Leelanau Sports Guy’s World at sportspig.com

I had been seriously thinking about buying tickets and driving down to watch the Monday night game, I am very glad I didn’t.

Some thoughts about the Lions after their embarrassing 37-13 loss.

• I like the black jerseys, alot. But I am still partial to the old Honolulu Blue. My wife liked the black, but also said she likes the blue better.

• The offensive line was bad, very bad. Harrington had little or no time to get set and make throws. Backus looks horrible at times, he needs to step it up.
• The Super Bowl at Ford Field is going to be amazing. Too bad the Lions won’t be anywhere near the field.
• Kevin Jones is a stud. I will be surprised if he isn’t an All-Pro within two years.
• The secondary needs to get on the same page. I know it was against the Rams, who can make alot of teams look foolish, but I saw way too many hands in the air and too much arguing after plays.
• The play-calling still confuses me. On the 4th and 1, they give it to fullback Shawn Bryson (thanks Ryan!), and he gets stuffed. Why Kevin Jones didn’t get the ball is a mystery to me.
• Jason Hanson is as good as ever.

That’s my quick thoughts, now I have to get back to one of my eight fantasy football drafts! Domanick Davis & Daunte Culpepper so far, not a bad start!

Suttons Bay held on for a tough 13-6 opening victory over Benzie Central. Quarterback Jeff Ruthkowski threw 2 for two touchdowns including a 59 yard strike to Adam Konieczka.

Glen Lake defeated East Jordan 20-14 in coach Bill Hollenbeck’s return to the sideline. Colby Thoreson rushed for 82 yards including the game-winning touchdown with 2:33 left in the game.

Read the Record Eagle articles below for more…

Suttons Bay beats Benzie – Record Eagle article by Dennis Chase

Hollenbeck wins return – Record Eagle article

The middle of September is shaping up to be a busy one for Leelanau County and biking enthusiasts. On Saturday, September 17th, the 77-mile Tour de Leelanau will bring racers to the roads and hills of Leelanau. This will be the biggest bicycle road race in the state. On Sunday, September 18th, the Leelanau Harvest Tour offers 25, 45, 65, and 100 mile routes throughout the county. Use the links below for more info.

Tour de Leelanau Official Site

Leelanau Harvest Tour Press Release

Bikers in the spotlight – Enterprise article by Chris Olson

You may not agree with it, but it’s worth a read anyway. The Sports Dude does it again! He doesn’t post often, but when he does it’s from the heart.

Read The myth known as “Hockeytown” written by The Sports Dude.

You could argue that one player has never meant more to his team than quarterback Drew Stanton does to the Spartans. His running ability gets most of the attention, but his passing is improving, and his name is at or near the top of several MSU passing records. Stanton still has two years of eligibility and will only get better, watch him while you can.

Read Stanton tries to stay healthy for Spartans in the Freep

Read Drew Stanton’s Bio at MSUSpartans.com

This guy is a complete joke. Just sign and get into camp and start earning your gigantic paycheck.

This is one part of the NFL I don’t like. The disgusting amount of money given to rookies who haven’t proven anything on the field in the NFL. It’s a sad part of the game if you ask me.

Look at all the money Philip Rivers is making and he hasn’t done anything yet. Does anyone really think that Alex Smith is worth all of the money the 49ers gave him? I don’t.

I say earn as much as you can, in the couple of years window you have, but a system that would make rookies prove their worth and earn the money instead of it just being handed to them would be better.

I am just glad it’s the Bears with this problem and not the Lions.

MSU star forward Liz Shimek scored 5 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in helping the USA Women’s Team defeat Serbia & Montenegro 79-53 and capture the gold medal. Shimek averaged 7.3 points and 6.6 rebounds as Team USA finished with a 7-0 record.

Read the articles below for more info…

USA Women Are Golden With Overpowering 79-53 Title Game Victory Over Serbia & Montenegro – USA Basketball article

Shimek, U.S. golden – Record Eagle article

Liz’s USA Basketball Bio

Suttons Bay finished 13th at the TC Tee-Off Invitational. It was the best finish by a local team. Here’s a blurb from the Record Eagle about the Norse and the tourney.

Suttons Bay was the top local team, taking 13th with a 648. At Highpointe, the Norse got an 81 from Nate Kelly (154 total), an 86 from David Tropf (164), a 90 from Charlie Olson (170) and a 93 from Chris Beuerle (179).

Mona Shores captures Tee-Off Invitational title – Record Eagle article

Here are a couple of previews for the upcoming Big Ten Football season. The concensus seems to be that Michigan & Ohio State will be near the top and Michigan State somewhere in the middle. You can read my predictions here.

