thedenverpost--2020-10-29--Robin Lod, own goal help Minnesota United beat Rapids 2-1

ST. PAUL , Minn. — Robin Lod scored and an own goal by Colorado helped Minnesota United beat the Rapids @ @ @ @ @ On the counterattack , Ethan Finlay played an arcing cross that Colorado ’ s Lalas @ @ @ @ @ slipped under the crossbar for an own goal in the 89th minute to give Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ ( 8-5-6 ) has won back-to-back games an is unbeaten in its last six games @ @ @ @ @ pass from Emanuel Reynoso and side-footer a first-timer from the top of the area to @ @ @ @ @ 44th minute .
Andre Shinyashiki scored for the Rapids to make it 1-1 in the @ @ @ @ @ goals this season , all coming in the last five games .

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Robin Lod scored and an own goal by Colorado helped Minnesota United beat the Rapids 2-1 on Wednesday night.
On the counterattack, Ethan Finlay played an arcing cross that Colorado’s Lalas Abubakar attempted to clear but slipped under the crossbar for an own goal in the 89th minute to give Minnesota the go-ahead goal.
Minnesota (8-5-6) has won back-to-back games an is unbeaten in its last six games.
Lod ran onto a pass from Emanuel Reynoso and side-footer a first-timer from the top of the area to open the scoring in the 44th minute. Andre Shinyashiki scored for the Rapids to make it 1-1 in the 69th. Shinyashiki has three goals this season, all coming in the last five games.
Colorado (5-6-4) has lost back-to-back games.


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--At least 1 dead as Hurricane Zeta hammers Gulf Coast

NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Zeta slammed into the storm-weary Gulf Coast on Wednesday , pelting the New Orleans metro area with rain and howling winds that ripped apart buildings , knocked out power to thousands and threatened to push up to 9 feet of sea water inland in a region already pounded by multiple storms this year .
The storm killed at least one person , a 55-year-old man who a Louisiana coroner said was electrocuted by a downed power line , and officials said life-threatening conditions would last into Thursday .
St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis said emergency @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to reports of people in distress after their roofs were blown off .
“ Guys , we received the brunt of Zeta , and Zeta gave us a good punch , ” McInnis told WDSU-TV .
Roads were flooded near the coast , where forecasters said Zeta made landfall around Terrebone Bay near Cocodrie , an unincorporated fishing village at the end of a highway with few if any full-time residents and a marine laboratory where a building was inundated .
Streams of rainfall ran off roofs in New Orleans ’ famed French @ @ @ @ @ @ @ swayed back and forth in the wind and palm trees along Canal Street whipped furiously .
A few trees were down , and one that fell across utility lines sparked a bright orange flash .
Officials said a person was hospitalized with minor injuries after a structure collapsed , but further details weren ’ t available .
More than 815,000 customers were without electricity in Louisiana , Mississippi and Alabama , including about 350,000 in metro New Orleans .
More outages were feared overnight as the storm moves northeastward across the Deep South @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 110 mph ( 177 kph ) as a Category 2 hurricane at landfall and is the 27th named storm of a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season — with over a month left to go .
It set a new record as the 11th named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. in a single season , well beyond the nine storms that hit in 1916 .
Zeta weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph ( 144 kph ) as it moved into southern Mississippi few hours after landfall @ @ @ @ @ @ @ life-threatening storm .
Hurricane-force winds blew through Mobile , Alabama , and a NOAA gauge reported a 10-foot storm surge in Waveland , Mississippi .
Tropical storm warnings were issued as far away as the north Georgia mountains , highly unusual for the region .
Forecasters issued a string of tornado warnings for as far east as the Florida Panhandle .
New Orleans was in the warning areas of six previous storms that veered east or west this season .
This time , Zeta stayed on course .
Louisiana Gov .
John Bel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boats broke loose and struck a bridge in Lafitte .
He said blackouts were extensive , including 94 % without power in Plaquemines Parish .
“ The wind has caused extensive structural damages to businesses , to homes , to electrical infrastructure , ” Edwards said .
Officials had urged people to take precautions , and a business-as-usual atmosphere in the morning in New Orleans diminished as the storm neared and grew stronger .
Traffic slowed , and restaurants and coffee shops shut down .
“ This year , the storms have been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ avoiding New Orleans but finally decided to come , ” cookie shop worker Curt Brumfield said as he stowed empty boxes in trash cans outside and others boarded up the windows ahead of the storm ’ s arrival .
Winds picked up and water rose above the docks in Jean Lafitte , a small fishing town south of New Orleans that takes its name from a French pirate .
Workers drove truckloads of sand to low-lying areas where thousands of sandbags were already stacked for previous storms .
“ We ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” said the mayor , Tim Kerner Jr. “ I ’ m optimistic regarding the tidal surge because of the speed of the storm , but we ’ re not going to take it for granted.
” Zeta ’ s wind , rain and storm surge reached more than 150 miles ( 241 kilometers ) east of New Orleans .
In Mississippi , streetlights swayed in Biloxi and the city of Pass Christian ordered all boats out of the harbor .
Dauphin Island , Alabama , shut off water and sewer service @ @ @ @ @ @ @ storms .
New Orleans officials announced that a turbine that generates power to the city ’ s aging drainage pump system broke down Sunday , with no quick repair in sight .
There was enough power to keep the pumps operating if needed , but little excess power to tap if other turbines fail , officials said .
Forecasts called for anywhere from 2 to 6 inches ( 5 to 15 centimeters ) of rain to fall in the New Orleans area .
Before landfall , Zeta ’ s top winds had risen @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Category 3 storm , according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center .
On Tuesday , Zeta raked across Mexico ’ s Yucatan Peninsula , toppling trees and briefly cutting power to more than 300,000 people but causing no deaths .
It then regained strength over the Gulf of Mexico along a path slightly to the east of those of Hurricane Laura , which was blamed for at least 27 deaths in Louisiana in August , and Hurricane Delta , which exacerbated Laura ’ s damage in the same area weeks later .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” a distraught Yolanda Lockett of Lake Charles , one of about 3,600 evacuees from Laura and Delta still sheltering , said outside her New Orleans hotel .
The deteriorating weather prompted early voting sites to close for hours in the western Florida Panhandle .
Hurricane warnings stretched from Morgan City , Louisiana , to the Alabama/Mississippi state line , including Lake Pontchartrain and metropolitan New Orleans .
Tropical storm warnings were issued for a large swath of the South , from Louisiana and Mississippi into Alabama and Georgia , including all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ could gust up to 55 mph ( 89 kph ) early Thursday .
Winds could be “ especially severe ” in the southern Appalachian Mountains , where flash flooding is possible , the hurricane center said .
Large school systems in Alabama , Georgia and South Carolina planned to close Thursday or open late .
An average season sees six hurricanes and 12 named storms .
This extraordinarily busy season has focused attention on climate change , which scientists say is causing wetter , stronger and more destructive storms .
After Hanna , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , Zeta will tie a record set in 1886 and repeated in 1985 for six hurricanes smacking the continental U.S. , according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach .
Stacey Plaisance reported from Laffite , Louisiana , and Santana from Shell Beach , Louisiana .
Associated Press contributors include Gerald Herbert in New Orleans ; Jay Reeves , in Birmingham , Alabama ; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge , Louisiana ; Seth Borenstein in Kensington , Maryland ; Jeff Martin in Marietta , Georgia ; and Gabriel Alcocer in Cancun , @ @

