• Men's Final Four returning in 2012
The Final Four is coming back to New Orleans.

• Belle Chasse gets revved up for road
Credit the Belle Chasse Cardinals for knowing how to make an entrance.

• Bowls keeping an eye on Tigers, Rebels
BATON ROUGE -- A playoff system in college football looks like it is still a long way off, but Saturday's LSU-Ole Miss game has a bit of a playoff subplot.

• BRIAN ALLEE-WALSH'S PREDICTION
STREAKS, STATS AND NOTES: Bengals' offense, last in league, goes against Steelers' No. 1 defense. . . . Bengals have won five of past seven in November against AFC North teams; Steelers have won seven of eight. . . . Steelers have won five of six and 13 of 17 vs. Bengals and are trying for first five-game winning streak against their AFC North rival since winning eight in row from 1991-94.

• Colonels shoot down UNO
THIBODAUX -- Blessed with its share of good shooters, Nicholls State kept mixing and matching players until it got the right outside mix during its season opener against UNO.

• COOL BEANS
Brother Martin senior quarterback Garrett Bean has much on his mind each time he walks to the line of scrimmage.

• EMERGING FROM THE SHADOW
No matter what Aaron Rodgers does for the rest of his NFL career, Green Bay Packers enthusiasts -- and perhaps Rodgers himself -- will always have one question about the team's new starting quarterback: What could he have done as a 21-year-old rookie out of California?

• GOLF
--- Aces ---

• Jackson shows old team what it misses
In his first game this season against his former teammates, Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Jackson initially struggled Wednesday night at the New Orleans Arena.

• KINGS' RANSOM
By the end of the third quarter, not one of former Hornets guard Bobby Jackson's three attempts from the field had found the bottom of the net as the Sacramento Kings were battling to scratch out a win.

• Let the good times and big events roll
You could call it a roll, but New Orleans has been on one of these before -- several times before, to be exact. You could call it impressive if the city hadn't already, in the past, been considered even more impressive when it comes to consideration for such things.

• LSU VS. ALCORN STATE
When/where: 7 p.m. at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. Radio: 1350-AM. Coaches: LSU -- Trent Johnson (160-121, 10th season overall; 1-0, first season at LSU). Alcorn State -- Larry Smith (0-2, first season).

• Newman swimmer sets Div. IV record
SULPHUR -- His mind wasn't on victory, though that would come naturally.

• Ole Miss seeks breakthrough
BATON ROUGE -- Among the difficulties LSU will face Saturday when it hosts Ole Miss is this: The game might mean more to the Rebels.

• RISING TO CHALLENGE
Tulane volleyball standout Sara Radosevic, a senior from Zagreb, Croatia, never thought her mother would get to watch her play volleyball on American soil.

• Spencer scoring binge not Plan A for LSU
BATON ROUGE -- All you instant Bo Spencer fans out there, don't get used to it.

• TODAY'S STATE COLLEGE FOOTBALL GAME
GRAMBLING STATE AT TEXAS SOUTHERN

• Xavier president Francis has special place for sports
It's no surprise one of the first things Dr. Norman Francis did when he became president of Xavier 40 years ago was to bring back the sports program.

• BCS deal no sweeter for Sugar
For the Allstate Sugar Bowl, Tuesday's announcement that ESPN has secured the TV rights for all BCS games from 2011 to 2014 means a reunion with an old friend.

• B.R.-Catholic tops Blue Jays
NATCHITOCHES -- Jesuit cross country coach Peter Kernion and his runners had trouble hiding their disappointment when they received the Class 5A state runner-up trophy at the state cross country meet.

• Byrd remains upbeat
BATON ROUGE -- Although his statistics aren't what they were last season, wide receiver Demetrius Byrd insists he's still having fun as his senior year draws to a close at LSU.

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• COMING ON FAST
Hornets All-Star guard Chris Paul has been surpassing records and milestones as fast as autumnal leaves fall, and each time he collects a steal in the next 12 games, he draws closer to the NBA mark for thefts in consecutive games.

• Final Four sites decided today
Tulane Athletic Director Rick Dickson went to sleep Monday anticipating that he would learn Tuesday if the two-year effort he has led to secure the 2012 Final Four for New Orleans has paid off.

• HORNETS VS. KINGS
Time/place: 7 p.m. at the New Orleans Arena (17,200). TV/radio: CST; 106.7-FM, 830-AM (Spanish)

• LSU's Johnson became a hit after a switch
BATON ROUGE -- One could say LSU senior fullback Quinn Johnson never really stopped being a linebacker.

• Reversal quells Cajuns' revelry
NATCHITOCHES -- Country Day Athletic Director Mike McGuire was about to announce to his students Tuesday that the boys cross country team had won the Class 1A state championship when he received words he never wanted to hear from the Louisiana High School Athletic Association.

• Sacred Heart wins third straight 3A title
NATCHITOCHES -- When the cross country season began, few gave Sacred Heart and St. Scholastica a chance at championship glory.

• Scouting Report: Green Bay Packers vs. Saints
With the way the NFC is shaping up, the Packers sense they will have to win their division in order to make the playoffs.

• Stecker joins list of Saints' crowded IR
Tailback Aaron Stecker became the 13th member of the Saints' injured reserve list Tuesday, ending his season with a right hamstring injury.

• Texas rolls over Tulane
AUSTIN, TEXAS -- Damion James scored 16 points as No. 7 Texas cruised to a 76-51 victory over Tulane on Tuesday night.

• TU's defense falls sharply
Remember when Tulane defensive coordinator O'Neill Gilbert was considered a genius?

• UNO takes control vs. SLU
The UNO women's basketball team led from start to finish, defeating Southeastern Louisiana 61-47 on Tuesday night at the Lakefront Arena.

• Cajuns edge Saints for state title
NATCHITOCHES -- Country Day senior Trey Lowenthal, Coach Brendan Minihan and the rest of the Cajuns boys cross country team huddled up in the infield inside the track at Northwestern State University and hoped for the best as the final team scores were announced for the Class 1A state meet Monday.

