser all landed on the all-tournament team.

• Rockford Auburn acquitted themselves nicely, although they were disappointed with their finish at the highly-acclaimed Proviso West Tournament. Fred Van Vleet found his rhythm as he led the Knights to a 3-1 record and a third-place finish, with their only loss coming against tourney champ Proviso East.

• Harlem went 4-1 in DeKalb, while East was 3-1 in Elgin. Freeport went 2-2 at the Pekin tournament, the same place where Boylan was a surprising 1-3. Fellow first-place team Rockton Hononegah went 2-2 in Bloomington, the same record as Rockford Jefferson and Rockford Guilford. Belvidere North went 1-2 during the break.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Seventeen weeks ago, 32 NFL teams started out the season with one goal in mind — to make the playoffs. After a grueling 16-game regular season, 12 teams realized that goal. Now, those 12 teams have a new goal — to make it to the Super Bowl.

The road to that goal begins this weekend for eight of those 12 teams. Saturday, Jan. 7, in the AFC, the No. 6 seed Cincinnati Bengals (9-7) will be in Houston to battle the No. 3 seed Texans (10-6).

Both teams limped into the playoffs. The Bengals lost their final regular-season game to the Baltimore Ravens, 24-16. The Texans have lost three straight, including a 23-22 heartbreaker to the Titans last Sunday, Jan. 1. The Bengals and the Texans faced one another in Week 14 (Dec. 11) during the regular season. The Texans won that game 20-19 in Cincinnati. I’m looking for the Texans to put a halt to their losing streak and drop the Bengals out of the Super Bowl hunt.

In the NFC Saturday game, the No. 6 seed Detroit Lions (10-6) visit the No. 3 seed New Orleans Saints (13-3). The Saints finished the regular season with eight straight wins, including a 45-17 pounding of the Jaguars last week.

Despite scoring 41 points last week, the Lions lost to the Packers.

The Saints defeated the Lions 31-17 in Week 13 back on Dec. 4. I’ve said all year that the Lions were made of paper and weren’t as good as their record indicated. I think the Saints will prove me correct and end the Lions’ season once and for all.

Sunday (Jan. 8), the No. 5 Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) are at the No. 4 Denver Broncos (8-8). The Steelers won their final two games, while the Broncos were losing their last three. These two teams did not play one another during the regular season.

There’s no doubt Tim Tebow and his Broncos captured the imagination of fans all across the country during their winning streak earlier this year. I believe it’s pretty clear that Ben Roethlisberger and the Steelers are still the better all-around team. I’m going with the Steelers to win on the road and advance to the second round.

The final wild-card weekend game features the No. 5 seed Atlanta Falcons (10-6) at the No. 4 New York Giants (9-7). Both teams finished the regular season with victories. The Falcons trounced the Buccaneers 45-24, and the Giants eliminated the Cowboys with a 31-14 win in the Meadowlands.

The Falcons and the Giants will also be meeting for the first time this year. Some people might think Giants Head Coach Tom Coughlin and quarterback Eli Manning might have the upper hand in this game based on their playoff experience. I’m not one of those people.

I like Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan and his running back, former Northern Illinois Huskie Michael “The Burner” Turner to create headaches for Coughlin’s defense. I’m saying we’ll see the Falcons move on and watch the Giants hang it up for the season.

For the record, I finished the regular season with a 168-88 record. That’s a 65 percent winning percentage. My goal was 70 percent for the season. Now, I can put that behind me and focus totally on the playoffs!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Rockford IceHogs rookie Andrew Shaw (23) had the hot hand for the ’Hogs this week, tallying three goals and one assist in the three games this week. Shaw’s two-goal effort Thursday, Dec. 29, against Chicago marked his third two-goal game in the month of December. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The Rockford IceHogs will be in for a long season if 2012 begins the way 2011 ended. Rockford ended their year losing four straight games, going 0-3-0-1 after a promising few weeks.

After a thrashing to Milwaukee Monday, Dec. 26, Rockford faced the Chicago Wolves Thursday, Dec. 29, for the first of three games in three days.

It looked as if the trend would continue to Rosemont as Chicago scored four goals before Rockford would get their first marker of the game, 18:35 into the second frame. The hot ’Hog of the week, Andrew Shaw, tallied the first Rockford goal on a rebound let out by Matt Climie. ’Hogs defenseman Joe Lavin blasted a shot from the point, which Climie blocked out to the left face-off circle. Shaw corralled the puck and snapped it past Climie.

Shaw would score once again just shy of the 3-minute mark of the final frame. While in the middle of a big pileup of players in front of the Chicago net, Shaw furiously poked at a loose puck, tallying his 11th goal of the season and his fourth against the Wolves this season.

Shawn Lalonde scored his second goal of the season less than 5 minutes later to bring the ’Hogs to within one with more than 12 minutes remaining in regulation.

But Rockford’s comeback would fall short, and Chicago would tack on an empty-net goal with 34 seconds remaining to finish off Rockford 5-3. Shaw’s two-goal game would be his third of the month of December, leading all Rockford skaters in two-goal games for the month.

Carter Hutton, who gave up three goals on 10 shots, was pulled after the first period and tagged with the loss, while Climie got the win, stopping 35 of 38 shots.

It was back to Rockford the following night, where Rockford held home ice to the Charlotte Checkers.

Although Rockford got on the board first, it was Charlotte knotting the score only 36 seconds after Rockford took the lead.

Brian Connelly put the ’Hogs on the board first with his fourth goal of the season, a blast from the far blue line while on a long delayed penalty.

Charlotte tied the score, which was started from a great play by Riley Nash. Lavin held the puck for Rockford in the defensive zone, and pushed a pass out to the left wing. Nash, who had his back to the play, put his stick out to the left in anticipation of the puck arriving, and deflected the puck back into the zone. Nash alertly swooped around to pick up the puck and feed it to teammate Zach Boychuk. Meanwhile, Matthew Pistilli raced in from middle ice and received a pass from Boychuk, then slapped it past Alec Richards.

The Checkers would tally two more first-period goals before Shaw would bring Rockford back to within a goal late in the first.

Most of the scoring was tallied after 20 minutes, with Rockford getting the only goal in the remaining 40 minutes of hockey, which was scored toward the end of the second period.

Ben Smith fought and won a loose puck behind the Charlotte net and fed a quick pass to the center of the ice, where Peter LeBlanc slapped the puck past Mike Murphy, knotting the score at 3-3.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, only one 2-minute penalty was called in the first period, an elbowing penalty to Charlotte’s Rasmus Rissanen, and 12 penalties were called in the second and third periods, totaling 30 minutes.

After a shaky first 20 minutes, Richards settled in nicely in net for Rockford, stopping all 22 shots he faced in the second and third periods.

The trend of few goals and multiple penalties carried into the overtime session with the PIMs piling up with 4 seconds left in the overtime period. Rockford played one last rush into the Charlotte zone and crashed hard to the net. Ryan Stanton was caught in the middle of the pileup on the Checkers’ goal crease, and Chris Durno, who was jabbing at Rockford players all game, skated in and took a few shots to the head of Stanton while he was down. Stanton attempted to retaliate, but Jeremy Morin came to the aid of his teammate and yanked Durno from the pile and started giving it back to him. Michal Jordan was tied up in the pile as well for Charlotte, and all players involved were tagged with 5-minute fighting majors, and Jordan and Stanton were also given 10-minute game misconduct penalties for secondary altercations.

After the dust settled, the game would head to a shootout, where Charlotte took control. Richards was beaten by his three opponents, and Murphy stopped all three Rockford shooters to give Charlotte the 4-3 shootout win.

For the last game of the week, Rockford headed to Peoria to end the year and start off a seven-game road trip.

Peoria was the first to score in Saturday’s game, with Brett Sonne getting a shorthanded goal for the Rivermen. The two-on-one rush from a forced turnover had Cade Fairchild feed Sonne the puck on the left side, who then made a nice move to the right and flipped a backhanded shot in past a sprawling Richards for the 1-0 lead.

In what would be a back-and-forth game, it was Brandon Segal getting the equalizing goal at the 4:17 mark of the second period. Shaw had the puck in tight on Ben Bishop in the Peoria crease, which Bishop initially fought off. Segal grabbed the loose puck in the crease and poked it in, tying the game at 1-1.

Almost exactly 10 minutes later, Fairchild would net his second of three points on the night, tallying his fourth goal of the season. Fairchild brought the puck in to the right side of the net, about 6 feet out, and tried to feed the puck across the crease, which deflected off ’Hogs defenseman Dylan Olsen and into the net.

It only took Rockford 30 seconds into the third period to even the score at 2-2. Connelly did a nice job of keeping the puck onside and fed it over to Morin on the left wing. Morin found Brandon Pirri to his left, who ripped a wicked wrist shot to the short side top shelf for his 14th goal of the season.

Peoria reclaimed the lead once again with their second power-play goal of the night. Phil McRae notched his 15th goal of the season on a one-timer from the slot, giving Peoria a 3-2 edge.