Big Ten preview: No easy games – Yahoo! Sports article by Terry Bowden
Picks: Michigan #2, MSU #5

Big Ten Preview – With Iowa, Michigan and OSU, this league is loaded – SI.com article by Stewart Mandel
Picks: Michigan #3, MSU #7

2005 Big Ten Football Preview – The Lantern article
Picks: Michigan #2, MSU #7

2005 Big 10
College Football Season Preview – CollegeFootballPoll.com article
Picks: Michigan #2, MSU #7

Big 10
2005 Football Preview – NationalChamps.net article by Todd Helmick
Picks: Michigan #1, MSU #8

Current MSU and former Lady Laker star Liz Shimek scored 6 points and grabbed 7 rebounds in a 118-67 win over Russia, to help the U.S. Women’s team advance at the World University Games.

The U.S. now plays Serbia & Montenegro for the Gold Medal on Friday.

USA Women Clinch Gold Medal Game Berth With Dominating 118-67 Semifinal Win Over Russia – USA Basketball article

Shimek helps U.S. cruise to victory – Record Eagle article

I haven’t been one of the trespassers, honest, but I am excited about the construction of the Beach Bums stadium, Wuerfel Park. I anxiously await the opportunity to get season tickets and enjoy minor league baseball in Traverse City. From what I have followed of the Frontier League it’s going to be good baseball to watch, and alot of fun for the kids.

Beach Bums’ stadium progressing – Record Eagle article by Jeff Peek

It’s that time of year again. Where everyone tries to figure out how many wins the Lions will have after the 2005 season. They have improved on their record the last couple of seasons and registered 6 wins last season.

I think they will improve on that again, so let’s get to it.

Game 1 – Sept. 11 vs. Green Bay, 4:15 p.m.
Every incomplete pass or interception results in boos from Lions faithful. However, Joey leads the team to victory. Lions 31 – Packers 28. Record 1-0.

Game 2 – Sept. 18 at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Road games are always interesting, especially within the division. The Lions will dominate the Bears on their way to a 2-0 start. Lions 24 – Bears 10. Record 2-0.

Game 3 – Oct. 2 at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
This is a very dangerous game. The Bucs have a quick defense and will make it a long day for Kevin Jones. Bucs 17 – Lions 13 . Record 2-1.

Game 4 – Oct. 9 vs. Baltimore, 1 p.m.
It will be tough to score, but even tougher for the Ravens. Lions 16 – Ravens 12. Record 3-1.

Game 5 – Oct. 16 vs. Carolina, 1 p.m.
A possible NFL Playoff matchup? The Panthers were one of the hottest teams down the stretch last season and hope to carry it over to this season. Panthers 27 – Lions 23. Record 3-2.

Game 6 – Oct. 23 at Cleveland, 1 p.m.
Another dangerous game. On the road against a bad team usually spells trouble for Detroit. Not this time. Lions 38 – Browns 20. Record 4-2.

Game 7 – Oct. 30 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m.
The Lions need this one with Minnesota looming on the horizon. Lions 35 – Bears 24. Record 5-2.

Game 8 – Nov. 6 at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
A battle for 1st in the North. Culpepper is the difference. Vikings 31 – Lions 24. Record 5-3.

Game 9 – Nov. 13 vs. Arizona, 1 p.m.
Kevin Jones is going to blow it up against the Cardinals. Lions 41 – Cardinals 24. Record 6-3.

Game 10 – Nov. 20 at Dallas, 1 p.m.
The highlight will be the Jones vs. Jones matchup. But the key to the game will be the Lions Williams combo as they light up the Cowboys secondary. Lions 31 – Cowboys 26. Record 7-3.

Game 11 – Nov. 24 (Thankgiving) vs. Atlanta, 12:30 p.m.
Michael Vick is amazing, but the Lions win another on Turkey Day. Lions 24 – Falcons 21. Record 8-3.

Game 12 – Dec. 4 vs. Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Culpepper struggles as the Lions pick him off 4 times get in the drivers seat for the North division. Lions 35 – Vikings 20. Record 9-3.

Game 13 – Dec. 11 at Green Bay, 8:30 p.m.
The winning streak comes to an end at Lambeau in December. Joey struggles and actually gets pulled in the second half. Garcia shows why he isn’t a starter anymore. Packers 35 – Lions 13. Record 9-4.

Game 14 – Dec. 18 vs. Cincinnati, 4:15 p.m.
Two of the top young offense in the NFL are on display and don’t disappoint. Bengals have the ball last, so pull out the win. Bengals 38 – Lions 35. Record 9-5.

Game 15 – Dec. 24 (Saturday) at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
A two game losing streak and on the road against the Saints looks like trouble. Jones has the answer as he tops 200 yards rushing for the day. Lions 27 – Saints 20. Record 10-5.