NEW ORLEANS — Hurricane Zeta slammed into the storm-weary Gulf Coast on Wednesday, pelting the New Orleans metro area with rain and howling winds that ripped apart buildings, knocked out power to thousands and threatened to push up to 9 feet of sea water inland in a region already pounded by multiple storms this year.
The storm killed at least one person, a 55-year-old man who a Louisiana coroner said was electrocuted by a downed power line, and officials said life-threatening conditions would last into Thursday.
St. Bernard Parish President Guy McInnis said emergency workers were doing their best to respond to reports of people in distress after their roofs were blown off.
“Guys, we received the brunt of Zeta, and Zeta gave us a good punch,” McInnis told WDSU-TV.
Roads were flooded near the coast, where forecasters said Zeta made landfall around Terrebone Bay near Cocodrie, an unincorporated fishing village at the end of a highway with few if any full-time residents and a marine laboratory where a building was inundated.
Streams of rainfall ran off roofs in New Orleans’ famed French Quarter, signs outside bars and restaurants swayed back and forth in the wind and palm trees along Canal Street whipped furiously. A few trees were down, and one that fell across utility lines sparked a bright orange flash. Officials said a person was hospitalized with minor injuries after a structure collapsed, but further details weren’t available.
More than 815,000 customers were without electricity in Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, including about 350,000 in metro New Orleans. More outages were feared overnight as the storm moves northeastward across the Deep South.
Zeta had top sustained winds of 110 mph (177 kph) as a Category 2 hurricane at landfall and is the 27th named storm of a historically busy Atlantic hurricane season — with over a month left to go. It set a new record as the 11th named storm to make landfall in the continental U.S. in a single season, well beyond the nine storms that hit in 1916.
Zeta weakened to a Category 1 hurricane with winds of 90 mph (144 kph) as it moved into southern Mississippi few hours after landfall, but forecasters said it remained a life-threatening storm. Hurricane-force winds blew through Mobile, Alabama, and a NOAA gauge reported a 10-foot storm surge in Waveland, Mississippi.
Tropical storm warnings were issued as far away as the north Georgia mountains, highly unusual for the region. Forecasters issued a string of tornado warnings for as far east as the Florida Panhandle.
New Orleans was in the warning areas of six previous storms that veered east or west this season. This time, Zeta stayed on course.
Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said in a radio interview that boats broke loose and struck a bridge in Lafitte. He said blackouts were extensive, including 94% without power in Plaquemines Parish.
“The wind has caused extensive structural damages to businesses, to homes, to electrical infrastructure,” Edwards said.
Officials had urged people to take precautions, and a business-as-usual atmosphere in the morning in New Orleans diminished as the storm neared and grew stronger. Traffic slowed, and restaurants and coffee shops shut down.
“This year, the storms have been coming back-to-back. They’ve been avoiding New Orleans but finally decided to come,” cookie shop worker Curt Brumfield said as he stowed empty boxes in trash cans outside and others boarded up the windows ahead of the storm’s arrival.
Winds picked up and water rose above the docks in Jean Lafitte, a small fishing town south of New Orleans that takes its name from a French pirate. Workers drove truckloads of sand to low-lying areas where thousands of sandbags were already stacked for previous storms.
“We’re going to get a lot of water fast,” said the mayor, Tim Kerner Jr. “I’m optimistic regarding the tidal surge because of the speed of the storm, but we’re not going to take it for granted.”
Zeta’s wind, rain and storm surge reached more than 150 miles (241 kilometers) east of New Orleans. In Mississippi, streetlights swayed in Biloxi and the city of Pass Christian ordered all boats out of the harbor. Dauphin Island, Alabama, shut off water and sewer service in areas that typically are swamped in storms.
New Orleans officials announced that a turbine that generates power to the city’s aging drainage pump system broke down Sunday, with no quick repair in sight. There was enough power to keep the pumps operating if needed, but little excess power to tap if other turbines fail, officials said.
Forecasts called for anywhere from 2 to 6 inches (5 to 15 centimeters) of rain to fall in the New Orleans area.
Before landfall, Zeta’s top winds had risen to just shy of a major, Category 3 storm, according to the U.S. National Hurricane Center.
On Tuesday, Zeta raked across Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, toppling trees and briefly cutting power to more than 300,000 people but causing no deaths.
It then regained strength over the Gulf of Mexico along a path slightly to the east of those of Hurricane Laura, which was blamed for at least 27 deaths in Louisiana in August, and Hurricane Delta, which exacerbated Laura’s damage in the same area weeks later.
“I’m physically and mentally tired,” a distraught Yolanda Lockett of Lake Charles, one of about 3,600 evacuees from Laura and Delta still sheltering, said outside her New Orleans hotel.
The deteriorating weather prompted early voting sites to close for hours in the western Florida Panhandle.
Hurricane warnings stretched from Morgan City, Louisiana, to the Alabama/Mississippi state line, including Lake Pontchartrain and metropolitan New Orleans.
Tropical storm warnings were issued for a large swath of the South, from Louisiana and Mississippi into Alabama and Georgia, including all of the Atlanta area, where winds could gust up to 55 mph (89 kph) early Thursday. Winds could be “especially severe” in the southern Appalachian Mountains, where flash flooding is possible, the hurricane center said.
Large school systems in Alabama, Georgia and South Carolina planned to close Thursday or open late.
An average season sees six hurricanes and 12 named storms. This extraordinarily busy season has focused attention on climate change, which scientists say is causing wetter, stronger and more destructive storms.
After Hanna, Isaias, Laura, Sally and Delta, Zeta will tie a record set in 1886 and repeated in 1985 for six hurricanes smacking the continental U.S., according to Colorado State University hurricane researcher Phil Klotzbach.
___
Stacey Plaisance reported from Laffite, Louisiana, and Santana from Shell Beach, Louisiana. Associated Press contributors include Gerald Herbert in New Orleans; Jay Reeves, in Birmingham, Alabama; Melinda Deslatte in Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Seth Borenstein in Kensington, Maryland; Jeff Martin in Marietta, Georgia; and Gabriel Alcocer in Cancun, Mexico.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence tests positive for COVID-19

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19 , putting into doubt whether the face of college football will be available to play the top-ranked Tigers ’ biggest game of the season .
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement released by the school Thursday night that Lawrence is in isolation with mild symptoms .
Swinney said Lawrence would miss Clemson ’ s game Saturday against Boston College .
The Tigers are scheduled to play No .
4 Notre Dame in South Bend , Indiana , on Nov. 7 .
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Lawrence said in a statement on Twitter that his symptoms have been “ relatively mild ” and he was following protocol from Clemson and the ACC about the virus .
“ The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love , ” he said .
Lawrence said he ’ d be watching and cheering for the Tigers from isolation .
The junior from Georgia is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and potentially the top overall pick in next @ @ @ @ @ @ @ led the Tigers ( 6-0 , 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference ) to a national championship as a freshman and back to the College Football playoff championship game last season .
Clemson ’ s loss to LSU in the title game was the first — and still only — game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence ’ s 32 career starts .
Clemson is tested three times a week per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol .
Lawrence created a stir earlier this week when asked about his NFL future said he still had the option @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mindset has been that I ’ m going to move on , ” Lawrence said Tuesday .
“ But who knows ?
There ’ s a lot of things that could happen.
” Swinney said that while Lawrence will be missed against the Eagles ( 4-2 , 3-2 ) , it was an “ opportunity for other guys to step up.
” Freshman passer D.J .
Uiagalelei has been the first in after Lawrence this season when games get out of hand .
Uiagalelei , at 6-4 and 250 pounds , was rated @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Rivals.com last season .
He enrolled in January and went through spring drills until the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March .
Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards .
The Tigers also have used sophomore Taisun Phommachanh and Hunter Helms at quarterback this season .
Clemson has won its past 27 games against ACC competition and the past nine against Boston College .