The ’Hogs would pull Richards for the extra attacker, but could not convert with the extra man, and Peoria took the win 3-2. Rockford followed up a 35 penalty-minute outing Friday, Dec. 30, with a 59 penalty-minute showing Saturday, Dec. 31. Rockford went one-for-five with the extra skater while Peoria finished off two-for-eight.

Key points for this week:

1. Inconsistency — At certain points over the last week, Rockford looked like a serious contender, while other times they looked as if they were playing in a different league from their opponent. Perfect examples are the first two periods of the Chicago game on Thursday where Rockford appeared to be skating in mud, and the final two periods of the Charlotte game, where Rockford played along with the Checkers’ physical play and outplayed the division leader.

2. Quit playing from behind — In two of their three games this week, Rockford fell behind early with their opponent scoring first, and in all three games, Rockford was behind after 20 minutes. Even when they did score first, as against Charlotte, they still gave up three goals, and ended up behind in the first.

Looking forward:

Rockford’s seven-game road trip has the ’Hogs heading to Texas for a Friday night, Jan. 6, matchup against the Houston Aeros at 7:35 p.m. The following night, Saturday, Jan. 7, Rockford plays the first of two consecutive games against the Texas Stars with the Saturday game starting at 7 p.m. and the Sunday matinee starting at 5 p.m. The ’Hogs’ next home game will not take place until Monday, Jan. 16, when the Texas Stars come to town for the second time this season.

From the Jan. 4-10, 2012, issue

Golfing at a Rockford Park District course in December isn’t always an option, but for one day this weekend, weather-permitting, Elliot Golf Course, 888 S. Lyford Road, Cherry Valley, will be open. Opening Elliot during the month of December has not happened for five years.

The course will be open 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 31.

Fast facts about Elliot Golf Course

• 18-hole championship course

• 6,433 yards of rolling terrain, large trees and spacious greens

• Par 72 course

• Opened in 1968

• Named for Earl F. Elliot, a long-time director of the Rockford Park District

For more details, contact Elliot Golf Course at (815) 332-5130 or visit www.rockfordparkdistrict.org.

Fans of the National Basketball Association (NBA) got a nice Christmas present last Sunday, Dec. 25. The work stoppage is over, the league is back, and the season has been saved.

The NBA got the new shortened season started with five games on Christmas Day. Professional hoop fans all across the country can let the cheering begin.

Fans of the Chicago Bulls got an excellent Christmas present Sunday, Dec. 25. The Bulls defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 88-87. The drama was intense in their first outing of the 2011-12 season. Things looked awfully bleak for reigning league MVP Derrick Rose, Luol Deng and the rest of the Chicago players as they trailed Kobe Bryant and his Lakers teammates by as many as 11 points with a little less than 4 minutes left in the game.

That’s when Rose and Deng put on their Superman capes and rallied the team back into the game. Rose finished the game with 22 points, but none was bigger than his final jumper with 4.8 seconds left on the clock. The shot gave the Bulls the 1-point lead.

Deng then took over on the defensive end of the court. He blocked a last-second shot from Bryant that sealed the victory. Deng finished the game with 21 points, nine in the final quarter. Carlos Boozer added 15 points. He was the only other Bull to score in double figures.

Bryant led the Lakers with 28 points, but also added eight turnovers. Bryant was playing with a torn ligament in his wrist.

Chicago will play three more games in California this week before returning home to face the Memphis Grizzlies at the United Center on New Year’s Day. They faced the Golden State Warriors Monday, Dec. 26 (results unavailable at press time). Tomorrow night (Thursday, Dec. 29), they are up against the Kings in Sacramento, and they finish the West Coast road trip with a return trip to the Staples Center in LA to battle the Clippers Friday (Dec. 30) night.

If they can continue to play as well as they did in that fourth quarter against the Lakers on opening day, it’s highly possible they could come back to the Windy City with a 4-0 record. That’s what I would call a sweet end to 2011, and a great way to start the new season and the new year!

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan., 3, 2012, issue

For me, it’s hard to believe the final week of the NFL regular season has finally arrived. For some teams, there is a lot at stake. For other teams, like the Chicago Bears, they’re just happy it’s finally over.

Chicago suffered their fourth loss to the Green Bay Packers in the 2011 calendar year last Sunday night, Dec. 25. Green Bay defeated them during the final game of last season Jan. 2, and then again a couple of weeks later in the NFC Championship game, and twice during the regular season this year. The Bears can only hope that 2012 will be better.

But before we jump ahead to next season, the Bears still have one more game left on their 2011 schedule — at the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams have been a huge disappointment to their respective fans. All either team has left to play for is pride. I think the Bears will win and sweep the Vikings this year.

The Packers will be looking to improve to 15-1 when they host the Detroit Lions. I look for them to win and continue the Packers express steam rolling toward the playoffs.

I like the Falcons in their home nest over the visiting and stumbling Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs have lost nine in a row, and will make it 10 in a row this week. The Saints are at home against the Panthers and should finish their regular season with a win. San Francisco visits St. Louis and shouldn’t have any troubles improving to 13-3, as they get ready for the postseason.

In a battle of the titans, it’s the Cowboys versus the Giants in New York. The G-Men came away with a 3-point win when these two teams squared off in their first meeting back in November. I predict another closely-fought game with the same result. The Giants will prevail.

Two teams that will be watching the playoffs at home are the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Indianapolis Colts. They finish up the season against one another in Jacksonville. The Colts have won their last two, while the Jaguars have dropped two in a row. I think that tide will turn, and the Colts will head back to the loss column, where they’ve called home for most of this year.

The Texans are another team that has lost their last two games. This week, they host the Tennessee Titans. Houston is 4-1 in the AFC South and has that division clinched. I look for them to knock off the Titans, as they get ready for the playoffs.

Currently, the hottest team in the league is the New England Patriots. They’ve won seven in a row and finish the year at home against the Buffalo Bills. I say the Pats make it eight in a row and send the Bills packing with a loss.

Another team that is on a bit of a streak is the Philadelphia Eagles. They’ve won their last three games and host the Redskins this week. I’m putting Philly down for another win.

The Jets’ season has kind of crash-landed. They’ve lost their last two and have come up short of expectations. They finish up the season in Miami. The Dolphins are another team that has failed to live up to the pre-season hype that surrounded them. I’ll take the Jets to end the year on a high note.

Baltimore is in Cincinnati to square off with the Bengals. The Ravens haven’t lost a game against a division foe all year (5-0). I don’t think they’ll start now. They will make it a perfect 6-0 in the AFC North and improve to 12-4 overall.

The Steelers will be looking to equal that 12-4 record as well. To get there, they’ll have to knock off the Browns in Cleveland. The Browns haven’t won a division game all year (0-5). They won’t start now, either. Pittsburgh should end up with the same record as Baltimore, and both teams will make the playoffs.

Out in the AFC West, the Broncos host the Kansas City Chiefs. The Broncos have been the elevator team of the year. One week they’re up, the next week they’re down. I’m saying they’ll finish with a win, and we’ll get to hear at least another week of Tim Tebow talk.

The Cardinals finish the year at home against the Seahawks. Both teams are 7-8 heading into this game. Both teams have a pretty equal chance at finishing with a win, but I’m taking the Cardinals, simply because they are at home.

Last, but not least, it’s the Chargers in Oakland. The Raiders are fighting for a spot in the postseason; the Chargers won’t be able to stop them from making it. I look for Oakland to use this game to make a statement and extend their season at least one more game.

There you have it, my final picks for the 2011 NFL regular season. Last week, I was 10-5 with only the Monday night game left undecided at press time. I took the Saints over the Falcons. So far for the season, I’m 155-84. I’d like to reach the 170-win mark. That would be an average of 10 wins per week over the entire season. That means I need to go 14-2 or 15-1 during this final week. Wish me luck!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

Rockford IceHogs assistant captain Brett McLean (15) tries to wrap in a shot on Toronto Marlies goaltender Ben Scrivens (30) while Marlies defenseman Jeff Finger (4) swats at the puck. For the third time in his career, McLean will represent Team Canada in the Spengler Cup tournament, which takes place Dec. 26-31 in Davos, Switzerland. (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The Rockford IceHogs and Toronto Marlies faced off for the first of two meetings between the two teams this season. When two teams that do not see one another very often play, it usually means the teams will feel one another out for the initial part of the game until a team can judge how the other will play and react. Wednesday, Dec. 21, it took the teams a little longer to find a weakness. Or, in Toronto’s case, a bounce going their way.

Forty minutes of hockey were played, and neither team was able to put a point on the board. Everything changed, however, in the third and final period, and Toronto was the first to capitalize. Rockford was caught deep in the Toronto zone, as the Marlies grabbed the puck and raced toward the Rockford zone. Simon Gysbers took initial possession of the puck and fed it to fellow defenseman Jesse Blacker, who took the puck hard to the net in the middle of the ice. Rockford managed to knock the puck loose before it got to the net, where it settled alone in the middle of the Rockford zone. ’Hogs goalie Carter Hutton was unable to see the puck as there were four players stacked in front of the net. An alert Jerry D’Amigo raced in and slapped the puck to the stick side of Hutton, and gave Tornoto the first goal of the game, 1:52 into the first period.