Game 16 – Jan. 1 at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.
A preview of the Super Bowl, only in Pittsburgh instead of at Ford Field. The Steelers take this one to clinch the best record in the AFC. The Lions still capture the NFC North by one game over the Vikings. Steelers 24 – Lions 20. Record 10-6.

So there you have it, 10-6 and the NFC North title, and one crazy Super Bowl prediction mixed in.

Individual Predictions

Joey Harrington – 3,400 yards, 25 touchdowns, 8 interceptions.
Kevin Jones – 1,450 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Roy Williams – 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Charles Rogers – 900 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Mike Williams – 600 yards and 4 touchdowns.

Here’s a couple of articles for questions and answers about the Wings training camp & prospects camp in Traverse City, written by Sarah Lindeau of RedWingsCentral.com.

Training Camp FAQ’s

Prospects Camp Schedule

Centre ICE Camp Info

If you have any other questions about the Traverse City area, drop me a line, I am always glad to help.

Here’s the schedule for the inaugural season of Traverse City North Stars hockey…

All times local
Sept. 16 at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 17 at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m.
Sept. 23 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 24 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Sept. 30 vs. USA-17, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 1 vs. USA-17, 7:30 p.m.
Oct. 14 at Alpena, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 15 at Alpena, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 19 NAHL Showcase – Blaine, Mn. TBA
Oct. 20 NAHL Showcase – Blaine, Mn. TBA
Oct. 21 NAHL Showcase – Blaine, Mn. TBA
Oct. 22 NAHL Showcase – Blaine, Mn. TBA
Oct. 29 at Mahoning Valley, 7:00 p.m.
Oct. 30 at Mahoning Valley, 3:00 p.m.
Nov. 4 vs. Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 5 vs. Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 11 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 12 at Alpena, 7:00 p.m.
Nov. 18 vs. Texarkana, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 19 vs. Texarkana, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 23 vs. USA-18, 7:30 p.m.
Nov. 26 at USA-17, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 3 at Cleveland, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 4 at Cleveland, 3:30 p.m.
Dec. 9 at Mahoning Valley, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 10 at Mahoning Valley, 7:00 p.m.
Dec. 15 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Dec. 18 vs. Cleveland, Noon
Jan. 7 at Mahoning Valley, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 8 at Mahoning Valley, 3:00 p.m.
Jan. 12 at USA-17, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 13 at USA-17, 7:00 p.m.
Jan. 15 at Alpena, 6:00 p.m.
Jan. 19 vs. USA-18*, 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 20 vs. Cleveland*, 11:00 a.m.
Jan. 21 vs. USA-18*, 4:00 p.m.
Jan. 22 vs. Cleveland*, 10:00 a.m.
*NAHL North Division Showcase – Youngstown, OH
Jan. 27 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 28 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 1 at Texarkana, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 2 at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 3 at Texarkana, 7:05 p.m.
Feb. 4 at Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 10 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 11 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 17 at Alpena, 7:00 p.m.
Feb. 18 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 24 vs. Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 25 vs. Texas, 7:30 p.m.
Feb. 26 vs. USA-17, 1:00 p.m.
Mar. 3 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 4 vs. Mahoning Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 5 at Alpena, 3:00 p.m.
Mar. 17 vs. USA-18, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 24 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 25 vs. Alpena, 7:30 p.m.
Mar. 26 at Alpena, 3:00 p.m.

Visit the North Stars on the web at www.traversecitynorthstars.com

Here’s something I just stumbled across on Google…

Distribution Set for October Launch, Ad Sales Under Way

Golden, Colo., (PRIMEZONE) — HumWare Media Corporation (Pink Sheets:HMWM) today announced its wholly owned subsidiary HumWare Media Franchise Corporation is launching its Fantasy Sports Reporter Magazine in Michigan. The Company also announced that the magazine would be ready to publish and distribute in October.

Published bi-monthly, Fantasy Sports Reporter magazine is comprised of both a national and local section that is distributed through a controlled circulation method. The local franchisee or “Associate Publisher” secures the exclusive rights to publish, market and sell advertising within the local section of the magazine. Franchisees are also given rights to market HumWare’s portfolio of private labeled fantasy games and promotional software.

More info: www.fantasysportsreporter.com

My View: You can never get enough fantasy sports in my opinion! It looks like they are publishing it in all the major cities. I love fantasy sports, and play in about 8 football leagues every year, but there are so many sources for information, it’s hard to say if this is going to payoff. Time will tell. They do feature the FSR Knockout Girls, so you know that will only help. It’s amazing how many sports sites (especially fantasy sports sites) that feature girls or girls of the month. I shouldn’t be surprised though, with how many cheerleader shots you see during games and even video games these days.