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence has tested positive for COVID-19, putting into doubt whether the face of college football will be available to play the top-ranked Tigers’ biggest game of the season.
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said in a statement released by the school Thursday night that Lawrence is in isolation with mild symptoms.
Swinney said Lawrence would miss Clemson’s game Saturday against Boston College. The Tigers are scheduled to play No. 4 Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, on Nov. 7.
Individuals who test positive for COVID-19 must isolate for a minimum of 10 days.
Lawrence said in a statement on Twitter that his symptoms have been “relatively mild” and he was following protocol from Clemson and the ACC about the virus.
“The only thing that hurts is missing an opportunity to be with my teammates this weekend and play the game I love,” he said.
Lawrence said he’d be watching and cheering for the Tigers from isolation.
The junior from Georgia is a leading contender for the Heisman Trophy and potentially the top overall pick in next year’s NFL draft. He led the Tigers (6-0, 5-0 Atlantic Coast Conference) to a national championship as a freshman and back to the College Football playoff championship game last season. Clemson’s loss to LSU in the title game was the first — and still only — game the Tigers have lost in Lawrence’s 32 career starts.
Clemson is tested three times a week per Atlantic Coast Conference protocol.
Lawrence created a stir earlier this week when asked about his NFL future said he still had the option to stay or leave.
“My mindset has been that I’m going to move on,” Lawrence said Tuesday. “But who knows? There’s a lot of things that could happen.”
Swinney said that while Lawrence will be missed against the Eagles (4-2, 3-2), it was an “opportunity for other guys to step up.”
Freshman passer D.J. Uiagalelei has been the first in after Lawrence this season when games get out of hand. Uiagalelei, at 6-4 and 250 pounds, was rated the country’s second-best college prospect by Rivals.com last season. He enrolled in January and went through spring drills until the coronavirus pandemic shut down college sports last March.
Uiagalelei has completed 12 of 19 passes for 102 yards. The Tigers also have used sophomore Taisun Phommachanh and Hunter Helms at quarterback this season.
Clemson has won its past 27 games against ACC competition and the past nine against Boston College.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Kiszla: CU Buffs and Cornhuskers should be playing football, instead of being stuck in conferences w

Kiszla: CU Buffs and Cornhuskers should be playing football, instead of being stuck in conferences where they don’t belong.

Colorado has never belonged in the Pac-12 Conference .
Nebraska has never really felt at home in the Big Ten .
All the Buffs and Huskers want to do is go out and play football .
For bragging rights instead of money .
Like CU and Nebraska used to , back in the glory days of Bill McCartney and Tom Osborne .
In my dreams , the Buffaloes and Cornhuskers are on the football field this weekend , blocking and tackling each other with passion .
Play the game in Boulder .
Or Lincoln .
Or between two pick-up trucks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for crying out loud .
But in the grim reality of 2020 , Folsom Field will sit lonely this Saturday .
The Nebraska fight song won ’ t rock Memorial Stadium .
Why ?
Because the Buffs and Huskers will be forced to sit at home , noses pressed against the glass , as misfit members of the Pac-12 and Big Ten , conferences where they ’ re no big deal .
The Huskers and Buffs should be playing , dang it .
CU linebacker Nate Landman tackling Luke McCaffrey , who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and receiver for Nebraska .
Wouldn ’ t that be flipping fun ?
Coach Scott Frost and the Huskers are stuck in a bad marriage with the Big Ten .
The stresses of coronavirus have only exacerbated the relationship , with the latest awkward moment revealed this week , when Nebraska tried to recruit Tennessee-Chattanooga to visit Lincoln as a replacement for the COVID-stricken Wisconsin Badgers on the schedule , only to have the conference nix the idea .
In these pandemic times , two neighbors from bordering states need each other more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decade after Colorado and Nebraska dumped tradition and relevancy for the mindless pursuit of money , the Buffs and Huskers are bound by little except shared football misery .
Why did Nebraska and Colorado bolt the Big 12 ?
Beats me .
I tried to warn the Buffs they were nuts for even thinking about it .
As best I understand , CU leadership felt Boulder ’ s inflated real estate prices would only be enhanced by joining a league where a three-bedroom , one-bath , 1,027-square foot bungalow in Palo Alto , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1.9 million .
The Huskers were apparently tired of beating up on Kansas State and figured they could cash in on the television revenue generated by games against Wisconsin .
So how ’ s that working out for you , CU and Nebraska ?
On Oct. 1 , 2011 , the Huskers played their inaugural game as a Big Ten member at Camp Randall Stadium , where 80,321 Wisconsin fans and me saw a former Rockies infielder named Russell Wilson pass Nebraska silly in a 48-17 rout .
Since that day , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which has enjoyed only one winning season since 2015 and has not finished ranked in the national polls since 2012 .
While McCartney predicted a decade ago that joining the Pac-12 would be a “ Bonanza !
” for the Buffs , the move has banished CU football to the suburbs of Nowheresville .
How bad has this last decade been ?
Let ’ s put it in context .
Since 2011 , the Buffs have won 39 games .
The Rice Owls , nobody ’ s idea of pigskin powerhouse , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time frame .
Yes , apologists whine the greedy Texas Longhorns refused to share revenue and ruined the Big 12 for both Colorado and Nebraska .
Well , football programs in those god-for-saken outposts of Stillwater , Okla. ; Ames , Iowa ; and Manhattan , Kan. ; are all ranked today in the Associated Press top 25 poll .
The Buffs , Huskers and Longhorns ?
Nowhere to be found .
It ’ s almost Halloween in this messed up , crazy year.The Buffs have yet to take the field , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ — a 52-17 shellacking at Ohio State that reminded us ( again ) how far a once-mighty program has fallen .
The Buffs and Huskers sold their football souls to end their rivalry , pull up stakes and seek fool ’ s gold .
Colorado and Nebraska messed up .
Big time .
Argue if you want .
But it ’ s a losing argument .
For a decade , the proof has been on the scoreboard .
When CU finally starts this season Nov. 7 , the Buffs will face UCLA in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Dorrell , fired by the Bruins 13 years ago , says has “ no special significance.
” Pandemic willing , Nebraska ’ s next scheduled contest is at Northwestern .
Ho-hum .
There ’ s not one honest college football fan between Omaha and Nederland that wouldn ’ t trade those two nondescript matchups for a renewal of hostilities between the Buffs and Huskers .

Colorado has never belonged in the Pac-12 Conference.
Nebraska has never really felt at home in the Big Ten.
All the Buffs and Huskers want to do is go out and play football. For bragging rights instead of money. Like CU and Nebraska used to, back in the glory days of Bill McCartney and Tom Osborne.
In my dreams, the Buffaloes and Cornhuskers are on the football field this weekend, blocking and tackling each other with passion. Play the game in Boulder. Or Lincoln. Or between two pick-up trucks in the Julesburg Family Market parking lot, for crying out loud.
But in the grim reality of 2020, Folsom Field will sit lonely this Saturday. The Nebraska fight song won’t rock Memorial Stadium. Why? Because the Buffs and Huskers will be forced to sit at home, noses pressed against the glass, as misfit members of the Pac-12 and Big Ten, conferences where they’re no big deal.
The Huskers and Buffs should be playing, dang it. CU linebacker Nate Landman tackling Luke McCaffrey, who lines up at QB, running back and receiver for Nebraska. Wouldn’t that be flipping fun?
Coach Scott Frost and the Huskers are stuck in a bad marriage with the Big Ten. The stresses of coronavirus have only exacerbated the relationship, with the latest awkward moment revealed this week, when Nebraska tried to recruit Tennessee-Chattanooga to visit Lincoln as a replacement for the COVID-stricken Wisconsin Badgers on the schedule, only to have the conference nix the idea.
In these pandemic times, two neighbors from bordering states need each other more than ever. But now, a decade after Colorado and Nebraska dumped tradition and relevancy for the mindless pursuit of money, the Buffs and Huskers are bound by little except shared football misery.
Why did Nebraska and Colorado bolt the Big 12? Beats me. I tried to warn the Buffs they were nuts for even thinking about it. As best I understand, CU leadership felt Boulder’s inflated real estate prices would only be enhanced by joining a league where a three-bedroom, one-bath, 1,027-square foot bungalow in Palo Alto, Calif., is currently listed for $1.9 million. The Huskers were apparently tired of beating up on Kansas State and figured they could cash in on the television revenue generated by games against Wisconsin.
So how’s that working out for you, CU and Nebraska?
On Oct. 1, 2011, the Huskers played their inaugural game as a Big Ten member at Camp Randall Stadium, where 80,321 Wisconsin fans and me saw a former Rockies infielder named Russell Wilson pass Nebraska silly in a 48-17 rout. Since that day, it has all been downhill for Nebraska football, which has enjoyed only one winning season since 2015 and has not finished ranked in the national polls since 2012.
While McCartney predicted a decade ago that joining the Pac-12 would be a “Bonanza!” for the Buffs, the move has banished CU football to the suburbs of Nowheresville. How bad has this last decade been? Let’s put it in context. Since 2011, the Buffs have won 39 games. The Rice Owls, nobody’s idea of pigskin powerhouse, have won 43 times during the same time frame.
Yes, apologists whine the greedy Texas Longhorns refused to share revenue and ruined the Big 12 for both Colorado and Nebraska. Well, football programs in those god-for-saken outposts of Stillwater, Okla.; Ames, Iowa; and Manhattan, Kan.; are all ranked today in the Associated Press top 25 poll. The Buffs, Huskers and Longhorns? Nowhere to be found.
It’s almost Halloween in this messed up, crazy year.The Buffs have yet to take the field, and the Huskers have played one stinking game — a 52-17 shellacking at Ohio State that reminded us (again) how far a once-mighty program has fallen.
The Buffs and Huskers sold their football souls to end their rivalry, pull up stakes and seek fool’s gold. Colorado and Nebraska messed up. Big time.
Argue if you want. But it’s a losing argument. For a decade, the proof has been on the scoreboard.
When CU finally starts this season Nov. 7, the Buffs will face UCLA in a game even new Buffs coach Karl Dorrell, fired by the Bruins 13 years ago, says has “no special significance.” Pandemic willing, Nebraska’s next scheduled contest is at Northwestern. Ho-hum.
There’s not one honest college football fan between Omaha and Nederland that wouldn’t trade those two nondescript matchups for a renewal of hostilities between the Buffs and Huskers.
I miss Coach Mac and Dr. Tom.
Don’t you?