The ’Hogs would tie the game midway through the final frame, getting the equalizing goal on a redirected shot. The ’Hogs were on their second power play of the evening when Ben Smith redirected a Peter LeBlanc shot from the left point. Brett McLean, who will be playing for Team Canada in the 2011 Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland, from Dec. 26 to 31, held the puck on the right wing, and fed it across ice to LeBlanc, who fired a shot on net. Smith was parked right in front of Marlies goaltender Ben Scrivens, and caught enough of the puck to alter its path past Scrivens.

It appeared the game would be heading to extra hockey, but Marcel Mueller made a good hockey play, and scored the go-ahead goal. ’Hogs defenseman Dylan Olsen was in position, but decided to move in and play the body, and Mueller shifted left and moved around Olsen, putting him one-on-one with Hutton, who was unable to stop the shot.

Rockford got a break shortly after when D’Amigo was called for a Delay of Game penalty with 1:26 left in regulation, giving Rockford a power play for the remainder of regulation. With Hutton sent off for the extra attacker, the ’Hogs had a six-on-four advantage, but were unable to get the puck in the back of the net. Toronto wound up getting two empty-net, shorthanded goals at 18:54 and 19:41 to seal the road win, 4-1.

Key points for this week:

1. Good defense for both squads — For the first two periods, both teams were playing good defensively, clearing loose pucks from in front of the net, clogging the shooting lanes, and breaking up some odd-man rushes.

2. Scoring chances — Both teams had good scoring chances, most in the second period. Hutton made a great save on a breakaway attempt to keep the game scoreless, and Scrivens had some good saves with the puck sitting around his crease. Also, ’Hogs defenseman Ryan Stanton beat Scrivens with 1 second remaining in the middle frame, but the puck rang off the far corner crossbar.

3. Rockford missing a few key players — Brandon Pirri, who was ranked 10th in the AHL in scoring, and Jeremy Morin, were recalled to the Chicago Blackhawks for Wednesday’s game, leaving Rockford without one of their top scorers in Pirri, and a complete player in Morin. Both Morin and Pirri were returned to Rockford after their game in Chicago against the Montreal Canadiens, where Pirri registered one assist, two shots on goal and was a +2. Morin fired one shot on goal in the ’Hawks’ 5-1 win.

Looking forward:

Rockford heads up to Milwaukee Monday, Dec. 26, to play the Admirals (results not available at press time), then Thursday, Dec. 29, to the Allstate Arena to face off against the Wolves, with both games starting at 7 p.m. The team then rolls back home Friday, Dec. 30, to host the Charlotte Checkers with a 7:05 p.m. start. For the third game in three days, Rockford heads south to Peoria for a matchup against the Rivermen at 6 p.m., which marks the first game of a seven-game road trip. The ’Hogs won’t see home ice again until Monday, Jan. 16, when the Texas Stars come to visit.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

Rockford Park District is offering programs to help you learn to ice skate, improve your skating skills or learn to play hockey.

The Learn to Skate and Jr. IceHogs/Learn to Play Hockey programs offer people ages 3 to adult of all abilities the opportunity to learn skills to enjoy ice sports recreation for a lifetime.

Six-week group sessions are offered for beginner, intermediate and advanced skill levels, and meet at Carlson Ice Arena in Loves Park once a week for 30 to 60 minutes, with skates provided; the next sessions begin the weeks of Jan. 5 and Feb. 16, 2012.

For figure skating students interested in additional advanced training, private lessons are also available from the professional coaching staff of the Park District’s ice facilities.

Registration is under way for skating and hockey programs, and will continue until capacity is reached. Fee assistance for group lessons may be available to those meeting program qualifications.

Registrations are taken online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), by mail, fax, at Customer Service locations in downtown Rockford, or at Carlson Ice Arena, Riverside and Perryville, Loves Park. Registration information and class descriptions, schedules and fees are available online at www.rockfordparkdistrict.org (click Register Now), in the Park District’s Fall/Winter 2011 Youth/Adult Guide (www.rockfordparkdistrict.org/programbrochures), at Park District Customer Service and facilities, or by calling (815) 969-4069 or (815) 987-8800.

For information about support and adapted sports programs for skaters and hockey players with disabilities, call (815) 987-8800.

From the Dec. 28, 2011-Jan. 3, 2012, issue

The Rockford IceHogs will soon embark on a seven-game road trip, and if the team plays the same way as they played in Milwaukee Monday night, Dec. 26, it will be a long trip away from home.

The game started out as a defensive standoff with Milwaukee tallying the only goal in the first 20 minutes, courtesy of Teemu Laakso while on the power play.

Rockford scored the equalizing goal and the go-ahead goal within 1 minute of one another in the second period to gain their first, and only, lead of the game. Jimmy Hayes and Ben Smith both tallied markers for Rockford, with Rostislav Olesz assisting on the Hayes marker and David Gilbert and Brian Connelly helping on the Smith goal.

Milwaukee would fire off three of their own goals after Rockford had taken the lead to end the second frame 4-2. The Ads’ first goal came while on a five-on-three power play, while their second goal of the period came only 7 seconds into a power play.

Three more unanswered Milwaukee goals would put the Admirals up 7-2 late in the game, until Byron Froese scored for Rockford with 1:16 remaining in the game. Rockford’s goal was scored 7 seconds after a Rockford power play expired, and signaled the end of the scoring, with Milwaukee rolling over Rockford with a 7-3 lead.

Carter Hutton, who has played well in net for the ’Hogs at home but has struggled on the road, was handed the loss after giving up 6 goals on 27 shots in 47 minutes of ice time. Alec Richards came on in relief of Hutton, and gave up one goal on five shots.

Jeremy Smith earned the win for Milwaukee, stopping 24 of 27 ’Hogs shots.

Key points for this week:

1. Too many penalties — One thing Rockford has had problems with this season is giving up too many penalties. Milwaukee took full advantage of the seven power-play chances, going an impressive 5-for-7 with the extra skater, including a five-on-three goal.

2. Get some road wins — Rockford will play eight of their next nine games on the road, and the team will need to figure out what happened on Monday to make their upcoming road trip successful.

Looking forward:

Rockford has a busy three-game week coming up with their first game Thursday, Dec. 29, at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont. The team turns around on Interstate 90 to come back to the BMO Harris Bank Center to host the Charlotte Checkers Friday, Dec. 30. The next day, Rockford visits the Carver Arena once again to take on the Peoria Rivermen to kick off their seven-game road trip.

Last Saturday, Dec. 17, the northern Illinois area woke up to its first measurable snowfall of the season. The next day, Sunday, Dec. 18, they must have had the same weather in hell. For the first time this season, the Green Bay Packers lost and the Indianapolis Colts won.

This week, the Packers host the Bears on Christmas night. I was originally hoping the Bears could somehow manage a “Miracle on Lombardi Avenue” and upset the Pack and ruin their perfect season. Since the Kansas City Chiefs already took care of that, I’ll let that wish go by the wayside and take Grinch Bay over the (Teddy) Bears.

Tomorrow night (Thursday, Dec. 22) the Houston Texans are in Indianapolis against the Colts. Despite Christmas coming early for Indy last weekend, I’m saying they are one and done. The Texans will win.

A full slate of games is set for Christmas Eve. The Ravens are at home against the Browns. The Ravens will gladly unwrap that gift and put some coal in the Browns’ stockings. Another team expecting to find some coal is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They will lose on the road to the Panthers.

The Patriots will be snuggled in their beds all comfy and cozy following their win against the Dolphins at home. The Raiders are in Kansas City to deliver some good cheer. They’ll defeat the Chiefs and claim that someone forgot to tell them about bringing the good cheer.

The Titans are hosting the Jaguars. I’m predicting a return to the win column for the Titans after their embarrassing loss to the Colts last weekend. The Bengals are at home. They host the Cardinals in a pear tree. I like the Cats.

The entire Empire State will be gathered around the Christmas tree and the TV to watch the Jets and the Giants. I’m going with the Jets. Another team from that state is playing at home as well. The Bills take on the Broncos in Buffalo. What child hasn’t asked for a pony at one time or another for Christmas? I’m taking Tim Tebow and the ponies.

Pittsburgh is home for the holiday and will send the Rams back to St. Louis with another loss to hang on their mantle.

The Vikings are traveling over the river and through the woods to the Washington Redskins. I like the Redskins. The Lions get to celebrate their win with Christmas dinner at home after they take the batteries out of the San Diego Chargers.

There won’t be any kisses exchanged under the mistletoe between the Cowboys and their division rival, the Eagles. This is a home game for Dallas and a must-win if they expect any gifts under their tree from owner Jerry Jones. I’m predicting Jones will relish his role as Jolly Ol’ Jerry and reward the team for knocking off the Eagles.

San Francisco takes on the Seahawks in the final game before Santa hits the skyway. Seattle has a history of playing tough at home, but I’m going against the grain and taking the 49ers.

The Monday night game features the Saints at home against the Falcons. Who could possibly pick against the Saints in this one? Not I!

MERRY CHRISTMAS to you and your families!