• Colts castoff shines for Saints
Jeff Charleston was beginning to think he was done.

• Deuce's days at the Dome numbered?
There are a lot of reasons to attend the Saints' home game against the Green Bay Packers on Monday night.

• Fullback commits to Tigers
Tennessee bruiser Dominique Allen might project as a fullback for LSU, but his production suggests something else about the potential of the Tigers' 20th verbal commitment for 2009.

• HERD MENTALITY
Kevin Durant -- one and done.

• Hornets on edge after recent struggles
With four losses in six games, Hornets Coach Byron Scott did not expect to see his players in a good mood during Monday's practice at the Alario Center.

• Lady Tigers lose grasp on Top 25 ranking
The LSU women's basketball team's streak of Top 25 appearances is over.

• Miles stresses looking ahead after wild win
BATON ROUGE -- During more than a century of playing football, LSU had never recovered from a 28-point deficit, and there seemed to be an understanding Monday that it should not happen again for another 100 years.

• ORLEANS ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
EMILY PEPPERMAN

• Seniors to have their day at LSU
BATON ROUGE -- The annual rite of Senior Day will take place Saturday when LSU and Ole Miss tangle at Tiger Stadium.

• TULANE AT TEXAS
When/where: 7 p.m. at Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas. TV/radio: FSW, 690-AM. Coaches: Tulane -- Dave Dickerson (47-45, fourth season); Texas -- Rick Barnes (248-93, 11th season at Texas; 450-227, 22 seasons).

• Two in row would be big step forward
The locker room mood palpably lighter than a week ago in the aftermath of a loss to Atlanta, Saints players seemed a happy, calm bunch Monday after their 30-20 win at Kansas City this past Sunday.

• UNO WOMEN VS. SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA
When/where: 7 p.m. at Lakefront Arena. Radio: 990-AM. Coaches: UNO -- Amy Champion (28-88, fifth season); Southeastern Louisiana -- Lori Davis Jones (70-98, seventh season).

• WINDOW CLOSING
Six weeks, four games and thousands of air miles later, the Saints return home Monday night to play the Green Bay Packers at the Superdome.

• BLITZ PACKAGE
(A look at Week 11 in the NFL)

• CROSS COUNTRY STATE MEET
Where: Northwestern State University in Natchitoches.

• Cubs set to defend their title
Mount Carmel sophomore Andi Aguilar wasn't disappointed when she finished second to teammate Morgan Passman in the Catholic League cross country meet Nov. 6 at City Park.

• [From The Times-Picayune]
GRADING THE SAINTS

• [From The Times-Picayune]
CLEVELAND (3-6) AT BUFFALO (5-4)

• Heavy minutes not a concern for N.O.'s West
Through the NBA's Saturday night schedule, eight players were averaging more minutes per game than Hornets forward David West, whose 39.1 minutes per outing has been inflated primarily because of injuries to his two main backups.

• LSU drops opener 62-53
BATON ROUGE -- LSU, ranked No. 22, fell to No. 14 Notre Dame 62-53 on Sunday in the season opener for both schools at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center.

• MORE HISTORY
Deuce McAllister needs one touchdown to gain sole possession of the Saints' all-time touchdown record.

• MOST COMMON ACL PROCEDURES
PATELLAR TENDON GRAFT

• No. 17 Sun Devils prove to be too hot for Green Wave
Tulane couldn't overcome a hot start by No. 17 Arizona State and lost 86-53 in the second round of the Preseason Women's NIT on Sunday at Wells Fargo Arena in Tempe, Ariz.

• ONE FOR THE ROAD
KANSAS CITY, MO. -- The Saints kept their season on life support Sunday, winning a game they had to win against a team they were supposed to beat.

• ON HIS MARK
Drew Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino's all-time single-season record for passing yards. Here's a comparison of Marino's 1984 season to Brees' 2008 season.

• Saints defense becomes an impenetrable force
KANSAS CITY, MO. -- With about five minutes remaining in the second quarter Sunday, the Kansas City Chiefs were in prime position to take a lead away from the Saints -- down 10-7, first-and-goal at the Saints' 1-yard line.

• Seniors celebrate with TU win
Six of Tulane's seven seniors played out the team's final points in a three-set conference volleyball win over Texas-El Paso on Sunday.

• Strong finishes in store for Miles, Payton?
It's never easy, is it?

• THE RECAP
DID YOU SEE?

• THE TIMES-PICAYUNE PRESEASON ALL-METRO BASKETBALL TEAMS
LARGE SCHOOLS

• THE TIMES-PICAYUNE PRESEASON BASKETBALL RANKINGS
LARGE SCHOOLS

• Tigers savoring historic comeback
BATON ROUGE -- Continuing in a near giddy mode after LSU's miraculous comeback Saturday night against visiting Troy, Coach Les Miles said Sunday night he hopes the game will prove a springboard for greater success.

• TU can't catch a break
This is what Tulane's season has come to: Trailing 31-24 early in the fourth quarter Saturday and facing fourth-and-11 at Alabama-Birmingham's 46-yard line at the Superdome, Green Wave Coach Bob Toledo decided that the best course of action would be to:

• Tulane gets two recruits
Tulane Coach Lisa Stockton received two commitments for her 2009-10 basketball team as guard Olivia Grayson from Chapelle and forward Brittany McDonald signed national letters of intent.

• With family's help, Northlake Christian volleyball player determined to pick up where she left off
As the hours dragged on in the hospital waiting room, the anxiety and boredom grew for Mallory Horridge.

• Blazers give Green Wave sixth loss in a row
Even being favored on Senior Day couldn't stop Tulane's downhill spiral Saturday.

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• BY THE NUMBERS
UAB | TULANE

• Cabrini rolls past No. 1 Sam Houston
Cabrini Coach Greg Castillo told his team that Sam Houston, at the end of a three-day stay in New Orleans, was happy just to be in the Division II final after not making it in more than a decade.