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Colorado high school football state championships unlikely to be played at Empower Field this season

Nothing about this fall ’ s high school football season has been normal .
It appears that theme may continue all the way to the very end , with all signs pointing to the Class 4A and 5A title games not being played at Empower Field at Mile High this December .
The biggest obstacle standing in the way : Attendance for Broncos ’ home games is currently capped at 5,700 fans ( 7.49 % capacity ) by health authorities , which is roughly half of the 11,500 the event typically draws each year .
That ’ s a large @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sports Hall of Fame , to account for financially , especially since current guidelines require those 5,700 fans to be spread out across all four levels of the Broncos ’ home stadium .
And it ’ s one of the many reasons Tom Lawrence , the man in charge of the non-profit , says he ’ s “ 99 percent sure ” the games won ’ t be played at the stadium that has called them home since 2005 .
“ In a normal year , with a ticket price of 15 dollars @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to break even to cover all of our costs — the costs we pay the Broncos , the costs we pay CHSAA and everybody else who is connected , ” Lawrence said .
Last year , 12,789 attended the 5A ( Cherry Creek vs. Columbine ) and 4A ( Pine Creek vs. Broomfield ) title games , but those spectators were limited to the lower bowl .
If fans were required to spread out across all four levels , that would necessitate more staff to service a smaller crowd .
“ There ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , ” Lawrence said .
“ At this point , I don ’ t know what CHSAA is going to do to host those championship games.
” Colorado High School Activities Association assistant commissioner Adam Bright , who oversees football , acknowledged the event “ may have to be moved somewhere else , ” if those parameters are still in place when the games are scheduled Dec. 5 .
Bright said there ’ s been some discussion about other possible venues should the games need to be moved .
He declined to disclose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he said local health ordinances would play a major role in the selection .
“ We ’ ve got a couple of different things going , ” Bright said .
“ I ’ ve got Plan A through Plan M , N and O right now .
… I have a backup plan for the backup plan.
” The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame has hosted the 5A and 4A state title games at Empower Field for 15 years .
Prior to that , championship games had been played at home sites across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which donates all profits made off the games back to youth sports groups across Colorado , has made money in all but two years it has hosted the games .
He estimated those proceeds have accounted for half of the Hall of Fame ’ s $ 2 million in donations during the past 15 years .
The organization ’ s nine-year contract with the Broncos to present the event at Empower Field expires in 2022 , but there is hope that contract will be renewed when the time comes .
“ We would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to come , ” Lawrence said , “ and I know the Broncos would love to do the same .
”

Nothing about this fall’s high school football season has been normal.
It appears that theme may continue all the way to the very end, with all signs pointing to the Class 4A and 5A title games not being played at Empower Field at Mile High this December.
The biggest obstacle standing in the way: Attendance for Broncos’ home games is currently capped at 5,700 fans (7.49% capacity) by health authorities, which is roughly half of the 11,500 the event typically draws each year.
That’s a large gap for the presenter, the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, to account for financially, especially since current guidelines require those 5,700 fans to be spread out across all four levels of the Broncos’ home stadium.
And it’s one of the many reasons Tom Lawrence, the man in charge of the non-profit, says he’s “99 percent sure” the games won’t be played at the stadium that has called them home since 2005.
“In a normal year, with a ticket price of 15 dollars, we need 9,000 paid attendants just to break even to cover all of our costs — the costs we pay the Broncos, the costs we pay CHSAA and everybody else who is connected,” Lawrence said.
Last year, 12,789 attended the 5A (Cherry Creek vs. Columbine) and 4A (Pine Creek vs. Broomfield) title games, but those spectators were limited to the lower bowl. If fans were required to spread out across all four levels, that would necessitate more staff to service a smaller crowd.
“There’s no way we could do that,” Lawrence said. “At this point, I don’t know what CHSAA is going to do to host those championship games.”
Colorado High School Activities Association assistant commissioner Adam Bright, who oversees football, acknowledged the event “may have to be moved somewhere else,” if those parameters are still in place when the games are scheduled Dec. 5.
Bright said there’s been some discussion about other possible venues should the games need to be moved. He declined to disclose which sites have been discussed, but he said local health ordinances would play a major role in the selection.
“We’ve got a couple of different things going,” Bright said. “I’ve got Plan A through Plan M, N and O right now. … I have a backup plan for the backup plan.”
The Colorado Sports Hall of Fame has hosted the 5A and 4A state title games at Empower Field for 15 years. Prior to that, championship games had been played at home sites across Colorado.
Lawrence said his organization, which donates all profits made off the games back to youth sports groups across Colorado, has made money in all but two years it has hosted the games. He estimated those proceeds have accounted for half of the Hall of Fame’s $2 million in donations during the past 15 years.
The organization’s nine-year contract with the Broncos to present the event at Empower Field expires in 2022, but there is hope that contract will be renewed when the time comes.
“We would love to continue the relationship for years to come,” Lawrence said, “and I know the Broncos would love to do the same.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--The Spot: How party politics is “the high school dance on steroids,” and targeting the Latina vote