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Boylan Titans’ Ben Grygiel scored 14 points, including 8 in the first quarter against Rockford East E-Rabs, Friday, Dec. 16. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

By Matt Nestor
Prep Sports Reporter

With several key players joining the team after the start of the season because of football, the Rockford Boylan Titans are still trying to find their identity as a team.

That is scary news for the rest of the NIC-10. Boylan jumped out to a 19-point first-quarter lead and cruised in for a 76-63 victory at Rockford East Dec. 16.

“We’re incredibly inexperienced,” Boylan Head Coach Mike Winters said. “But the good news is we’re finding ways to win with that inexperience, which is positive.”

The Titans got out to a quick start in the first. A combination of two quick fouls by East’s Steve McNease and great early execution allowed Ben Grygiel to score 8 of his 14 points and Dean Lowry to score 6 of his 10 points in the first quarter.

“I couldn’t be more proud of our first-quarter effort and, really, the first 10 minutes,” Winters said. “We really took them out of their game offensively with our defense and created a lot of easy baskets as a result.”

From there, East settled in and started attacking on defense. The E-Rabs tried to use their depth and speed to their advantage, and it worked at times, allowing them to cut the deficit to 10 several times.

But as the game increased in speed, the Titans’ Adonis Brown stepped up his game. The senior scored 27 points to lead all scorers, including 6 in the second quarter and 16 in the second half.

“When Adonis decides to make the simple play in the lane and get strong and finish, he’s a heck of an athlete and can put the ball in the basket,” Winters said. “He maybe understands those situations a little bit more having more time in varsity games, and we really need to lean on him to make those great decisions in the open floor.”

As the game wore on, it did look like East may finally be wearing the Titans down. The lead was cut down to 11 again in the fourth as the E-Rabs created a lot of turnovers.

Boylan’s Adonis Brown scored 27 points to lead all scorers. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

Darshawn Pumphrey-King put in 7 of his 24 points in the fourth quarter to keep it close. But East, which shot 35 percent on the night, could not take advantage of the turnovers to cut the lead down any more.

“Our hardest opponent is us,” East Head Coach Roy Sackmaster said. “We can’t make a shot to save our lives right now. Even though (Boylan) had some trouble turning the ball over, they are going to make their layups.”

Things weren’t all rosy for the Titans. They did struggle with turnovers and made only 13 of 31 free throws. But all things considered at this point, the Titans will take the wins how they can get them.

“Some of the free throws is still a little bit of legs,” Winters said. “We can’t keep using that excuse. But the fact of the matter is we are three weeks behind, and it shows offensively at times.”

In other NIC-10 action:

• The NIC-10 race is suddenly wide open after the Rockton Hononegah Indians knocked off the Rockford Auburn Knights 39-36. Jarred Morris knocked down four threes, and Carlos Hendrix hit a late 3-pointer to tie the game. The win moves Hononegah into a four-way tie with Auburn and Boylan. For the Knights, it was their first conference loss since February of 2010. Fred Van Vleet scored 13, but LaMark Foote struggled with only 3 points.

• Freeport is the fourth member of the tie at the top after they outlasted Rockford Jefferson in a 48-37 slugfest. Luke Norman led all scorers with 16 points and Devin Best chipped in 12 points for the Pretzels. Jefferson was able to bounce back with a 58-47 non-conference win over Algonquin Jacobs the following night.

• Maurice Jackson scored 18, and Kane Steger had 12 as Belvidere stayed a game out of first with a 70-68 upset over Machesney Park Harlem. Jordan Baxter scored 20 for Harlem, but the Bucs were able to limit Michael Proscia to only 10 points.

• Belvidere North could not follow up their big win over Harlem as Juwan Hubbard and the Rockford Guilford Vikings picked up their first conference win of the season, knocking off the Blue Thunder 79-64.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

I know this is the time of year when we are all supposed to practice “good will toward men.” Normally, that wouldn’t be a problem for me. But this year, there is a guy I’m not sure deserves that act of kindness. His name is Sam Hurd. I want to take this guy to task. I think he’s an idiot.

The former Chicago Bears wide receiver was arrested last week on federal drug charges. These weren’t your average, run-of-the-mill possession charges. Last Thursday, Dec. 15, Hurd was in federal court to face a charge that he did “possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more” of cocaine.

At the end of July, the Bears signed Hurd to a three-year deal that included a signing bonus of $1.3 million and was scheduled to pay him base salaries of $685,000 in 2011, $865,000 in 2012 and $1 million in 2013. The Bears cut Hurd from the team Friday, Dec. 16.

Why on earth would a guy who was set to make millions of dollars over the next few years risk selling drugs? I’ll tell you why, he’s an idiot. I don’t care that he graduated from Northern Illinois University; he’s still an idiot.

There simply is no other explanation. Here’s a guy who was collecting huge paychecks to play a game. Obviously, with a high six-figure salary he didn’t need to supplement his income by doing something this stupid, not to mention illegal.

Now, instead of enjoying the fruits of his legal labor, he is being sent back to Texas to face the charges and await a trial. What a great way for him and his family to have to spend the holidays.

The 26-year-old Hurd was in his first year with the Bears and sixth year overall in the NFL. He played the previous five seasons with the Cowboys. He has put his entire career in jeopardy if convicted of these charges. Reports indicate he may be facing up to 40 years in prison. I repeat, what an idiot.

If Hurd is guilty, I hope he gets the maximum sentence — partially because of the crime he was charged with and partially because the world doesn’t need any more idiots like him walking our streets.

I’m not sure if anything good can come from this, but I hope maybe others will stop to think before becoming involved in the sale of illicit drugs. That’s a Christmas wish for Sam Hurd to think about.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Rockford IceHogs defenseman Brian Connelly (foreground, 10) tries to feed a pass across the goal crease to Peter LeBlanc (32) while Milwaukee Admirals goalie Jeremy Smith (30) and defenseman Ryan Ellis (6) try to stop the pass. Connelly currently ranks second among all AHL defensemen in scoring with 25 points (3G, 22A). (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The Rockford IceHogs came into last week riding a three-game point streak, and looked to continue the streak Wednesday, Dec. 14, in Grand Rapids against the Griffins in the last meeting of the regular season for these two teams.

It only took Grand Rapids 67 seconds to score the first goal of the game. ’Hogs goalie Carter Hutton grabbed the puck and shot it against the near boards in a clearing attempt. Adam Estoclet stopped the puck on the boards and quickly fired a shot toward the net. On the way in, Willie Coetzee got a piece of the puck and redirected it past Hutton for a quick lead.

Andrew Shaw tied it up at the 16:00 mark of the first frame. Joe Laving fired a shot from the blue line, which Joey MacDonald fended off, but the rebound came right to Shaw, who snapped it past MacDonald.

Rockford would take the lead later in the period with Lavin scoring his second point of the night. The defenseman was playing deep on the right side of the net when a pass by Brandon Pirri came right to Lavin’s stick and into the back of the net.

Not to be outdone, Francis Pare notched his fourth goal of the year later in the first. The goal came on the rush just after the Griffins killed off a ’Hogs power play, which included more than 1 minute of five-on-three play. Pare took the puck across the blue line to the right face-off circle and sniped a shot to the stick side of Hutton, tying the game at 2-2.

After a back-and-forth first period, neither team would score in the second.

Coetzee brought the scoring drought to an end with an unassisted goal at the start of the third. After grabbing a turnover just shy of mid-ice, Coetzee raced to the right side of the ice, then made a nice toe drag move across center ice, and beat Hutton glove-side, giving the Griffins the lead once again.

Similar to the first period, after Coetzee scored a goal, Shaw would do the same, scoring his second of the evening. Brian Connelly took the puck toward the net and fired a shot in close, which was fended off by MacDonald. Ben Smith was in close and tried to poke at the loose puck, but grabbed it and bounced it behind the left side of the net and out the right side, where Shaw was stationed. MacDonald was still down on the ice from the scrum in front of the net, and Shaw fired it in to tie the score once again.

Rockford would take the lead a few minutes later with Brandon Segal scoring after a face-off win in the offensive zone by Brett McLean. After winning the face-off, Lavin fed the puck cross-ice to Shawn Lalonde, who fired the puck at the net. Segal was in the right place in front of the net, and redirected it past MacDonald.

Grand Rapids came back around the middle of the frame to tie things up once again. Trevor Parkes was aggressive in front of the net and forced a loose puck past Hutton.

After 60 minutes, neither team claimed the lead. Five minutes of overtime wasn’t enough to decide a victor, so the teams went back to a shootout. Last week when the two teams squared off, Rockford won the shootout, but this time it was Grand Rapids that would take the extra point. It took seven rounds to decide the winner, and Landon Ferraro iced the game with the seventh-round goal, winning the shootout 2-1. Pirri was the only ’Hogs shooter to score in the “skills competition.”

Rockford finished the regular season with a 3-0-0-1 record against the Griffins, taking 7 of a possible 8 points. The shootout loss also continued Rockford’s point streak to a season-high four games.

Friday, the ’Hogs would travel back home to the BMO Harris Bank Center for a meeting with the Peoria Rivermen.