• Fontainebleau falls just short
It was a scene that said it all.

• GOLDEN MEMORIES
After a 50-18 non-conference victory against visiting Duke the week before, top-ranked LSU (8-0) traveled to Mississippi State (3-4) on Nov. 15, 1958, in the Tigers' final Southeastern Conference battle of the season.

• Good year ending badly for Tulane
Bob Toledo knows he sounds like a broken record.

• Green Wave fights past McNeese St.
Tulane fans looking for solace at Fogelman Arena on Saturday night after what they saw in the Superdome in the afternoon were rewarded with a 68-62 season-opening basketball victory against McNeese State.

• Hiring right successor as coach sometimes worth wait
Good morning, and welcome to NFL world.

• Jackson should say N.O. no more
Let's give Lakers Coach Phil Jackson his due: He wins basketball games.

• Johnson's 4 scores carry Rummel to win
Jarrell Johnson ran for 238 yards and four touchdowns on 38 carries as Rummel advanced in the Class 5A playoffs with a 28-14 win over turnover-prone Thibodaux on Saturday at Joe Yenni.

• LSU wins 1st game with new coach
BATON ROUGE -- LSU got the Trent Johnson era under way successfully Saturday, and maybe the Bo Spencer era, too.

• NBA power rankings/3-pointers
3-pointers from the West

• Paul not concerned about streak ending
HOUSTON -- -- Even though Chris Paul's record streak of scoring at least 20 points and having 10 assists in seven consecutive games ended Friday night against Portland, he did not appear concerned about it.

• Play not forgotten one week later
Last week, Tulane quarterback Joe Kemp appeared to be in position to take the starting job from Kevin Moore. Kemp had played three consecutive series in the second quarter, and Coach Bob Toledo said his intention was to leave him in the rest of the game.

• Privateers fall short in return
In UNO's return to the Lakefront Arena, North Carolina State spoiled the homecoming.

• PROCESS OF ELIMINATION
On Saturday afternoon, "the process" produced a state championship for McGehee.

• QB Lee overcomes early struggles
BATON ROUGE -- -- Maybe this was Jarrett Lee's redemption game.

• Rockets sizzle, Hornets fizzle
HOUSTON -- Throughout the second quarter of their meeting Saturday night with the Houston Rockets, Hornets players quietly sat on the bench. They did not have a reason to stand or cheer.

• Saints vs. Chiefs Insider
Herm Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs -- 14-28 overall, 1-8 this season -- 2006-present

• Scoring Summary
FIRST QUARTER

• SCRATCH AND CLAW
BATON ROUGE -- LSU needed the most remarkable comeback in its long football history Saturday to beat Troy, as the Tigers stormed back from a four-touchdown deficit to win 40-31 at Tiger Stadium.

• 'Seventh heaven' for E.D. White
Just before the trophy presentation for Saturday's Division III volleyball state championship, the public-address announcer apologized for making the fans wait for a TV timeout.

• Shaw dominates vs. Pearl River
With six straight victories and counting, one might think that Shaw's 0-4 start has become nothing more than a feint memory.

• Southern knocks off Alabama State
Josh Duran kicked three field goals, and Southern held Alabama State to 152 yards of offense in a 15-0 victory on Saturday night in Mobile, Ala.

• UNO still settling in at Lakefront
Having not been there, UNO didn't quite know what to do when it got there, with victory in sight against an Atlantic Coast Conference opponent that appeared ripe to be taken.

• Week 11 Inside Slant
GAME 2 WATCH: Tennessee (9-0) at Jacksonville (4-5), 3:15 p.m., Channel 4. Everything is coming up roses for the Titans, who have won a franchise-best 12 consecutive games (9-0 this season) and franchise-best six straight road games (4-0 this season) and hold a commanding four-game lead over five-time defending AFC South champion Indianapolis. Tennessee is favored to keep its streak intact, but we have a sneaking suspicion that the bloom could come off its rose today.

• Week 11 NFL notes
AROUND THE NFC SOUTH

• Week 11 NFL picks
SAINTS 27, CHIEFS 21: The Black & Gold is 0-4 on the road and must be careful of a desperate team. If Sean Payton's team doesn't come ready, willing and able to compete at a high level, these no-quit Chiefs and fresh-legged Larry Johnson are more than capable of doing the tomahawk chop at Arrowhead Stadium.

• Week 11 NFL power Rankings
1. GIANTS (2) The best team in the best conference adds up to No. 1 on my scorecard.

• Wolverines rally to defeat Falcons
Northlake Christian's prospects of changing its status from defending state champion to two-time state champion seemed remote Saturday afternoon. The Wolverines fell into a two-game abyss against state volleyball titan Episcopal School of Acadiana and trailed 4-1 early in the third game.

• ALL-OUT BLITZ
TOP PERFORMER

• Bush will miss game vs. Chiefs
Saints running back Reggie Bush missed Friday's practice and will not play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Saints Coach Sean Payton.

• Bush will miss game vs. Chiefs
Saints running back Reggie Bush missed Friday's practice and will not play Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, according to Saints Coach Sean Payton.

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• Cougars pick up the slack, roll to win
With quarterback Darius Carey unable to take his usual lead role, Helen Cox's supporting cast made up for the lost production against Baton Rouge-McKinley.

• Cougars pick up the slack, roll to win
With quarterback Darius Carey unable to take his usual lead role, Helen Cox's supporting cast made up for the lost production against Baton Rouge-McKinley.

• Crusaders surge by Greenies
The Brother Martin football team never lost confidence when it trailed Ponchatoula by 15 points with 9:56 left in the Class 5A bi-district playoff game Friday night at Tad Gormley Stadium.

• Defense gets it done for Salmen
Daniel Sams rushed for two touchdowns as the Salmen Spartans defeated the Bossier Bearkats 34-2 in a Class 4A bi-district playoff game at Salmen on Friday night.

