Sports

Rangers win first game with empty stands

Published on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 2:56pm
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To the sound of crickets, the Rangers kicked off their season with a win against the Belgrade Panthers last night, finishing the game 39-24. 

Fans were not permitted in the stands but they found a way to watch the game, lining the fence and spectating from lawn chairs set up in truck beds as they viewed the game through binoculars and cheered loudly. 

NASCAR drivers are cautious of COVID-19 as playoffs begin

Published on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 2:54pm
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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — NASCAR has decided it will not grant COVID-19 relief during the playoffs, meaning a positive coronavirus test could end a driver’s championship bid. 

The playoffs begin Sunday at Darlington Raceway in South Carolina without a safety net for the 16 participants during the pandemic. It’s up to each driver to protect themselves from COVID-19, understanding there is no cushion for missing a race. 

“I’m probably not going to go to college and hit up a keg stand,” Clint Bowyer said. “If you have COVID, you can’t race. It’s not a judgment call.”

Tiz the Law is a big favorite in a Derby unlike any other

Published on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 2:53pm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Forget the mint juleps in souvenir glasses, men in searsucker suits and women wearing hats exploding in a floral frenzy. The Kentucky Derby still has horses — Tiz the Law is the biggest favorite in 31 years — but just about everything else makes the 146th edition unlike any other.

“It’s going to be weird,” said five-time Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert.

Park High prepares for first game late this afternoon

Published on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:06pm
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Ranger football returns late this afternoon, kicking off the season with a home game at 5 p.m. against Belgrade. 

Sports at Park High School, like just about everything else in the COVID era, looks a little bit different this season, but football coach Nick Coate and his players are just happy to have the chance to play at all. 

“We’re just doing JV again this year. Per MSHA rules, if you forfeit the one season, you’ve got to be out a second year,” said Coate.

Top runner

Published on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:04pm
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Flag football practice begins for grade-schoolers

Published on Thu, 09/03/2020 - 4:02pm
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The future of Park county football is growing a bit brighter with the introduction of a flag football program for grade-schoolers. 

This summer the Livingston Recreation Department partnered with Park High School, the Atlanta Falcons and AMB West Philanthropies to establish a youth program to bring back a love for football after a disappointing lack of interest led the Rangers to forfeit their varsity season last year.

Bengals sign running back Joe Mixon to 4-year extension

Published on Wed, 09/02/2020 - 3:34pm

CINCINNATI (AP) — The Bengals felt a backlash when they drafted running back Joe Mixon in the second round, acknowledging they were taking a risk. 

Three years later, they’ve made a long-term commitment.

Mixon signed a four-year, $48 million contract extension through the 2024 season on Wednesday, a vote of confidence for a player who has rehabilitated his image and evolved into one of the league’s top running backs.

No. 1 Clemson preps for another championship run

Published on Tue, 09/01/2020 - 4:11pm
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By The Associated Press

 

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence smiled when asked about expectations for this season. It’s something Lawrence has dealt with throughout his football career. 

He was a high-school sophomore when he took over as Carterville’s starting quarterback. leading the program to 41 straight victories and two Georgia state titles. 

Derby prepares for weekend without fans

Published on Mon, 08/31/2020 - 3:43pm
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By GARY B. GRAVES AP Sports Writer

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The fastest two minutes in sports will also be the quietest in Kentucky Derby history.

Churchill Downs scraped plans earlier this month for 23,000 physically distanced, masked fans to attend Saturday’s rescheduled Tripled Crown race due to the rise in coronavirus cases. It will be the first time spectators will not be allowed to attend the race.

PRACTICE TIME

Published on Fri, 08/28/2020 - 2:41pm
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