Rockford did almost everything right against the Rivermen, but couldn’t consistently score on Jake Allen. A late first-period penalty gave Rockford their second power play of the evening, one they would convert into a goal with a blast from the point by Connelly. Pirri and Peter LeBlanc set up the game’s first goal, and only marker in the first period. Rockford put up some big numbers in the first, outshooting Peoria 18-11.

The Rivermen owned the middle frame, tallying three unanswered goals to go up 3-1 after 40 minutes. Former IceHogs skater Derek Nesbitt tallied a goal and an assist for the Rivermen, as did Jonathan Cheechoo.

Pirri remained hot and scored his second point of the night with a goal 1:40 into the last frame. The shot from the left wing was probably one Allen would want back, as he misplayed the shot, which was blasted past his glove-side.

Peoria would reclaim a 2-goal lead later in the third on a rebound that took a bad bounce. Alec Richards came out to play a shot that was out on his right side where the puck was blocked slightly, and bounced behind the net, hitting the boards. The bouncing puck rebounded to the other side of the net, where Chase Polacek was waiting, and slammed it home.

Richards would head to the bench with time expiring in the game, but Anthony Nigro sealed the game with 9 seconds left with an empty-net goal, leaving the ’Hogs skating off with a 5-2 loss, and an end to their four-game point streak.

Rockford’s inability to capitalize on the second- and third-chance rebounds hurt the team. On a good night, a team will get roughly 12-15 scoring chances, and Rockford had at least 25 this game, but couldn’t put the biscuit in the basket when they had their chances.

The following night, Rockford played host to the Milwaukee Admirals for the first time this year. Rockford faced Milwaukee last week, and lost in the shootout. This time, it was Rockford getting the win against the division rival after another 40-plus shot performance.

Milwaukee’s Tyler Sloan was tagged for the first penalty of the game, coming midway through the first period, and the ’Hogs capitalized quickly. LeBlanc scored 17 seconds after the penalty, giving the ’Hogs a 1-0 lead. The goal was a good tip-in goal set up by a nice feed from Pirri, who was passing the puck back and forth with Connelly on the near-side wing.

Jonathon Blum, recently sent down from the Nashville Predators of the NHL, tied the score shortly after LeBlanc’s goal on Milwaukee’s first power-play opportunity of the evening. The tip-in goal, as a result of a bounce off Milwaukee’s Ryan Thangs’ glove, was Blum’s first of the season.

Pirri would put Rockford ahead early in the second period — on Rockford’s third power play of the evening — from a great feed from Rostislav Olesz. Pirri held the puck along the right wing, and fed it back to Connelly on the blue line. Connelly faked going back to Pirri, and instead moved the puck left to Olesz, who fed the puck across the middle of the ice, where Pirri ripped a one-timer past Jeremy Smith.

Tough guy Brandon Bollig tallied his first of the year on an unexpected snapshot from the left faceoff circle. It appeared Smith did not expect Bollig to shoot, as the puck went just over his right shoulder into the back of the net.

For his third point of the night, and quite a bit of luck, Pirri scored his second power-play goal of the evening. LeBlanc played the puck back in the ’Hogs’ zone and moved it up to Olesz at center ice. Olesz fed it back to Pirri, who moved with speed up the right wing, and slapped the puck around the boards in an attempt to place the puck on the left side. Smith moved from the net and wrapped around the back of the net in an attempt to stop or slow the puck for the Ads. Fortunately for the ’Hogs, the puck took a fluke bounce off the glass, and skipped out in front of an open net, where Pirri alertly hustled to the puck and poked it in for the goal.

Milwaukee wouldn’t go away silently, however, as Blum scored one last goal for the Ads with 55 seconds left in the game, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a good middle frame by Rockford, which skated away with a 4-2 win.

Key points for the week:

1. Pirri gets his scoring touch back — After a slow week, Pirri got his scoring touch back, tallying 7 points in three games with three goals and four assists.

2. Defense clearing pucks from the net — On many occasions over the weekend, but mostly against Milwaukee, the ’Hogs’ skaters played good defense in front of the net and cleared away some loose pucks.

3. Power-play scoring — After scoring only three goals in 34 attempts, Rockford finished Friday and Saturday going four-for-nine on the power play, including an impressive three-for-five against Milwaukee Saturday.

Looking forward:

The Toronto Marlies come to Rockford for their first, and only, visit of the regular season Wednesday, Dec. 21, with game time at 7:05 p.m. The ’Hogs then head to Milwaukee Monday, Dec. 26, for the third meeting against the Ads this season.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — The Rockford RiverHawks will host their Holiday Baseball Camp at Wallbangers Academy in Loves Park from Tuesday, Dec. 27 through Friday, Dec. 30.

The camp costs $40 for all four days, and is for kids ages 7-12. Campers will receive hitting, fielding and pitching instruction from RiverHawks Manager Rich Austin and other RiverHawks coaches. Each camper will also get a ticket voucher to a 2012 RiverHawks game.

“This four-day camp is a great opportunity for kids to get in offseason work with a group of professional coaches,” Austin said.

Each camp session begins at 9 a.m. and runs until noon. Campers are to be dropped off at Wallbangers at 8:30 a.m. The registration deadline is noon, Friday, Dec. 23.

To sign your child up for the holiday camp, contact the RiverHawks front office at (815) 885-2255. Wallbangers Academy is at 7135 Clinton Road in Loves Park.

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league that will play its 20th season in 2012. Advertising and season ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

LOVES PARK, Ill. — Rockford College will once again call the RiverHawks’ stadium home in 2012.

The Regents and the Rockford RiverHawks announced Dec. 13 they have agreed to once again play the college’s home games at the professional baseball stadium.

Rockford College will play 25 games over 16 dates at the stadium, including several doubleheaders. The Regents’ first game in Loves Park is scheduled for March 30.

Both the Regents’ varsity and JV programs will play at the RiverHawks’ stadium next spring.

Regents Head Coach Bob Koopmann said: “The biggest thing it does is, one, give our players as well as our opponents a quality field to play on and a quality facility for the parents to watch a game at. Another big positive is how much it helps recruiting future Rockford College baseball players.”

The Regents compete in the Division III Northern Athletics Conference, and play from late March through early May. Rockford College won back-to-back NAC Tournament championships in 2007 and 2008.

RiverHawks Director of Operations Chris Daleo said: “This partnership benefits the college and the community. It gives Rockford College arguably the best facility in Division III, and the stadium’s seating capacity allows for more parents and local residents to watch the Regents play. The partnership also gives added exposure to our sponsors, and generates a greater presence of the RiverHawks name in the stateline region.”

The RiverHawks are members of the Frontier League, an independent professional baseball league that will play its 20th season in 2012. Advertising and season ticket information is available by calling (815) 885-2255. Fans can also visit www.rockfordriverhawks.com.

From the Dec. 21-27, 2011, issue

Johnny Knox

Online Staff Report

Chicago Bears wide receiver Johnny Knox will miss the rest of the season after suffering an injury to his back in the Bears’ 38-14 loss to the Seattle Seahawks at Soldier Field Dec. 18.

Knox took a brutal hit from the Seahawks’ Anthony Hargrove about 4 minutes into the game. Knox had just received a pass from quarterback Caleb Hanie when Kam Chancellor knocked the ball out of his hands. Knox then dove in an attempt to retrieve the ball, but was hit by Hargrove. The hit knocked Knox backward, and Knox remained on the field for nearly 10 minutes while being tended to by medical staff. The Seahawks’ Earl Thomas recovered the fumble at the Chicago 22.

Knox’s injury is not believed to be career-threatening. A surgery scheduled for Dec. 19 will stabilize a vertebra in his lower to mid back. Recovery is expected to be three to four months.

Chicago Bears Head Coach Lovie Smith said: “He has total movement throughout his body, has total use of all his extremities, which is good. We’re doing tests right now. He has total movement. He’s not paralyzed or anything.”

Knox, who has 37 receptions for 727 yards and two touchdowns, has more receiving yards than any other Bears receiver. He also has returned 15 kicks for 397 yards, a 26.5-yard average.

Knox joins starting quarterback Jay Cutler (thumb) and starting running back Matt Forte (knee) as key injuries to the Bears’ offensive unit this season. Cutler has been out since he was injured late in the Bears’ last victory, Nov. 20 against San Diego, and Forte has been out since being injured in the first quarter of a 10-3 loss to Kansas City Dec. 4.

At the time of Cutler’s injury, the Bears were one of the hottest teams in the NFL, having won five-straight games. During those five wins, the Bears averaged more than 30 points per game. Since Hanie replaced the injured Cutler, the Bears have gone 0-4 and have averaged nearly 12 points per game.

The 38-14 thumping at the hands of the Seahawks Dec. 18 means the Bears, now 7-7, will likely miss the playoffs just one year after hosting the NFC Championship game.

The Bears’ remaining schedule has them at Green Bay Dec. 25 and at Minnesota Jan. 1.

The NFC playoff picture is as follows: Dallas (8-6), Green Bay (13-1), New Orleans (11-3) and San Francisco (10-3) lead their divisions and would be ensured a playoff spot if the season ended today. In the hunt for the two wild-card slots are Detroit and Atlanta, both 9-5; and the New York Giants, Chicago, Seattle and Arizona, each at 7-7.