• Fair Grounds is off, running
It wasn't a typical opening day at the Fair Grounds on Friday.

• Fontainebleau reaches finals
Fontainebleau's cheering section started celebrating its team's victory over Mount Carmel one point too early Friday.

• Frazier-led UNO gets past McNeese State
Senior Jada Frazier waited her entire UNO career to play at Lakefront Arena, so it's no wonder she refused to lose her first game there.

• Gibbs draws Saints fans' ire
One of Sean Payton's favorite phrases to the media after a disappointing loss is, "We're not going to hang anyone today."

• Higgins remains grounded, wins easily
So what happens when a robust week of practice meets opportunity?

• HIGH ENERGY
When a defensive stop was needed, Hornets forward James Posey dived on the floor in front of Portland forward Travis Outlaw and snatched the ball away for a steal.

• High hopes for Oden
The analogy is right on point.

• HIS TIME
At the darkest time of his collegiate career, Tulane's Robinson Louisme had a vision.

• HORNETS (5-3) AT ROCKETS (5-4)
Time: 7:30 p.m. at the Toyota Center in Houston

• INSIDE LSU
TROY (6-3) vs. LSU (6-3)

• INSIDE TULANE
Kickoff: 2 p.m., Superdome

• LSU can't afford to take Troy lightly
BATON ROUGE -- As a general rule, teams usually schedule a game they figure they'll have an easy time winning for homecoming.

• LSU VS. JACKSON STATE
Time: 1 p.m. Site: Pete Maravich Assembly Center in Baton Rouge. Radio: 1350-AM. Coaches: LSU -- Trent Johnson (159-121, 10th season overall; 0-0, first season at LSU). Jackson State -- Tevester Anderson (180-137, 10th season; 77-85, sixth season at Jackson State).

• Luquette, Vinson keep Newman going
After losing to Port Barré in the 2006 playoffs, Newman exacted revenge, beating the Red Devils 49-7 on Friday night at Newman in a Class 2A bi-district game.

• Patriots have little trouble with Ferriday
Ferriday arrived at Muss Bertolino Playground with a 5-5 record and a No. 32 seed, 26 players, along with a large band and a smattering of optimistic fans harboring thoughts of an improbable upset.

• Roneagles wear down Alexandria
' McDonogh 35 could have easily folded and gone home after falling behind by two touchdowns in the first half Friday night in a Class 4A playoff at Pan American Stadium. But Roneagles Coach Wayne Reese gave credit to his coaching staff and players for maintaining composure in a 22-17 opening-round win over Alexandria.

• Skippers rally past Tigers
It doesn't matter if it's a District 6-5A game or a Class 5A playoff matchup, Slidell and Mandeville seemed destined for a knockdown fight to the end.

• St. Paul's stifles Patriots
St. Paul's used big plays on offense and defense, as they dominated John Ehret 34-10 in Class 5A bi-district playoff game Friday night.

• Time to reflect for Tulane's nine fifth-year seniors
They bought into the program when others were telling them it was going to be shut down.

• TULANE MEN'S BASKETBALL
ROSTER

• Tulane uses late run to get past Ill. State
Ashley Langford led five Tulane players in double figures as the Green Wave defeated Illinois State 75-62 in the first round of the preseason Women's NIT on Friday night at Fogelman Arena.

• TULANE VS. McNEESE STATE
Time: 7 p.m. Site: Fogelman Arena. Radio: 690-AM. Coaches: Tulane -- Dave Dickerson (fourth season, 46-45); McNeese State -- Dave Simmons (third season, 28-33; 55-63 overall).

• Turnovers doom Panthers
Northshore had a season of firsts, but its first playoff victory will have to wait.

• UNO MEN'S BASKETBALL
ROSTER

• UNO seniors ready to take reins
UNO's Blue-White scrimmage at the Lakefront Arena last month has no bearing on the standings, and the statistics from the game don't count.

• UNO VS. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
Time: 7 p.m. Site: Lakefront Arena. Radio: 990-AM. Coaches: UNO -- Joe Pasternack (19-13, second season); North Carolina State -- Sidney Lowe (35-32, third season).

• Wildcats top Blue Jays
Despite a season high in penalties and a stellar performance by the Jesuit defense, second-ranked Destrehan advanced to the second round of the Class 5A playoffs with a 29-7 win Friday night in Destrehan.

• Xavier men win in overtime
Dannie Woods scored on a layup with 23 seconds remaining in overtime Friday night to rally Xavier to an 82-79 victory over Wiley at The Barn.

• SURPRISE AT THE END
Saints tight end Jeremy Shockey chuckled Thursday when, on his way to lunch, he was asked to describe what this season has been like for him.

• 7-footers have Lakers head, shoulders above
I watched the Los Angeles Lakers win another one Wednesday night and was left with an obvious question: Who'll finish second in the Western Conference?

• Brown, Aidoo give Wave guarded optimism
Tulane guards Chassity Brown and Tiffany Aidoo have more in common than playing the same position on the same team.

• Bulldogs close out St. Thomas More
The Division I quarterfinals match between St. Thomas More and Fontainebleau involved two evenly matched teams. The Cougars were seeded No. 4, the Bulldogs were No. 5, and the teams split two regular-season matches.

• Cabrini quickly disposes of Leesville
It took defending Division II state champion Cabrini less than an hour to dispatch Leesville on Thursday. The Crescents took a 25-11, 25-16, 25-12 win over the Wampus Cats, who were making their third state tournament appearance.

• Country Day sweeps into semifinals
The only thing Country Day Coach Julie Ibieta knew about her team's opponent on Thursday was what she could remember.

• Curtis outlasts Riverside
Curtis already defeated Riverside twice in district play this season, so it could have taken its quarterfinal playoff opponent lightly Thursday.

• FISHING REPORT
Inshore saltwater

• HORSES AND HOPE
It's all about hope.

• It's looking less likely Bush will play
Saints tailback Reggie Bush did not practice Thursday, leaving his status for Sunday's game at Kansas City in serious doubt.