What ’ s The Spot ?
You ’ re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter .
Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox .
Weeks ago , a Democratic Party staffer contacted me to say that some Colorado Republicans would be speaking out against Donald Trump .
I decided I ’ d better wait to see which Republicans were in that group .
It turned out the list comprised only former elected Republican officials , and none who ’ d served in high office .
So I called up a few ex-officials and officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to ask why , in a state where Trump is deeply unpopular , even swing-district , moderate Republicans have decided it ’ s in their best interest to either endorse the president or just keep quiet .
Most told me they personally know Republicans who are voting for Biden , but that there are compelling reasons why those people don ’ t say so publicly .
Here ’ s the calculation , says outgoing GOP state Sen. Jack Tate : “ Do you demoralize your base by not supporting the top of your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and have the middle attack you mercilessly by saying you ’ re supporting the bad guy ?
” John Brackney , a former Arapahoe County commissioner , is one of the handful of formerly elected Republicans who ’ ve endorsed Biden .
The campaign rolled out the list in August , and to me it was more notable for its lack of big names or current elected officials than it was for the point that the handful was making .
“ If you ’ re in the tribe , there ’ s no @ @ @ @ @ @ @ caucuses , the state assembly , the county assemblies — it ’ s a passionate crowd , ” Brackney said .
“ When you ’ re that elected official and you ’ re trying to mark out your career and your lifestyle and who you want to be , it ’ s crazy hard to do what Jeff Flake did or what Justin Amash did .
Neither one of those are running for office again , ” he continued .
“ The power within both parties is so strong .
It ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It ’ s so powerful that you can ’ t buck it , you can ’ t be a leader when you ’ re in the party.
” Well , it ’ s not that GOP officials who dislike Trump can ’ t say so .
Plenty did when he was still a candidate for president .
But they won ’ t .
I spoke with Russell George , the Rifle Republican and former Colorado House speaker .
He recently endorsed Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in the congressional race against Lauren Boebert .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ own ” — as in , bucking the party is a choice available to anyone at any time .
And as far as I know , none who are currently serving in elected office in Colorado have made that choice .
Speaking of voting : If you haven ’ t done so yet , or you know someone who hasn ’ t voted , here ’ s a last-minute guide to the people and issues on your ballot .
Our team will of course be hard at work on Election Day , so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Wednesday for latest results , insights and analysis .
To support the important journalism we do , you can become a Denver Post subscriber here .
Have a question about the upcoming election ?
Submit it here and it ’ ll go straight to The Denver Post politics team .
After Democrats ’ sweep of most state offices two years ago , Colorado Republicans ’ best hope for political relevance is to retake control of the state Senate this fall , or at least to keep Democrats ’ lead there narrow enough to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ out the Latina vote A little more than half of registered Latino voters in the United States are extremely motivated to vote this year , according to a survey by the Pew Research Center , and groups across the country have been trying to get as many of them to vote as possible .
“ It is true that both campaigns have done a lot of work to move Latino voters with their digital ads and their television ads , ” said Cecilia Marquez , a history professor at Duke University , on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I ’ ve been sort of shocked by the diversity of Spanish-language ads , including different accents depending on what part of the country you ’ re in.
” “ The voices of women , especially through our votes , need to be heard , and ( for ) the Latina community , it ’ s especially important , ” Archuleta said .
Archuleta , a Latina herself , founded the Latina Initiative in 2002 .
It took a hiatus in 2011 and returned this year with a different focus : getting Latinas @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she launched the group , Archuleta told then-Attorney General Ken Salazar that she had participated in her last “ honk and wave ” at an event .
Instead , she wanted Latinas to have a seat at the table where they could ensure their voices were heard .
This year , with increasing voter turnout and interest in the presidential election , Archuleta wanted to focus her efforts again on the Latino vote .
One in five Coloradans are Latino .
“ It ’ s usually the forgotten population because we tend to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be swept up in progressive voter turnout strategy , ” she said .
To drill down further , she and her co-founder decided to focus on young Latina voters , a group they say is never focused on as a subgroup .
Archuleta used her experience from working with the Obama administration to work on the outreach efforts , partnering with a digital programming group and researchers to use data to inform their strategies .
It ’ s still too early to know exactly how many Latina voters they were able to get @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Colorado , but based on data and feedback through their campaign , Archuleta said they have been able to touch voters who were never reached before .
“ This is about building a representative electorate , ” she said .
There ’ s a lot of conversation among groups about how to get the most votes , Archuleta said , but that often doesn ’ t take into account individual subgroups whose voices should be heard .
• More than 400,000 Coloradans will receive $ 375 direct payments , Gov .
Jared Polis @ @ @ @ @ @ @ setting the stage for criminal justice reform in Colorado .
• Colorado ’ s homeowners have some of the lowest tax rates in the country , but businesses say they ’ re paying the price .
In the week since Joe Biden said he intends to “ transition away from the oil industry ” if elected , Colorado Republicans have tried to make it a wedge issue and central to their closing argument .
“ John Hickenlooper wants to ban our oil and gas industry and eliminate more than 200,000 Colorado jobs , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted to social media two days later .
Hickenlooper ’ s plan — and Biden ’ s — is not to ban fossil fuels but rather to transition America ’ s energy away from them and over to renewable sources , a process they expect will take decades .
One challenge for Republicans , especially in climate-conscious states like Colorado , is to make that sound radical and economically ruinous .
In the closing days of the campaign , they ’ re trying .
“ Joe Biden and DMB — two peas in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ energy sector .
What would YOUR life look like without oil and gas ?
” tweeted congressional candidate Lauren Boebert on Wednesday , referring to her Democratic opponent , Diane Mitsch Bush .
In the Senate race , this strategy isn ’ t exactly new .
Gardner often accused Hickenlooper of radical environmentalism during the debates , and the Colorado GOP has sent at least seven mailers to my home claiming Hickenlooper wants to ban fracking , alongside photos of unemployment lines , “ Sorry , We ’ re Closed ” signs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficulty for Republicans , to put it bluntly , is to speak louder than the state of the nation .
The top issue for voters , according to the most recent Pew survey , is the economy , followed by health care , the Supreme Court , COVID-19 , foreign policy and abortion .
Energy is not a top issue this year , with a few geographic exceptions , like Garfield County , which has two closely watched races that could reshape the staunchly pro-oil and gas county commission there .
Democratic candidate @ @ @ @ @ @ @ regulations on the industry .
In September , she said it “ would be great ” if she “ had the power to close the oil and gas industry.
” Robinson has since claimed the remark was sarcastic , but it has become a campaign issue in her run against Republican incumbent Mike Samson , an adamant natural gas defender .
And the all-Republican county commission recently voted to spend $ 1.5 million in taxpayer cash to push back against state regulations on oil and gas .
All three challengers — two Democrats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , another significant wedge issue in their races .
• Gardner voted Monday for Amy Coney Barrett ’ s confirmation to the Supreme Court .
• Far-right conservatives see the future of Colorado ’ s GOP in Lauren Boebert .
• All is quiet in what was once a political battleground : the 6th Congressional District .
• In western Colorado , Democratic campaigns play it safe with COVID-19 .
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe .

For people, policy and Colorado politics
What’s The Spot? You’re reading an installment of our weekly politics newsletter. Sign up here to get it delivered straight in your inbox.
Weeks ago, a Democratic Party staffer contacted me to say that some Colorado Republicans would be speaking out against Donald Trump. I decided I’d better wait to see which Republicans were in that group. It turned out the list comprised only former elected Republican officials, and none who’d served in high office.
So I called up a few ex-officials and officials who aren’t up for reelection to ask why, in a state where Trump is deeply unpopular, even swing-district, moderate Republicans have decided it’s in their best interest to either endorse the president or just keep quiet. Most told me they personally know Republicans who are voting for Biden, but that there are compelling reasons why those people don’t say so publicly.
Here’s the calculation, says outgoing GOP state Sen. Jack Tate: “Do you demoralize your base by not supporting the top of your ticket, or stick with the base and have the middle attack you mercilessly by saying you’re supporting the bad guy?”
John Brackney, a former Arapahoe County commissioner, is one of the handful of formerly elected Republicans who’ve endorsed Biden. The campaign rolled out the list in August, and to me it was more notable for its lack of big names or current elected officials than it was for the point that the handful was making.
“If you’re in the tribe, there’s no doubt that the peer pressure, the caucuses, the state assembly, the county assemblies — it’s a passionate crowd,” Brackney said.
“When you’re that elected official and you’re trying to mark out your career and your lifestyle and who you want to be, it’s crazy hard to do what Jeff Flake did or what Justin Amash did. Neither one of those are running for office again,” he continued. “The power within both parties is so strong. It’s the high school dance on steroids. It’s so powerful that you can’t buck it, you can’t be a leader when you’re in the party.”
Well, it’s not that GOP officials who dislike Trump can’t say so. Plenty did when he was still a candidate for president. But they won’t.
I spoke with Russell George, the Rifle Republican and former Colorado House speaker. He recently endorsed Democrat Diane Mitsch Bush in the congressional race against Lauren Boebert. He said “the limitations are our own” — as in, bucking the party is a choice available to anyone at any time.
And as far as I know, none who are currently serving in elected office in Colorado have made that choice.
Speaking of voting: If you haven’t done so yet, or you know someone who hasn’t voted, here’s a last-minute guide to the people and issues on your ballot.
Our team will of course be hard at work on Election Day, so madly refresh denverpost.com Tuesday evening and early Wednesday for latest results, insights and analysis.
To support the important journalism we do, you can become a Denver Post subscriber here.
Questions?
Have a question about the upcoming election? Submit it here and it’ll go straight to The Denver Post politics team.
Ask Us
Top Line
After Democrats’ sweep of most state offices two years ago, Colorado Republicans’ best hope for political relevance is to retake control of the state Senate this fall, or at least to keep Democrats’ lead there narrow enough to block their most progressive efforts.
Capitol Diary • By Saja Hindi
Getting out the Latina vote
A little more than half of registered Latino voters in the United States are extremely motivated to vote this year, according to a survey by the Pew Research Center, and groups across the country have been trying to get as many of them to vote as possible.
“It is true that both campaigns have done a lot of work to move Latino voters with their digital ads and their television ads,” said Cecilia Marquez, a history professor at Duke University, on a call about voter turnout. “I’ve been sort of shocked by the diversity of Spanish-language ads, including different accents depending on what part of the country you’re in.”
In Colorado, Katherine Archuleta launched a campaign specifically targeting Latina voters.
“The voices of women, especially through our votes, need to be heard, and (for) the Latina community, it’s especially important,” Archuleta said.
Archuleta, a Latina herself, founded the Latina Initiative in 2002. It took a hiatus in 2011 and returned this year with a different focus: getting Latinas to vote through digital campaigning.
Before she launched the group, Archuleta told then-Attorney General Ken Salazar that she had participated in her last “honk and wave” at an event. Instead, she wanted Latinas to have a seat at the table where they could ensure their voices were heard.
This year, with increasing voter turnout and interest in the presidential election, Archuleta wanted to focus her efforts again on the Latino vote. One in five Coloradans are Latino.
“It’s usually the forgotten population because we tend to be progressive voters and we tend to be swept up in progressive voter turnout strategy,” she said.
To drill down further, she and her co-founder decided to focus on young Latina voters, a group they say is never focused on as a subgroup. Archuleta used her experience from working with the Obama administration to work on the outreach efforts, partnering with a digital programming group and researchers to use data to inform their strategies.
It’s still too early to know exactly how many Latina voters they were able to get to the polls or ballot boxes in Colorado, but based on data and feedback through their campaign, Archuleta said they have been able to touch voters who were never reached before.
“This is about building a representative electorate,” she said.
There’s a lot of conversation among groups about how to get the most votes, Archuleta said, but that often doesn’t take into account individual subgroups whose voices should be heard.
More Colorado political news
More than 400,000 Coloradans will receive $375 direct payments, Gov. Jared Polis announced.
District attorney elections are setting the stage for criminal justice reform in Colorado.
Colorado’s attorney general finds evidence of voter intimidation at Fort Morgan mobile home park.
Colorado’s homeowners have some of the lowest tax rates in the country, but businesses say they’re paying the price.
#COSen 2020 • By Justin Wingerter
A closing message from Republicans
In the week since Joe Biden said he intends to “transition away from the oil industry” if elected, Colorado Republicans have tried to make it a wedge issue and central to their closing argument.
“John Hickenlooper wants to ban our oil and gas industry and eliminate more than 200,000 Colorado jobs,” Sen. Cory Gardner’s campaign posted to social media two days later.
Hickenlooper’s plan — and Biden’s — is not to ban fossil fuels but rather to transition America’s energy away from them and over to renewable sources, a process they expect will take decades. One challenge for Republicans, especially in climate-conscious states like Colorado, is to make that sound radical and economically ruinous. In the closing days of the campaign, they’re trying.
“Joe Biden and DMB — two peas in a pod — want to decimate your energy sector. What would YOUR life look like without oil and gas?” tweeted congressional candidate Lauren Boebert on Wednesday, referring to her Democratic opponent, Diane Mitsch Bush.
In the Senate race, this strategy isn’t exactly new. Gardner often accused Hickenlooper of radical environmentalism during the debates, and the Colorado GOP has sent at least seven mailers to my home claiming Hickenlooper wants to ban fracking, alongside photos of unemployment lines, “Sorry, We’re Closed” signs and forlorn men in hard hats.
The difficulty for Republicans, to put it bluntly, is to speak louder than the state of the nation. The top issue for voters, according to the most recent Pew survey, is the economy, followed by health care, the Supreme Court, COVID-19, foreign policy and abortion. Energy is not a top issue this year, with a few geographic exceptions, like Garfield County, which has two closely watched races that could reshape the staunchly pro-oil and gas county commission there.
Democratic candidate Leslie Robinson is an advocate for more regulations on the industry. In September, she said it “would be great” if she “had the power to close the oil and gas industry.” Robinson has since claimed the remark was sarcastic, but it has become a campaign issue in her run against Republican incumbent Mike Samson, an adamant natural gas defender.
And the all-Republican county commission recently voted to spend $1.5 million in taxpayer cash to push back against state regulations on oil and gas. All three challengers — two Democrats and an independent — oppose that decision, another significant wedge issue in their races.
More federal election news
Forward this newsletter to your colleagues and encourage them to subscribe.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Three year investigation breaks up alleged check fraud ring in Adams County

A three-year investigation into check fraud has uncovered a criminal ring resulting in arrest warrants being issued for five suspects , police said .
In October 2017 , Brighton police began an investigation into check fraud at a local bank and several months later Commerce City police began investigating a check cashing business there , according to a Brighton Police Department news release .
The two departments combined their investigations and were assisted by an investigator with the Colorado Department of Revenue ’ s Taxation Division .
The case was recently presented to the Adams County District Attorney ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Four suspects at-large and one defendant , who has been arrested , face multiple charges including : money laundering , fraud by check , theft , filing a false tax return , tax evasion , and failure to file a return or pay tax , the news release said .
Most charges are felonies and the five also face charges for violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act .
At large are : Noe Lozano Perez , 35 ; Noe Lozano Loya , 58 ; Linda Lozano Perez , 30 ; and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ police .
Rosa Linda Perez Delozano , 55 , has been arrested .
Anyone with information on the at-large suspects whereabouts is asked to call police at 303-655-8740 ; or call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 ( STOP ) .

A three-year investigation into check fraud has uncovered a criminal ring resulting in arrest warrants being issued for five suspects, police said.
In October 2017, Brighton police began an investigation into check fraud at a local bank and several months later Commerce City police began investigating a check cashing business there, according to a Brighton Police Department news release.
The two departments combined their investigations and were assisted by an investigator with the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Taxation Division. The case was recently presented to the Adams County District Attorney’s Office and five arrest warrants were issued.
Four suspects at-large and one defendant, who has been arrested, face multiple charges including: money laundering, fraud by check, theft, filing a false tax return, tax evasion, and failure to file a return or pay tax, the news release said. Most charges are felonies and the five also face charges for violating the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.
At large are: Noe Lozano Perez, 35; Noe Lozano Loya, 58; Linda Lozano Perez, 30; and Hector Pinela, 38; according to police. Rosa Linda Perez Delozano, 55, has been arrested.
Anyone with information on the at-large suspects whereabouts is asked to call police at 303-655-8740; or call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 (STOP).