Jacob Doyle scored 16 points in Rockton Hononegah’s 65-62 win over Belvidere. (Photo by Matt Nestor)

By Matt Nestor
Prep Sports Reporter

You could look back and try to read Rockton Hononegah’s 65-62 victory over the Belvidere Bucs in multiple ways.

On one hand, Hononegah could look back with concerns over blowing an 18-point lead and giving Belvidere chances late to steal the game. On the other hand, the young Bucs could come away pleased with playing down to the wire with one of the NIC-10’s top powers.

Neither team is interested in those views.

Jacob Doyle scored 16 points, and Jack Granath scored 13 as the Indians held on for the win.

For Hononegah, it was a tough finish. The Indians turned the ball over and missed several late free-throws to let the Bucs back in. But Head Coach Mike Miller wasn’t concerned with his team’s late-game execution.

“This was a perfect game for us because we have a lot of guys that are inexperienced, and it was good to be in a situation where we were protecting a lead,” Miller said. “To win against a good team on the road and to have stuff to be able to talk about is good. It’s always good to learn and win at the same time.”

The Indians got off to a quick start in the game, as Carlos Hendrix scored 5 of his 11 early. A technical foul on Ian Carlson of Belvidere following a shooting foul also helped Hononegah jump out to a 20-7 lead after the first quarter.

Belvidere also helped the Indians in the first quarter, turning the ball over on their first six possessions. They were able to chip away at the lead, however, and only trailed by 10 at the half.

Hononegah did push their lead to 18 in the third quarter, but then Kane Steger got hot for Belvidere.

The junior knocked down two second-half threes and started driving to the basket, not only getting baskets, but setting up Quincy Canty and Quinten Canty for outside shots, helping them score 10 points each.

The Bucs were able to chip away on the lead and had it down to 4 points with just under a minute left and had the ball. But, reverting back to their first quarter miscues, a costly turnover allowed Hononegah a chance at free-throws to extend the lead.

While some around the program were proud of their performance against one of the conference’s best, the coaches and players in the locker room weren’t looking for moral victories after the game.

“We can’t turn the ball over like that,” Belvidere Head Coach Aaron Pearson said. “We know we can compete. Our goal is taking care of the ball and rebounding. If we can do those things, we can compete at the higher level.”

And teams around the NIC-10 are taking notice. That is why Miller was more relieved to pick up the road win than concerned about his team’s execution.

“Everybody around the league knows that Belvidere is the best-kept secret,” Miller said. “They have a good, bright future ahead of them.”

In other NIC-10 action:

• It was a light weekend for conference games, with only four games scheduled on the weekend. But Freeport took advantage of the one they had, topping Rockford East 47-44. Devin Best led the way for the Pretzels with 17 points, but they also got a pick-up from a returning Quavion Scott, who scored 9 and grabbed several key rebounds.

• Rockford Boylan Catholic Head Coach Mike Winters picked up his 200th win as the Titans topped Rockford Guilford 61-52 behind 24 points from Ben Grygiel. Juwan Hubbard continued to lead the way for the Vikings, pouring in 25 points.

• Rockford Auburn stayed undefeated, pushing past Rockford Jefferson for a 65-53 victory. Jaylin Marshall scored 15, while LaMark Foote and Fred Van Vleet scored 13 points for Auburn. A night after scoring 18 points to lead Jefferson, senior LT Davis scored another 11 in a 62-28 win in a non-conference game against Cary Grove.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Without starting quarterback Jay Cutler and featured running back Matt Forte, the Chicago Bears’ offense is bad, very bad. They are not only very bad, they are inept. Replacement running back Marion Barber committed two huge blunders that cost the Bears the game against Denver Sunday, Dec. 11. I’m not going to dissect those errors; I’m sure by now you’ve heard or read about them plenty of times.

This Sunday, the Bears have a home game against the Seattle Seahawks (5-7 at press time). If the Bears’ players continue to make mistakes and their coaching staff continues to give away games, I think the Class 7A State Champion Boylan Titans would give them a pretty good challenge. At least Boylan has a competent coaching staff. Once again, it pains me to go against the Bears, but I’m taking the Seahawks.

Green Bay continues to dominate. The Kansas City Chiefs (5-8) are the next team to endure the “Wrath of Rodgers.” The Packers will remain undefeated and win their 20th game in a row dating back to last season.

Tomorrow night (Thursday, Dec. 15) the Falcons (8-5) host the Jaguars (4-9). Jacksonville has only won one game on the road this year. Atlanta is a pretty tough place to play for visitors. I’m going with the Falcons in their home nest.

The Cowboys (7-6) play on the road on Saturday night, Dec. 17. They will be in Tampa Bay to take on the Buccaneers (4-9). The Buccaneers have lost their last seven games. The Cowboys are fighting for playoff position. I’m taking the Cowboys; they have a lot more at stake.

The Giants (7-6) are also fighting for playoff position in the same division as the Cowboys. This week, they have a home game against another division rival, the Washington Redskins (4-9). The Redskins have only won two of their seven games at home this year. The Giants are 3-3 on the road. Eli Manning will find a way to win this game.

The next match-up features the battle of the bottom of the AFC East. It’s the Buffalo Bills (5-8) against the Miami Dolphins (4-9) in Buffalo. Despite having lost their last six games, I’m picking the Bills to triumph over the fish.

It’s almost like a guaranteed win if you play the Indianapolis Colts (0-13) this season. This week, the Titans (7-6) invade Indianapolis to add the easy “W” to their record.

The AFC South champion Houston Texans (10-3) are at home against the Carolina Panthers (4-9). Look for the Texans to continue their winning ways and make it eight in a row.

Another team that should pick up an easy win is the Cincinnati Bengals (7-6). They are on the road in St. Louis. The Rams (2-10 at press time) don’t have the ability to match up either offensively or defensively with the Bengals. I’m taking the Bengals by double digits.

Speaking of double digits, look for the Saints (10-3) to beat the Vikings (2-11) by that margin.

The Raiders (7-6) host the Lions (8-5). Oakland is my Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde team this season. I never know which team is going to show up. I’ll assume the team that can beat the Lions will be in Oakland. Come on, Mr. Hyde. Both teams should come out of this one with 8-6 records.

The New York Jets (8-5) travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles (5-8). The Jets are on a three-game winning streak. The Eagles won last week against the Dolphins. I think New York will make it four in a row.

The Arizona Cardinals (6-7) upset the San Francisco 49ers (10-3) last week. This week, the Cardinals host the Cleveland Browns (4-9). This time, it won’t be an upset when Arizona picks up the win.

Tom Brady and his Patriots (10-3) visit Denver to take on the second-hottest quarterback in the league right now, Tim Tebow. He has a 7-1 record as the starter for the Broncos and has won his last six in a row. I think the miracles will come to a screeching halt this week. I’m taking the Patriots.

I look for the Ravens (10-3) to make it five straight this week when they travel cross country to sunny San Diego. The Chargers (6-7) have won two in a row, but won’t get by Baltimore.

I think the best game of the week will come on Monday night. The Pittsburgh Steelers (10-3) will be in San Francisco against the 49ers (10-3). The Steelers are looking for their fourth win in a row, and San Fran will be trying to ease the sting from their upset loss to Arizona last week. I look for Pittsburgh to add some insult to injury and drop the 49ers to 10-4.

I’ve won the last two weeks against the NTA 100.5 radio guys. This week, I had a 12-3 record heading into the Monday night game. I took the Seahawks over the Rams in that one. After a two-week hiatus, we should all be back on the air this Friday morning, Dec. 16, at 7:35 a.m. on the Doug McDuff and Company show. Listen for Ken DeCoster to bring everyone up to the minute on the season standings and overall records.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

By Doug Halberstadt
Sports Columnist

If it were a football game, we’d be at the 2-minute warning. Instead, it’s the Christmas shopping season and the clock is merely winding down. Not to worry, though, if you’ve got a sports fan on your list. They are usually extremely easy to buy for. Get them something/anything that has their favorite team’s logo on it and,c voilà, you’ve got a great gift they’ll love and cherish for the rest of their life.

I have found a unique gift if you have a Chicago Blackhawks fan on your list. I assume it’s safe to say he/she already has everything from head to toe adorned with the greatest logo in all of professional sports. So this year, don’t get caught at the last minute running all over town looking for an officially licensed NHL Blackhawks Snuggie or Chia Pet.

Instead, take my advice and get them the book 100 Things Blackhawks Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die by Tab Bamford and a forward written by former Hawks’ player Jeremy Roenick. The 255-page soft-cover book is like a pre-written bucket list for the diehard Chicago hockey fan.

According to the back cover, this book “is the must-have guide for true fans of the Chicago Blackhawks. Whether you’re a die-hard booster from the days of Major McLaughlin or a recent supporter of Duncan Keith, these are the 100 things all fans need to know and do in their lifetime. Bamford has collected essential Hawks knowledge, trivia, stats, and must do activities and ranks them from 1 to 100, providing an entertaining and easy-to-follow checklist as you progress on your way to fan superstardom!”