• Lady Privateers set to open at Lakefront Arena
UNO Coach Amy Champion has a brand new office with all the modern accommodations, yet just before her interview she couldn't be found behind her desk.

• McGehee regains its focus, advances
McGehee senior Kendall Fritchie stood at the service line and took a few deep breaths to clear her mind.

• Mount Carmel in top form as it beats SSA
It's like an annual mist wafting into the rafters of the Pontchartrain Center.

• NEWS IN BRIEF
--- RECRUITING ---

• Scott wants backup to get point offensively
Seven games into the season, Hornets backup point guard Mike James isn't fulfilling Coach Byron Scott's expectations.

• Young Lady Tigers open with tough test
BATON ROUGE -- The No. 24-ranked LSU Lady Tigers kick off their regular season Sunday afternoon when they play No. 14 Notre Dame in the first round of the State Farm Tip-Off Classic.

• A PAIR OF ACES
BATON ROUGE -- When Trent Johnson was hired in April to redirect the fortunes of LSU basketball, he didn't find a full cupboard.

• Bush's status for Sunday uncertain
Saints running back Reggie Bush returned to the practice field Wednesday for the first time since undergoing knee surgery, but he was noncommittal about playing Sunday.

• BY THE NUMBERS
For more metro area prep football stats, go to highschoolsports.nola.com/football/stats/2008 -- football/

• Chalmette turns back Mandeville
Comebacks have been rare in Chalmette's season, but in the second game of a regional match against Mandeville, the Lady Owls staved off five game points before winning 26-24 in a game that set the stage for a match victory.

• Country Day's Ludwig among LSU signees
Country Day's Eddie Ludwig said he's always been an LSU football fan, but Tigers basketball is what is going to get him to the campus.

• Dominican goes 4-for-4
In the fourth meeting of the season between Chapelle and Dominican, little changed -- except the stakes.

• Falcons ousted quickly
Four-time state champion Ben Franklin was eliminated by second-seeded Notre Dame in the Division III regional 25-7, 25-16, 25-12 Wednesday at the Pontchartrain Center.

• Familiar foes ready to meet in playoffs
In some ways playing a district foe again in the playoffs is a good thing.

• FOOTBALL
PREP REPORT

• Grambling dubs Dawson AD
Former NFL player J. Lin Dawson was hired Wednesday as athletic director for Grambling State.

• History a motivator for Wildcats vs. Jays
It isn't often a high school coach reaches back seven years to get inspiration for his football team.

• Hornets in over their heads against Lakers
The Hornets want to be NBA title contenders.

• Horsemen happy with early Fair Grounds start
Starting the meet Friday, the Fair Grounds is breaking from the tradition of opening on Thanksgiving Day.

• It's a sign: Jackson against ads in Arena
Before Wednesday's game, Lakers Coach Phil Jackson raised the issue about the Hornets' use of Harrah's New Orleans Casino's advertising in the visiting locker room at the New Orleans Arena.

• LSU gets its 19th pledge
The jury is still out as to what position Shreveport-Fair Park quarterback Morris Claiborne might play at the collegiate level.

• LSU WRs catch flak
BATON ROUGE -- Now is the time for all good hands to come to the aid of the party, according to LSU Coach Les Miles.

• Lutcher stuns St. Charles
The Lutcher volleyball team noticed the possibility of a second-round match with district rival St. Charles as soon as it saw the Division III state tournament bracket.

• NOT THERE YET
If you're grading the test, the Hornets didn't exactly flunk Wednesday night's big exam against the Western Conference-favorite Los Angeles Lakers.

• Ponchatoula staff, Pittman have history
Brother Martin and Ponchatoula are set to meet for just the second time Friday at 7 p.m. at Tad Gormley Stadium in the opening round of the Class 5A state playoffs.

• Sacred Heart ends Ursuline's season
"It takes three games to win. It takes three games to win. It takes three games to win."

• Saints must count on David, Young
This isn't exactly a dream scenario for the Saints, having to turn to underachieving cornerbacks Jason David and Usama Young with the season on the line.

• Toms not in danger of losing his card
Contrary to recent published reports, David Toms has not lost his 2009 PGA Tour card, and he remains exempt through the 2011 season based on his 2001 PGA Championship and six subsequent tour victories. He also has two career money exemptions, so his playing status on tour is secure. He plans to open next season at the Sony Open (Jan. 15-18) where he scored his last tour win in 2006. He also plans to play the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic (Jan. 21-25) and FBR Open (Jan. 29-Feb. 1).

• 6 picked to SWAC Hall
The Southwestern Athletic Conference announced Tuesday six selections for its 2008 Hall of Fame Class, including Jackson State basketball standout and 14-season NBA player Lindsey Hunter.

• AN EARLY EXAM
In order to get an accurate evaluation of his team's progress, Coach Byron Scott said he needs to see how his players respond to a difficult challenge.

• DEFENSE MECHANISM
James Posey is not a Kobe stopper. He's not even sure if such a player exists.

• DISTANT INSPIRATION
Even though she is not with her team, Lions Coach Marta Bott is in the thoughts and prayers of Ursuline volleyball players and coaches every day.

• Five locals ready to make it official
During the November signing period, the early bird gets the guarantee.

• Moore seeks to snap slump
When Tulane Coach Bob Toledo pulled sophomore quarterback Kevin Moore in favor of redshirt freshman Joe Kemp in the second quarter of this past Saturday night's game at Houston, he told Moore "stay ready" rather than "you're done."

• Racetrack to strive for fan-friendly atmosphere
Austin Miller admits he knew little about racing when he arrived at the Fair Grounds last year.

• Renovations have Privateers right at home
UNO men's basketball coach Joe Pasternack spent most of last season making grand promises about improvements coming to Lakefront Arena.

• SCOUTING REPORT: SAINTS (4-5) at CHIEFS (1-8)
Kansas City has nothing to lose -- unlike the Saints, who can ill-afford another loss.