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--Travis Roy, BU player paralyzed in first game, dies at 45

BOSTON — Travis Roy , the Boston University hockey player who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first college shift and went on to be a motivational speaker and advocate for spinal chord injury survivors , has died .
He was 45 .
His death was confirmed by the BU athletic department and the Travis Roy Foundation .
“ It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy , ” the school said in a post on Facebook .
“ His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage , and he was a role model @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
His legacy will last forever , not just within the Boston University community , but with the countless lives , he has impacted across the country.
” Roy was a 20-year-old freshman making his debut for the reigning NCAA champions in the 1995-96 season opener when he crashed headfirst into the boards after checking a North Dakota opponent .
From his wheelchair , he gave as many as 40 motivational speeches a year .
The message he shared : Do the best with what you have and don ’ t dwell on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say the first 20 years I had a life that was full of passion and the last 20 I ’ ve had a life full of purpose , ” he said in an interview with The Associated Press shortly after turning 40 .
“ The dream is to have both at the same time , but I ’ m fortunate .
I ’ ll take either one.
” In 1997 , Roy created the Travis Roy Foundation , which has raised more than $ 9 million — half for research , and half @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chord injuries .
Roy , who was able to control the joystick that maneuvered his chair , regained little movement after the injury and had no feeling below the middle of his chest .
“ I just thought the research would move along and by the time I was 40 I might have a chance of some normalcy again , ” Roy told the AP in 2015 , “ some kids and a wife and not living with 24-hour home care anymore.
” “ Travis Roy was the ultimate symbol of determination and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and current team president Cam Neely said .
“ The impact that Travis had on the New England hockey community is immeasurable , and his relentless advocacy for spinal cord research was inspiring.
” Ray Bourque , another ex-Bruin and Hockey Hall of Famer , said he and his wife were “ honored to have known such a great man who helped so many others .
Our family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Roy family and everyone Travis touched.
” Also mourning Roy ’ s death was Jack Jablonski , a Minnesota @ @ @ @ @ @ @ left paralyzed after a hockey collision .
“ Travis Roy , you were my friend , mentor , role model and the most positive person I knew , ” Jablonski , who was born the week of Roy ’ s injury , said on Twitter .
“ You have forever changed the SCI and hockey community .
Thank you for taking the time to get to know each other .
U r my hero .
RIP Travis.
” The son of a Maine hockey rink manager who began skating when he was 20 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Yarmouth Academy and Tabor Academy before enrolling at BU .
Both high schools have named their rinks after him .
BU retired his No .
24 in 1999 ; he graduated from the school with a degree in communications the next spring .
“ I think all the time how grateful I am , ” Roy told the AP five years ago .
“ The thing that goes through my mind every once in a while is , ‘ Thank God it wasn ’ t a brain injury.
’ I don ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the 1995-96 BU Terriers team were future NHLers Chris Drury , Jay Pandolfo , Shawn Bates and Mike Grier .
John Hynes is now the coach of the Nashville Predators .
Coach Jack Parker is an inductee in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame ; Olympic hero Mike Eruzione was an assistant coach .
Roy said he occasionally thought about what might have happened if he hadn ’ t been injured .
“ There ’ s times when it ’ s kind of fun to think about it , ” he said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of sad to not know the answer .
”

BOSTON — Travis Roy, the Boston University hockey player who was paralyzed 11 seconds into his first college shift and went on to be a motivational speaker and advocate for spinal chord injury survivors, has died. He was 45.
His death was confirmed by the BU athletic department and the Travis Roy Foundation.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Travis Roy,” the school said in a post on Facebook. “His story is the epitome of inspiration and courage, and he was a role model and a hero to so many people. His legacy will last forever, not just within the Boston University community, but with the countless lives, he has impacted across the country.”
Roy was a 20-year-old freshman making his debut for the reigning NCAA champions in the 1995-96 season opener when he crashed headfirst into the boards after checking a North Dakota opponent.
The accident left him a quadriplegic.
From his wheelchair, he gave as many as 40 motivational speeches a year. The message he shared: Do the best with what you have and don’t dwell on your misfortune.
“I like to say the first 20 years I had a life that was full of passion and the last 20 I’ve had a life full of purpose,” he said in an interview with The Associated Press shortly after turning 40. “The dream is to have both at the same time, but I’m fortunate. I’ll take either one.”
In 1997, Roy created the Travis Roy Foundation, which has raised more than $9 million — half for research, and half to provide equipment for those with spinal chord injuries. Roy, who was able to control the joystick that maneuvered his chair, regained little movement after the injury and had no feeling below the middle of his chest.
“I just thought the research would move along and by the time I was 40 I might have a chance of some normalcy again,” Roy told the AP in 2015, “some kids and a wife and not living with 24-hour home care anymore.”
The hockey world shared its condolences Thursday.
“Travis Roy was the ultimate symbol of determination and courage,” former Boston Bruins star and current team president Cam Neely said. “The impact that Travis had on the New England hockey community is immeasurable, and his relentless advocacy for spinal cord research was inspiring.”
Ray Bourque, another ex-Bruin and Hockey Hall of Famer, said he and his wife were “honored to have known such a great man who helped so many others. Our family sends our heartfelt condolences to the Roy family and everyone Travis touched.”
Also mourning Roy’s death was Jack Jablonski, a Minnesota high school hockey star who was also left paralyzed after a hockey collision.
“Travis Roy, you were my friend, mentor, role model and the most positive person I knew,” Jablonski, who was born the week of Roy’s injury, said on Twitter. “You have forever changed the SCI and hockey community. Thank you for taking the time to get to know each other. U r my hero. RIP Travis.”
The son of a Maine hockey rink manager who began skating when he was 20 months old, Roy went to North Yarmouth Academy and Tabor Academy before enrolling at BU. Both high schools have named their rinks after him.
BU retired his No. 24 in 1999; he graduated from the school with a degree in communications the next spring.
“I think all the time how grateful I am,” Roy told the AP five years ago. “The thing that goes through my mind every once in a while is, ‘Thank God it wasn’t a brain injury.’ I don’t want any pity.”
Among the players on the 1995-96 BU Terriers team were future NHLers Chris Drury, Jay Pandolfo, Shawn Bates and Mike Grier. John Hynes is now the coach of the Nashville Predators. Coach Jack Parker is an inductee in the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame; Olympic hero Mike Eruzione was an assistant coach.
Roy said he occasionally thought about what might have happened if he hadn’t been injured.
“There’s times when it’s kind of fun to think about it,” he said. “It’s also kind of sad to not know the answer.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--El Paso judge holds public defender in contempt for refusing to appear in-person during coronavirus

El Paso judge holds public defender in contempt for refusing to appear in-person during coronavirus pandemic

An El Paso County District Court judge held a state public defender in contempt of court this week when the attorney refused to appear in person to represent his client in a scheduled felony jury trial .
District Court Judge Robert Lowrey found that public defender Adam Steigerwald violated the judge ’ s previous order that everyone involved in the trial be present in the courtroom for the proceedings , according to a transcript of Tuesday ’ s event .
Steigerwald appeared through a video streaming platform because of safety concerns around the novel coronavirus pandemic , and he told @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in-person trial could be held safely given the surging rates of COVID-19 in El Paso County and across the state , according to the transcript .
Lowrey disagreed , telling Steigerwald the trial could go on given the health precautions taken by those present , including wearing masks .
“ I want to make it clear for the record , the Court does not do something like this lightly , ” Lowrey said as he held Steigerwald in contempt .
“ Certainly never in the history of this division has this ever happened @ @ @ @ @ @ @ attorney engage in what I believe is only inexplicable behavior in refusing to appear for trial.
” Steigerwald appeared in court Thursday for sentencing on the contempt charge — sanctions can range from a fine to six-months in jail — but that was delayed until at least Dec. 7 to give Steigerwald ’ s attorney time to gather witnesses and consider mitigating factors .
The conflict between the judge and attorney highlights the fine line Colorado ’ s court system has been walking since the start of the pandemic this spring , as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a safe manner .
The vast majority of courts in Colorado have shifted some or most of their proceedings to allow for virtual video appearances during the pandemic , although most still require jury trials to be held in person .
Without a statewide mandate from the Colorado Supreme Court , individual jurisdictions have made their own rules , which sometimes vary even from courtroom to courtroom , said Tristan Gorman , legislative policy coordinator for the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar .
“ We ’ re dealing with a virus that does not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ system where the protocols and procedures and requirements for defense attorneys and accused alike can be completely different from one county to the next , ” she said .
The association has called on state Supreme Court to issue statewide standards for court operations , a step the justices have so far declined to take , citing the broad differences between judicial districts ’ workload , physical spaces and available technology that they say would make a blanket approach difficult .