The book retails for $14.95 and is available at Triumphbooks.com. I hope they aren’t already sold out. If so, good luck finding that Snuggie!

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

IceHogs rookie winger Jimmy Hayes (17) puts a shot on Grand Rapids Griffins goalie Jordan Pearce (1) during Saturday’s game (Dec. 10). (Photo by Todd Reicher)

By Todd Reicher
Sports Columnist

The last week was not kind to the ’Hogs with Rockford going on a season-long four-game losing streak.

That would all change on the first game of the week with the Chicago Wolves riding into town. Rockford’s four unanswered first-period goals helped pave the way for a 6-3 ’Hogs win.

Chicago got on the board first with Anton Rodin scoring on a delayed penalty 4:21 into the start of the game.

Rockford would fire off four goals in a span of 7 minutes to take a commanding 4-1 lead into the first intermission.

Less than 1 minute after Rodin’s goal, Bryon Froese, a fresh call-up from the Toledo Walleye, tallied not only his first goal of the season, but the first AHL goal of his young career. Fellow rookies Rob Flick and Philippe Paradis were credited for assists on the tying goal. The goal was Rockford’s first shot of the night, and came at 5:08.

Andrew Shaw put Rockford up by 1 with his fifth goal of the season.

It was Peter LeBlanc’s turn next. Jimmy Hayes played an aggressive forecheck and forced a turnover in the Wolves’ defensive zone. Hayes grabbed the rubber and fed it over to LeBlanc, who was alone in the middle of the ice and slapped a shot past Matt Climie, putting Rockford up 3-1. The third unanswered goal signaled a quick end for Climie as he was pulled in favor of Eddie Lack.

Climie was escorted off the ice by one of the linesmen, and as he entered the tunnel to the dressing room, his frustration reached a boiling point as he slammed his stick to the paved walkway and threw it down the tunnel.

Only a few games ago, ’Hogs goalie Alec Richards came into a game after starting goalie Alexander Salak was injured, and I commented about how difficult it was for a goalie to come into a game cold. My statement rang true once again, this time in Rockford’s favor, as Shaw notched his second goal of the night only 24 seconds after Lack hit the ice. Brian Fahey blasted a shot from the blue line, which Shaw, who was playing perfectly in front of the net, deflected in behind Lack.

Chicago made a game of it in the middle frame with two quick goals. Mark Mancari netted both goals for the Wolves, with the first coming on the power play. The goals, scored 2:30 minutes apart, brought the Wolves to within 1.

But Brett McLean tallied his seventh marker of the season, and gave Rockford a two-goal edge going into the last period.

Rostislav Olesz potted his fourth of the season just past the midway point in the final frame to seal the deal for Rockford with a 6-3 win, ending the ’Hogs’ four-game skid.

The following night, Rockford hosted the Grand Rapids Griffins for the second, and final, time this season, and the third of four matchups between the two teams this season. Rockford has always had success playing against the Griffins, holding a 2-0 record this season and an impressive 15-3-0-3 overall record dating back to the 2007-2008 season, and a 9-1-0-1 home record.

Once again, Rockford fell behind first with Griffins breakout rookie Gustav Nyquist netting his ninth goal of the season 8:38 into the first. The power-play goal was scored with some traffic in front of the net, and a little luck. Carter Hutton, who was starting in net for his fourth consecutive game, attempted to move a loose puck and poked it out a little too far. Nyquist jumped on the puck and beat Hutton for the 1-0 lead.

Statistically speaking, Rockford’s chances of coming back to win were very slim, as Rockford has only won one game this season after being down at the end of the first or second period.

The ’Hogs weren’t going to let statistics get in the way of tarnishing their great record over Grand Rapids, and Olesz helped to steer Rockford in the right direction. Hayes took the puck hard to the net, got in close on Griffins goalie Jordan Pearce and tried to stuff a shot in off the left pad of Pearce, which was turned wide left. Olesz was standing on the left side of the net and quickly shot it past Pearce, knotting the score at 1-1.

With time winding down in the second, Brandon Pirri took the puck in deep to the Griffins’ zone. Pirri found Jeremy Morin on the close side of the ice, and quickly fed it back across the ice to Shawn Lalonde, who wound up a blasted shot from the far blue line. The shot rang off the underside of the top crossbar and in behind Pearce, putting Rockford ahead for the first time in the game with 41 seconds left in the period.

Both teams played a fast-paced, back-and-forth third period, with both Pearce and Hutton making some excellent saves to keep their teams in the game. But with time winding down, neither team had scored, and Grand Rapids was pushing hard in the ’Hogs’ zone.

With a face-off opportunity in the Rockford zone, the Griffins pulled Pearce for the extra attacker. The plan worked, as the Griffins’ Joakim Andersson scored his seventh of the season on a redirect. Francis Pare received the puck on the near face-off circle and purposely shot the puck wide right where Andersson was stationed. He redirected the puck past Hutton, evening the score at 2-2 with under a minute left in the game.

Tempers flared in the overtime session when McLean was tagged for a goaltender interference penalty, and Ryan Stanton and the Griffins’ Logan Pyett were sent off for roughing minors. For the last 1:46 of the overtime session, the ’Hogs were going to be shorthanded.

Compared to the end of the third, Grand Rapids seemed pensive with the puck, and Rockford fought off the four-on-three, sending the game to a shootout. The shootout was only Rockford’s fourth shootout game in 366 days.

After two of four shooters, Rockford was down 2-1, with Morin looking to tie it up. Morin beat Pearce, and Hutton made his first stop in the shootout against Pare to keep things square after three. From then on, Hutton stopped the next two, with both teams tied at 2 goals each after five rounds.

The sixth shooter, Brandon Segal, made a nice deke from right to left, and lifted the puck over the pad of Pearce, putting Rockford up 3-2.

Next up, it was Landon Ferraro vs. Hutton. If Ferraro scored, it would extend the shootout for at least one more round, but if Hutton could fend off the shot, it was a win for Rockford. Ferraro picked up the rubber at center ice and weaved his way toward the net. He faked a shot on the right, shifted the puck to his backhand, and quickly deked to the left. Hutton did not bite on the fake, followed Ferraro to the side and stayed down as the puck was swallowed into his pads. Hutton quickly stood up, punched his fist toward the ground and slid to one knee as the ’Hogs’ players evacuated the bench to swarm Hutton, celebrating their 3-2 shootout win.

For their third game in three days, Rockford traveled up to Milwaukee to face the Admirals for the first time this season. The Admirals were sitting in second place in the division behind the Charlotte Checkers by only 3 points, but have played four fewer games than the Midwest Division leaders.

Rockford scored the first goal of the game to get the scoring started. Dylan Olsen tallied his first point of the year on a nice feed from Hayes.

Milwaukee tied it up a few minutes later as Joel Champagne tallied his third of the year.

The see-saw battle continued with Rockford reclaiming the lead, courtesy of LeBlanc. Fahey put a shot in on net and LeBlanc was there to clean up the loose change. Hayes recorded another point, as he was the secondary assist on the goal.

Milwaukee would tally the next two goals to take a 3-2 lead into the first intermission. Mark Van Guilder and Jani Lajunen scored 4:41 apart.

The second period would start with Rockford getting a goal from Shaw to tie the score yet again. Morin and Pirri were credited with assists on the goal.

Lalonde would get his second point in as many games, assisting on an Olesz goal. Lalonde fired a shot from the point, which was kicked aside by Ads goalie Jeremy Smith directly to Olesz, who deposited the puck for an easy goal, and another ’Hogs lead.

A player injury on the ice led to a brief game delay. Morin was tracking down the puck and had his arms out to brace himself when his elbow struck Champagne. As Champagne lay on the ice, Morin was sent to the dressing room and handed a 5-minute major for high-sticking and a game misconduct.

With a 5-minute power play ahead of them, Milwaukee looked to even the score. Richards, who was getting his first start in eight games, started to settle down, and fended off a number of Ads shots, and helped Rockford kill off the 5-minute penalty.

Rockford had some momentum going into the third, but Milwaukee quickly dissolved it with Van Guilder scoring his second of the evening 3:02 into the period.

The score would remain tied at 4-4 through the rest of regulation, and Rockford was lucky to be in the game. Rockford was outshot 43-20, and including the overtime session, 45-20.

For the second night in a row, the ’Hogs would go to a shootout to determine who would get the second point. As bad as Smith was in the first period, he was golden in the shootout, stopping all four IceHogs shooters. Michael Latta and Ryan Ellis both scored in the shootout, giving Milwaukee the win and the extra point.

Rockford still played much better in this week, earning five out of a possible six points, getting them closer to crawling out of last place in the division.

Key points for the week:

1. Hayes playing his size — Hayes has already shown great maturity in his first full season in the professional league, and is using his 6-foot-5-inch, 210-pound frame to move opposing players. For his size, Hayes is deceptively fast, and has been very good on the fore check.