• 'Showboat' still steamrolling competition
"Showboat."

• Tigers sputter in gear
BATON ROUGE -- Buried in the mounting interception total racked up by LSU this season is an apparent statistical anomaly: The Tigers' offense is not that bad.

• YOUR GUIDE TO THE FAIR GROUNDS
JOCKEYS TO WATCH

• Belle Chasse keeps Riverdale at bay
Belle Chasse cruised into the second round of the Division II state tournament Monday night with a 25-6, 25-23, 25-22 victory over Riverdale at Belle Chasse.

• Blue Devils enjoy usual stellar start
Kyle Singler scored 12 of his 19 points during the decisive first half, and No. 8 Duke opened its season by routing Presbyterian 80-49 on Monday night in the first round of the 2K Sports Classic.

• Cabrini sweeps Karr
Cabrini volleyball coach Greg Castillo said he didn't have much of a scouting report on Karr coming into Monday night's Division II bi-district match at Cabrini.

• Coach says he's frustrated by Saints' lack of consistency
On Sunday night, for the second time this season, the Saints had that frustrating postgame feeling of having been dominated on the road by a divisional opponent. This time, though, they were on a plane back to New Orleans, not to London.

• Curtis proves too much for St. John at the net
In John Curtis' first-round playoff match against St. John on Monday afternoon, the Patriots' Alison Grabert experienced the serve without end.

• C-USA: Houston's Hunt won't be suspended
Houston defensive end Phillip Hunt will not be suspended for a dead-ball hit on Tulane quarterback Joe Kemp which resulted in a broken collarbone for Kemp in the visiting Green Wave's 42-14 loss this past Saturday, the Conference USA office announced Monday.

• Douglass forfeiture costs Clark playoff berth
Although Clark fell to Reed 22-16 in its season finale Friday, the Bulldogs thought they were headed to the Class 3A playoffs.

• Fontainebleau serves notice it's dangerous from the beginning
Fontainebleau found a level of comfort in its victory over Thibodaux in the first round of the Division I playoffs Monday that could be cause for concern for other teams in their path.

• Jekyll and Hyde tendencies evident away from home
Former Baltimore Ravens coach Brian Billick made an interesting observation before the Saints' game at Carolina last month.

• LSU gets commitment from DT from Calif.
There was at least one person not dressed in Crimson that exited Tiger Stadium with a positive feeling Saturday in Baton Rouge.

• McKenzie done for season
Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie officially was ruled out for the rest of the season Monday. Coach Sean Payton said the 10-year veteran will have surgery this week to repair his fractured right kneecap, and he will be placed on injured reserve for the second consecutive year.

• Newman dispatches rival Lusher with ease in Division IV match
Brittany Goodman had four aces and 21 digs to lead Newman to a 25-22, 25-7, 25-17 victory against Lusher in a Division IV bi-district match Monday night at Newman.

• Northlake Christian prevails
Northlake Christian won a mismatch against Ascension Christian 25-6, 25-4, 25-9 in the first round of the Division V playoffs on the Lady Wolverines' home court Monday night.

• N.O. serious about Final Fours
Being a self-confessed "reformed lawyer," Southeastern Conference Commissioner Mike Slive knows the importance of a strong closing argument.

• Payton's getting his bucks, but where's Saints' bang?
It can seem like not much, Sean Payton tossing himself on his sword after the mounting Saints losses, his team moving farther from the playoffs and closer to a top 15 pick in the 2009 NFL draft, because the masses become tone deaf as the message turns repetitive.

• PEAK PERFORMANCE
As a coach, Byron Scott can afford to look ahead, has to actually, to prepare the Hornets for what they're facing this week.

• Skippers get past Wildcats
Having missed last season's state volleyball tournament thanks to a first-round loss to St. Amant, Mandeville was on a mission to get to Kenner.

• THE CONTENDERS
Cities in the running to host a Final Four:

• Tigers licking wounds but not giving up fight
BATON ROUGE -- An uncharacteristic moodiness cloaked the LSU football complex Monday, with many players looking to dodge interviews and some who did show up acknowledging the season has not panned out as planned.

• BIRD FEEDERS
ATLANTA -- Technically, Sunday's game ended with a touchdown by the Saints. But the outcome was complete with a little more than a minute remaining against the Atlanta Falcons, and the final meaningful play of the day was the same as the Saints' first offensive play of the game: an interception for the Falcons.

• BLITZ PACKAGE
A look at Week 10 in the NFL:

• Falcons' Ryan playing with veteran's poise
ATLANTA -- The Saints saw firsthand Sunday why Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is the leading candidate to be the NFL's Rookie of the Year.

• FOOTBALL PLAYOFF PAIRINGS
CLASS 5A

• GRADES
OFFENSE -- 1/2 fleur-de-lis

• Hard hit after whistle draws Wave coach's ire
Tulane Coach Bob Toledo has no doubt about what he would have done had Houston's Phillip Hunt been one of his players Saturday night and delivered the late hit that broke Green Wave quarterback Joe Kemp's collarbone.

• Hornets rebound from early hiccups
After two consecutive defeats, Hornets point guard Chris Paul felt a change was necessary, especially with difficult games this week against the Los Angeles Lakers, Portland and Houston.

• It doesn't add up for Saints
Unless I'm mistaken, I think I hear the fat lady singing.

• Miles suggests that Jefferson will be part of QB rotation
BATON ROUGE -- Bowing to what seems inevitable, LSU Coach Les Miles virtually guaranteed freshman Jordan Jefferson will play quarterback against visiting Troy on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium, but Miles said embattled starter Jarrett Lee, a redshirt freshman, would stay atop the depth chart.

• Playoff brackets go according to form
BATON ROUGE -- There were no surprises as the Louisiana High School Athletic Association released the football playoff brackets Sunday.

• Saints' McKenzie likely out for rest of season
ATLANTA -- For the second year in a row, Saints cornerback Mike McKenzie suffered a devastating knee injury that likely will end his season.

