Want a candy bar?
A GRIP ON SPORTS
I didn't even have to yell "get off my lawn." No one walked on it. Mainly because very few came to the door last night. Only 10 Halloween candy seekers rang the doorbell. A pretty depressing turnout, considering I purchased 60 candy bars. Read on.
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• Yep, I did my part for the economy, buying two large packs of full-sized bars. Now I'll have to eat them, literally. I'm thinking of keeping them in the car and taking a handful whenever I go into McDonald's or Albertson's or somewhere and giving them as tips to people helping me. Does that sound like a senior citizen response or what? I'm a walking – I guess shuffling would be better – stereotype.
• Not a lot of sports to hone in on this morning, though it will be a big day for Pac-12 hoop fans. The conference's media day is being held in San Francisco, with Christian Caple not only in attendance, but holding a live chat as well. My first question: "Christian, what was the buffet like? Croissants? Pastries? Fruit? And did the conference offer Peet's coffee?" See, I'm not afraid to ask the tough questions.
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• Washington State: Besides the aforementioned media day (where Arizona has been picked by the media to win it all and the Cougars were picked to finish 10th), the Cougars also have a football game this weekend in Utah. The "at" part is what really makes this a tough assignment, as Christian's story in today's S-R shows. ... Christian posted the particulars of Mike Leach's recently signed contract yesterday and it garnered a bit of comment. ... He also has a blog post this morning with links. ... Finally, Christian has his picks, which you can compare and contrast to the ESPN.com guys' here. ... What to watch this weekend in the Pac-12.
• EWU: Cal Poly runs an offense you don't see all that offense anymore: The triple option. Heck, you haven't seen it all that often since the heydays of the wishbone in the 1970 and '80ss. Jim Allen has the story. ... Jim also has a blog post this morning with links. ... Weber State wins, then has a bye. The Wildcats' luck hasn't been running too hot this season.
• Chiefs: The Winterhawks stay hot, defeating Everett.
• Indians: With Yakima moving to Hillsboro next season, the Northwest League is splitting into North/South divisions for the first time since 2003.
• Preps: It's Thursday, so it's Prep Page day. The emphasis today is on cross country, with Mike Vlahovich offering this feature on the successful North Central boys' program (above) and this look at all the state races. ... Greg Lee has a feature on Coeur d'Alene's two-way star Reece Mahaffy (pictured). ... The volleyball playoffs continue. ... You can find Washington's football rankings here and the local big school games here.
• Seahawks: Though the Hawks are playing catch-up at the wide receiver position, they are getting one guy healthier. They'll need him this weekend against Jared Allen (pictured) and the Minnesota Vikings. ... One of the key guys outside will be a popular young pro with local ties. ... The defense is good, but it's not elite just yet.
• Sounders: Will the Sounders advance beyond the first round this season? If they don't, it probably won't mean huge roster changes. ... How will Eddie Johnson's unclear status affect the game with Real Salt Lake?
• Mariners: Three of the M's youngsters have been honored in the fall league.
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• That's it for this Thursday morning. A gaggle of geese just flew over, honking loudly. They're a bit late aren't they? Wish I could be flying south. Maybe I can use the leftover candy bars to bribe my way onto a flight to Phoenix. Now that's a plan. Until later ...