2. Goalies coming up big — Since being called up from Toledo, Hutton has played very well in net for Rockford, and as of Dec. 10, is the only goalie on the Rockford roster to hold a save percentage above .900. After sitting out in favor of Salak and Hutton for a number of games, Richards played a great game on Sunday, barring the first period. Rockford’s offense did not help him out much, putting half the shots on net as Milwaukee, but the 1 point on Sunday would not have happened were it not for Richards’ excellent play.

Looking forward:

Rockford will travel to Grand Rapids, Mich., Wednesday, Dec. 14, to wrap up their annual series against the Griffins, with game time at 7 p.m. Rockford is 3-0 this season against Grand Rapids, and looks to sweep the series. The ’Hogs then travel back home for two weekend games, hosting the Peoria Rivermen Friday, Dec. 16, and the Milwaukee Admirals Saturday, Dec. 17, with game time at 7:05 p.m. for both games in Rockford.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Champion waterskiers will take to the Rock River in 2013 when the Rockford region hosts the 39th Division 1 National Water-ski Tournament.

The tournament will take place Aug. 8-11, 2013, and will draw approximately 14 teams and bring nearly 5,000 competitors, crew, judges and fans.

The tournament will generate an estimated $1 million for local hotels, restaurants and retail outlets.

The Rockford region last hosted the event in 2009.

Ski Broncs Promotion Director Jennifer Pace approached the Rockford Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (RACVB) about bringing the championship event back to the region at the RACVB roundtable discussions in 2010.

Pace explained: “Hosting a national competition creates stronger community awareness for our organization. The Ski Broncs are more likely to gain sponsors and grow community support, which provides the tools and finances needed for our summer performances. The competition will also bring thousands of people into our community, which will benefit local businesses.”

The Ski Broncs worked with RACVB, the Rockford Park District, the City of Loves Park and other organizations to help find the funding needed to strengthen the team and host the regional competition this past summer. This allowed the team to prove their ability to host a competition and put the organization in a position to be able to bid on the national event.

From the Dec. 14-20, 2011, issue

Mark Buehrle (Photo by Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images)

Online Staff Report

Mark Buehrle, who has spent his entire 12-year career with the Chicago White Sox, signed a $58 million, four-year contract to join former White Sox Manager Ozzie Guillen in Miami next season.

Buehrle, 32, a four-time All-Star and three-time Gold Glove winner, had a 3.83 ERA and 161-119 record in his 12 seasons with the White Sox. The southpaw started more than 30 games in every season, and pitched a no-hitter April 18, 2007, against the Texas Rangers, and a perfect game July 23, 2009, against the Tampa Bay Rays. He was just the 18th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to throw a perfect game.

When asked how he would fill the void left by Buehrle’s departure, White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams said in an ESPNChicago report: “I’m not sure you do. I think you respect what he’s meant both on the field and off the field and you accept it. For me to stand here and say that somebody will take that mantle and be Mark Buehrle, well Mark Buehrle is Mark Buehrle. He is a unique person.”

Williams has said he does not plan to make any changes to the White Sox’s rotation for 2012. That would leave the Sox with a rotation of John Danks, Gavin Floyd, Jake Peavy, Phil Humber and Chris Sale.

White Sox captain Paul Konerko told the Daily Herald: “My thoughts are that it is a tough, sad day for White Sox. No way to spin this any other way. Just try to get over it and move on.”

Buehrle is the third major free-agent to sign with the Marlins, who also signed closer Heath Bell and shortstop Jose Reyes. The team had reportedly been in the running to sign free-agent first baseman Albert Pujols, but Pujols refused their $200 million-plus offer.

The Marlins will open their new $515 million, retractable-roof stadium in 2012. They had the lowest payroll of any team in the major leagues last season.

You are reading it here first. I’m predicting the Packers will finish the season with a perfect 16-0 record. I’m also predicting that if Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte is out for the rest of the year, the Chicago Bears may only win one more game.

Green Bay managed to get by the toughest game left on their schedule last Sunday, Dec. 4. They won 38-35 with a last-second field goal over the New York Giants. The rest of their schedule should be a cakewalk. This week, they will improve to 13-0 when they take on the Oakland Raiders at Lambeau. After that, they have games left with the Chiefs, the Bears and the Lions. To me, that looks like a 16-0 regular season.

The Bears have to go on the road to face one of the hottest teams in the league right now, the Denver Broncos. Quarterback Tim Tebow has led the Broncos to five-straight wins. The Bears have been headed in the opposite direction with Caleb Hanie replacing the injured Jay Cutler. Chicago has dropped their last two in a row. As much as it pains me to say it, I think the Bears are done for the year. I don’t see them winning this week. I’m going with the hot-handed Tebow at Mile High.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 8), the Steelers (9-3) have a home game against AFC North division opponent Cleveland (4-8). The Steelers need this game to keep pace within the division with Baltimore (9-3). This is the time of year when the better teams come alive, and the lesser teams start to shrivel up and go away. Pittsburgh will prevail, and the Browns will go away.

The Ravens are the other team battling to stay atop that AFC North Division. This week, they are almost guaranteed a win. They have the good fortune of hosting the winless Indianapolis Colts (0-12). The Ravens will improve to 10-3 and keep the heat on Pittsburgh.

In the NFC South, the Falcons (7-5) are on the road in Carolina. The Panthers (4-8) are at the bottom of that division, and the Falcons are in second, right behind the Saints. Atlanta is still hoping to make the postseason. They will need this win against the Panthers to keep that hope alive. I think they’ll do it and improve to 8-5, and drop Carolina down to 4-9.

Another team that has shriveled up and climbed deep into a hole is the Minnesota Vikings (2-10). I look for them to add some more wrinkles this week. They face the Lions in Detroit. Like the Falcons, the Lions are playing for their postseason lives. That alone should be enough motivation to knock off the hopeless Vikings. I like the Lions at home.

The Jaguars (3-8 at press time) have a home game against the Buccaneers (4-8). This is my “Who cares?” game of the week. I think the only people this game could possibly matter to have oranges on their license plates. Because I have to pick someone, I’ll take the Jags at home.

Another game being played in the Sunshine State features the Dolphins (4-8) at home against the Eagles (4-8). The Eagles may be the biggest disappointment in the NFL this season. I think they will continue to disappoint this week. I look for Miami to come up with a home win.

Further up the East Coast, the Redskins (4-8) are at home against the Patriots (9-3). This should be a mismatch in favor of New England. I think they’ll win, but not by as much as many might imagine. I say New England by 7.

Another team that is on a roll is the New Orleans Saints (9-3). They have won four straight, and will be looking for their fifth when they make the short trip north to Tennessee. The Titans (7-5) have won two in a row. I look for that short win streak to come to a halt this week. New Orleans will make it to double digits in the win column, and the Titans will fall to 7-6.

The Jets (7-5) have also won their last two games. This week, they will be looking to make it three straight when Kansas City comes calling. The Chiefs (5-7) didn’t look good at all in their win over Chicago last week. It was a classic “ugly win.” This week, they won’t be as fortunate. I look for the Jets to soar.

The Texans (9-3) are another team on a hot streak. They’ve won their last six. If they plan on making it seven in a row, they will have to do it on the road. They are in Cincinnati to face the Bengals (7-5). I look for the Texans to come out blazing. Mark them down for a “W.”

San Francisco (10-2) is second only to the Packers in victories this season. They have clinched the NFC West. This week, they are on the road to face division opponent the Arizona Cardinals (5-7). With little left to prove within the division, some might think the 49ers will start to “rest” some of their key starters. Some coaches have been accused of doing this in an effort to reduce the risk of injury to those guys prior to the playoffs. I don’t see Head Coach Jim Harbaugh giving anything less than 100 percent. The 49ers will continue their winning ways and improve to 11-2.

The San Diego Chargers (4-7 at press time) are at home against the Buffalo Bills (5-7). This might normally be my toss-a-coin-and-pick-the-winner game. But, since the Bills have lost their last five in a row, I’m giving the nod to the home team Chargers and leaving the coin in my pocket.

Just when I thought the Cowboys were for real, they dropped their last game to the Cardinals. They are still 7-5 and atop the NFC East. Hot on their heels are the New York Giants (6-6). The two rivals go head to head this week in the “Big D.” That should be the difference-maker in this game. The Cowboys are 5-1 at home, and the Giants are only 3-3 on the road. I’m still not sure how real they are, but I’m going with the Cowboys in what should be the best game of the week.

Next Monday night (Dec. 12), the St. Louis Rams (2-10) will be in Seattle to try to out duel the Seahawks (5-7). The Seahawks usually play fairly well at home in nationally televised games. The Rams have only one win on the road this year. Last week, they were shut out 26-0 in San Francisco. Could they possibly go two weeks in a row without scoring a point? I think it just might be a possibility. I’m predicting the Seahawks to hold them scoreless and win by 21.

Because of illness, our host for “Fearless NFL Picks,” Doug McDuff, was unavailable last week. Tune in this Friday morning at 7:35 to NTA 100.5 to get caught up on who won this week and where everyone stands heading into the weekend. I know I was 10-5 with only the Monday night game left to be determined at press time. For the record, I took the Chargers over the Jaguars in that game.

Doug Halberstadt can be reached via e-mail at Dougster61@aol.com.

From the Dec. 7-13, 2011, issue