• SAN FRANCISCO at ARIZONA
7:30 p.m., ESPN

• Shockey has Brees throwing fit on sideline
ATLANTA -- As Drew Brees frantically and futilely tried to pass the Saints back into contention against the Falcons on Sunday, Jeremy Shockey, the club's high-profile offseason acquisition, found himself in a strange and decidedly low-profile place: on the sideline.

• STILL ON TARGET
The Saints' Drew Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season record for passing yards. Here's a comparison of Marino's 1984 season to Brees' 2008 season through nine games:

• THE RECAP
HOW THE GAME WAS WON

• Tulane has its pride on the line
For Tulane, it's depressingly familiar territory.

• COMING UP
BANQUETS

• CRIMSON IN CLOVER
BATON ROUGE -- LSU's calamitous quarterback play continued Saturday night, as redshirt freshman Jarrett Lee threw four interceptions, including one in overtime, and the No. 15 Tigers fell to No. 1 Alabama 27-21.

• Crusaders top Raiders, win District 9-5A title
About 7,500 fans poured into Joe Yenni Stadium early Saturday morning in anticipation of a classic.

• DELTA JOURNAL -- DIGGER BEES
A local marvel is the digger bee (Habropoda sp.), a member of the wasp family Anthropodidae. There are over 900 species in the United States, and they often are called longhorned bees due to males having very long antennae. Females can deliver a mild sting; males cannot sting.

• Depleted Wave can't keep up
HOUSTON -- What has been increasingly evident for the past month became official Saturday -- Tulane will have yet another losing season.

• Douglass rolls to win
Douglass scored on six of eight possessions in a season-ending 48-7 victory against Ben Franklin.

• Ducks on location for opening day
Southeast Louisiana duck hunters returning from Saturday's opening-day hunt sounded like real-estate agents. It was all about location, location, location.

• EXTRA CREDIT
LSU has played in seven overtime games in four seasons under Coach Les Miles

• From Beyond the Arc
3-POINTERS FROM THE WEST

• GEARHEAD: Ankle-tight boots
Most local outdoors folks know rubber boots are invaluable for tramping about our wetlands, but many are unaware to look for a feature called "ankle-tights." This means the boots are narrower just above the ankles, a feature that prevents them form being sucked by our gumbo-thick mud. Look for that feature -- and always try them on before buying. Prices start around $30.

• GOLDEN MEMORIES
After keeping visiting Ole Miss in check the week before in a 14-0 victory, LSU kept its No. 1 ranking by The Associated Press and stayed at No. 3 in the United Press International poll.

• Guards to supply spark for Wave
This season, Tulane Coach Lisa Stockton likely won't have to worry about the play of her guards.

• Hornets
SIX-SHOOTING START

• INSIDE SLANT
GAME 2 WATCH: New York Giants (7-1) at Philadelphia (5-3), 7:15 p.m., NBC. There are several intriguing Games 2 Watch today, for example, Indianapolis at Pittsburgh and Buffalo at New England. But the prime-time battle between two NFC East foes holds the most promise. Eagles need the game more than the G-Men. Defensive coordinators Jim Johnson (Philadelphia) and Steve Spagnuola are on center stage. The team that best protects its quarterback will emerge victorious.

• INSIDE THE NFL AT MIDSEASON
NFC SOUTH

• It's all about Tide for Saban
BATON ROUGE -- The words were harsh, as LSU fans darted out of Tiger Stadium like a blitzing linebacker Saturday afternoon, and Alabama Coach Nick Saban didn't flinch.

• Iverson won't shoot Pistons to top
In five seasons, the Detroit Pistons have exemplified consistency. They won 284 games and have advanced to the Eastern Conference finals each season during the span.

• Jays, Panthers win metro meet
It was a day of continuing tradition for one swimming powerhouse and establishing one for the another.

• Miles has to fix quarterback problem
BATON ROUGE -- The story of this game was not Nick Saban, whose Alabama football team returned to his former football home and kept its No. 1 ranking with a 24-21 overtime victory.

• NBA Power Rankings
TOP FIVE

• NFL MATCHUPS
ST. LOUIS (2-6) At NEW YORK JETS (5-3)

• Paul gets Hornets back on track
Feeling the sting from Friday night's loss to the Charlotte Bobcats, Chris Paul was motivated to get back to fulfilling the Hornets' lofty expectations as one of the top teams in the Western Conference.

• PICKED SIX
LSU quarterback Jarrett Lee has thrown six touchdowns the wrong way this season.

• SHORTSIGHTED
ATLANTA -- Nobody knows for sure exactly how many victories will get an NFC South team into the playoffs this season, and it seems difficult at this point -- at least in New Orleans and Atlanta -- to find a team leader willing to make a confident guess.

• THE GAME
SAINTS (4-4) AT FALCONS (5-3)

• Tigers slow down Crimson Tide
BATON ROUGE -- Stung by a couple of 50-point shiners this season, LSU's defense finally played up to its capabilities Saturday.

• Wade riding a wave of good play
If anyone had any doubts about whether Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade could make a successful, and complete, recovery from an injury-plagued season a year ago, the definitive proof came Friday night in San Antonio.

• Wes is gone, but story never ends
So this is how it ends? You pry the lid off a can, open the plastic bag inside, stand in your blind and empty the contents into the wind, letting the ashes of your best friend for the past 14 years find a final resting place on the things he loved most -- the decoys, the marsh grass, the smelly bottom of the pond, the rosecane bending in the breeze. And, yes, you.

• With the opening of the Fair Grounds' permanent slots facility, some say the track will be perceived more like a casino, but officials say slots will improve the quality of racing
Horses will be off and running Friday on opening day at the Fair Grounds, and slot machines will be ringing on the opening of the track's permanent slots facility.

• Alabama (9-0, 5-0) vs. LSU (6-2, 3-2)
Kickoff: 2:30 p.m., Tiger Stadium

• Bernard, Hurricanes squeak past Bonnabel
Edward Bernard rushed for 136-yards and two touchdowns to lead Higgins to a 22-16 victory against Bonnabel in a District 8-5A game on Friday night at Muss Bertolino Stadium.

• Blue Jays start fast, roll past Purple Knights
It was simple for Jesuit and St. Augustine on Friday night. The winner still had a chance to make the playoffs, and the loser was out.

• BY THENUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• Dykes' INT stops Pearl River
Brian Dykes' interception inside Franklinton's 10-yard line with 1:29 remaining sealed a 21-14 victory for the Demons over Pearl River in a District 9-4A game Friday night at Pearl River.

• Falcons easily defeat Jaguars, take 9-2A title
St. Thomas Aquinas won the District 9-2A championship, defeating Pope John Paul II 35-7 on Friday in Slidell.

• FORMIDABLE CHALLENGE
How LSU has fared against top-ranked foes:

• [From The Times-Picayune]
WEEK 10

• Lighten up; Saban just did what coaches do
Stop it.

• Lighten up; Saban just did what coaches do
Stop it.

• Long hang time worth wait for Saints punter
Want somebody to root for this in weekend's Saints-Falcons game?

• Northshore girls make it count at Metro meet
"Every race counts."

• Northshore girls make it count at Metro meet
"Every race counts."

• Roneagles shut out Eagles
McDonogh 35 needed a victory to increase its chances of hosting a first-round playoff game, and the 14th seed in Class 4A wasted no time achieving that.

• Saints ready to see 'real' Colston, Shockey
Technically, receiver Marques Colston and tight end Jeremy Shockey have been back in the Saints' lineup since mid-October.

• Salmen undefeated in district
Salmen finished its season undefeated in District 9-4A, capping the regular season with a 49-0 win over Riverdale on Friday night at Joe Yenni Stadium.

• Skippers capture 6-5A crown
William Bunns ran for 180 yards and a touchdown as Mandeville wrapped up the District 6-5A title by holding off determined Covington 25-17.

• St. Martin's pulls out the stops to top Cajuns
When two running teams finish with rushing totals separated by an eyelash, one pass can make a world of difference.

• St. Paul's staves off Bulldogs' final push
St. Paul's held on for a 14-6 victory against Fontainebleau in a District 6-5A game Friday night in Covington.

• Teams in mode for the playoffs
Destrehan Coach Denise Keller was caught in mid-afternoon thought.

• TU INSIDER
Kickoff: 7 p.m., John O'Quinn Field at Robertson Stadium

• Tulane players share national interest
HOUSTON -- Besides their obvious football ability, they excelled off the field as well -- as honor students, student council members, and in one case, being elected homecoming king.

• TULANE vs. HOUSTON JAGUARS
Time: 2 p.m. at Fogelman Arena

• TURNING THE TIDE?
BATON ROUGE -- One hardly would know it from the spotlight glinting almost exclusively off the opposing coaches this week, but the extended egos of two proud programs will be at stake at Tiger Stadium this afternoon.

• Volleyball teams ready for postseason
Casual fans looking for proof of the depth of volleyball talent in St. Tammany Parish can just look at the field for the playoffs.

• West Jeff keeps rolling
The chant of the freshly-crowned District 8-5A champions said it all.

• Wildcats take 5-5A title
Earlier in the week, Destrehan senior linebacker Rufus Porter, perhaps unwisely, wanted to guarantee that his team would defeat Dutchtown for the District 5-5A championship.

• With 8 seconds left, Bulldogs stuff Karr's Barnes
Karr did its best to finish off a comeback at Lutcher on Friday night, but it fell just inches short.

• A THIN LINE
BATON ROUGE

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• BY THE NUMBERS
FOOTBALL

• Cubs, Blue Jays get 9-5A titles
Mount Carmel and Jesuit continued their Catholic League cross country dominance Thursday at City Park.

• Destrehan prepares for tough test
The long, high-pitched sound emitted by Destrehan defensive back Antonio Parker pretty much said it all.

• Duck numbers way off 2007
Waterfowlers awaiting Saturday's opening day have been worried the impacts of recent hurricanes on coastal marshes would hurt their chances. They were right to worry.

• FISHING REPORT
INSHORE SALTWATER

• Hornets see season won't be so simple
An hour before the Hornets tipped off against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, Byron Scott was reviewing the 3-0 start by his basketball team, also repeating what he has been saying about a team coming off its most successful season in franchise history.

• Jaguars ready for big test
Mark Jeanmard is near the conclusion of his first season as a head coach, and like many, he's a goal-oriented person.

• Lake of opposites attracts plenty of reds and specks
"Duck" and "horse" are two nouns seldom used together in the world of outdoor reporting. You can't ride a duck, nor can you shoot a horse. Nor is it legal, advisable (or even imaginable) to pursue either with a rod and reel.

• LSU rescinds scholarship offer to swingman
BATON ROUGE -- LSU has withdrawn its basketball scholarship offer to Brad Reese, according to Reese's junior college coach.

• McCray, Ellis in a rush to tackle challenges
The Saints made it a top priority this offseason to load up on pass rushers.

• Patriots roll to district title
Odd as it may seem, in the wake of a one-sided 61-14 victory against Newman, John Curtis has regained possession of the District 10-2A championship.

• Saints' Lehr just happy he's getting a fresh start
Matt Lehr spent the first three weeks of the regular season occupying an unusual role for the Saints. He spent weekdays on the team's roster and weekends off the roster, getting waived before each game and re-signed right after.

• Shaw runs over Cougars with overtime victory
The road to the District 8-4A championship still passes through the Shaw campus in Marrero.

• STATE CAPS
NORTHWESTERN STATE at CENTRAL ARKANSAS

• THIS WEEKEND
--- TODAY'S GAMES ---

• Wave surges past Wolfpack
It was better late than never for Tulane on Thursday.

• WORKING FROM HOME
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- This city's NBA team might be struggling at the box office, but tonight the Bobcats' coffers are in for a windfall.