An El Paso County District Court judge held a state public defender in contempt of court this week when the attorney refused to appear in person to represent his client in a scheduled felony jury trial.
District Court Judge Robert Lowrey found that public defender Adam Steigerwald violated the judge’s previous order that everyone involved in the trial be present in the courtroom for the proceedings, according to a transcript of Tuesday’s event.
Steigerwald appeared through a video streaming platform because of safety concerns around the novel coronavirus pandemic, and he told Lowrey that he did not believe an in-person trial could be held safely given the surging rates of COVID-19 in El Paso County and across the state, according to the transcript.
Lowrey disagreed, telling Steigerwald the trial could go on given the health precautions taken by those present, including wearing masks.
“I want to make it clear for the record, the Court does not do something like this lightly,” Lowrey said as he held Steigerwald in contempt. “Certainly never in the history of this division has this ever happened. I’ve never had an attorney engage in what I believe is only inexplicable behavior in refusing to appear for trial.”
Steigerwald appeared in court Thursday for sentencing on the contempt charge — sanctions can range from a fine to six-months in jail — but that was delayed until at least Dec. 7 to give Steigerwald’s attorney time to gather witnesses and consider mitigating factors.
The conflict between the judge and attorney highlights the fine line Colorado’s court system has been walking since the start of the pandemic this spring, as the courts attempt to continue functioning in a safe manner.
The vast majority of courts in Colorado have shifted some or most of their proceedings to allow for virtual video appearances during the pandemic, although most still require jury trials to be held in person. Without a statewide mandate from the Colorado Supreme Court, individual jurisdictions have made their own rules, which sometimes vary even from courtroom to courtroom, said Tristan Gorman, legislative policy coordinator for the Colorado Criminal Defense Bar.
“We’re dealing with a virus that does not know any geographic boundaries, and a system where the protocols and procedures and requirements for defense attorneys and accused alike can be completely different from one county to the next,” she said.
The association has called on state Supreme Court to issue statewide standards for court operations, a step the justices have so far declined to take, citing the broad differences between judicial districts’ workload, physical spaces and available technology that they say would make a blanket approach difficult.


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--Former Avalanche Colin Wilson writes about his OCD, drug and alcohol abuse

Former Avalanche forward Colin Wilson , an NHL free agent who played only nine games last season , wrote an autobiographical account in The Players ’ Tribune of his personal struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and drug and alcohol abuse that may have ended his career at age 31 .
“ The combination of those pills , mixed with alcohol , and years of untreated OCD … I found rock bottom.
” Wilson said of his use of prescription pills and the use of alcohol during his playing career .
“ There is simply no way to overstate the impact it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and on my life , ” Wilson wrote of OCD .
“ It controlled me , it almost broke me for good .
And there were times when I thought I might never be able to tell a story like this .
But I ’ m here , and I am.
” Wilson , selected by Nashville with the seventh pick of the 2008 draft , played the last three seasons for the Avalanche , which acquired him via trade in the summer of 2017 .
Colorado re-signed him as an unrestricted free @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a one-year contract worth $ 2.6 million .
A healthy scratch in the 2019-20 season opener after coming off offseason shoulder surgery , Wilson left practice early last fall and never played again .
The Greenwich , Conn. , native , who played two years at Boston University , said he is back living in New England .
“ I ’ ve done a lot to prepare for my next step in life .
I ’ m completely sober , ” Wilson wrote .
“ I ’ m back at school in Boston @ @ @ @ @ @ @ last few years I ’ ve been working with a new , more traditional talk therapist who has been one of the pillars that I lean on as I transition toward life after hockey .
They ’ ve helped me think through everything and see the next chapter of my life in a positive light .
”

Former Avalanche forward Colin Wilson, an NHL free agent who played only nine games last season, wrote an autobiographical account in The Players’ Tribune of his personal struggles with obsessive-compulsive disorder and drug and alcohol abuse that may have ended his career at age 31.
“The combination of those pills, mixed with alcohol, and years of untreated OCD … I found rock bottom.” Wilson said of his use of prescription pills and the use of alcohol during his playing career.
“There is simply no way to overstate the impact it’s had on my career, and on my life,” Wilson wrote of OCD. “It controlled me, it almost broke me for good. And there were times when I thought I might never be able to tell a story like this. But I’m here, and I am.”
Wilson, selected by Nashville with the seventh pick of the 2008 draft, played the last three seasons for the Avalanche, which acquired him via trade in the summer of 2017. Colorado re-signed him as an unrestricted free agent July 1, 2019, to a one-year contract worth $2.6 million.
A healthy scratch in the 2019-20 season opener after coming off offseason shoulder surgery, Wilson left practice early last fall and never played again. The Greenwich, Conn., native, who played two years at Boston University, said he is back living in New England.
“I’ve done a lot to prepare for my next step in life. I’m completely sober,” Wilson wrote. “I’m back at school in Boston working on a psychology major. The last few years I’ve been working with a new, more traditional talk therapist who has been one of the pillars that I lean on as I transition toward life after hockey. They’ve helped me think through everything and see the next chapter of my life in a positive light.”


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--Husband of Denver DA charged with misdemeanor arson for unattended fires – again

The husband of Denver ’ s top prosecutor is facing misdemeanor arson charges for allegedly leaving multiple burning slash piles on his Grand County property unattended .
Christopher Linsmayer has been charged with 12 counts of fourth-degree arson in connection with the Tuesday incident , according to a news release Thursday from the Grand County Sheriff ’ s Office .
Nobody was injured during the incident , and no property was damaged .
“ Ms .
McCann asked that I convey her thanks to the Kremmling Fire Department and to the Grand County Sheriff ’ s Office for their response @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an email .
“ She sincerely regrets the incident and is thankful that no property was damaged nor any injuries sustained .
This is a very difficult time for her and her family , and they are cooperating fully with the investigation .
Because this is an open investigation , I can not provide details or discuss this incident.
” Linsmayer , 68 , has previously faced fines and criminal charges for similar allegations , according to Sky-Hi News .
He was previously suspected of unintentionally starting a 10-acre wildfire near Kremmling in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 1988 , according to Denver marriage records .
Grand County sheriff deputies responded to Linsmayer ’ s property outside of Kremmling about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday after someone called to report a possible fire , according to the news release .
Deputies and Kremmling firefighters found multiple slash piles burning near the home .
Firefighters used hand tools and shovels to put out the fires but deputies were unable to locate Linsmayer on the property .
“ After further investigation deputies found that Mr. Linsmayer had left the residence that morning , leaving the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ states .
The following day , a deputy returned to the property and found that four of the 12 slash piles were still smoking , according to the news release .
“ Deputies attempted to contact Linsmayer via telephone and they were later advised that he had already spoken with his attorney regarding the situation , ” the news release states .
A person can be charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree arson if they “ knowingly or recklessly start or maintain a fire or causes an explosion ” that endangers property .
The allegations @ @ @ @ @ @ @ battle record-breaking wildfires across the state that have destroyed hundreds of homes , including in Grand County .

The husband of Denver’s top prosecutor is facing misdemeanor arson charges for allegedly leaving multiple burning slash piles on his Grand County property unattended.
Christopher Linsmayer has been charged with 12 counts of fourth-degree arson in connection with the Tuesday incident, according to a news release Thursday from the Grand County Sheriff’s Office. Nobody was injured during the incident, and no property was damaged.
“Ms. McCann asked that I convey her thanks to the Kremmling Fire Department and to the Grand County Sheriff’s Office for their response,” spokeswoman Carolyn Tyler said in an email. “She sincerely regrets the incident and is thankful that no property was damaged nor any injuries sustained. This is a very difficult time for her and her family, and they are cooperating fully with the investigation. Because this is an open investigation, I cannot provide details or discuss this incident.”
Linsmayer, 68, has previously faced fines and criminal charges for similar allegations, according to Sky-Hi News. He was previously suspected of unintentionally starting a 10-acre wildfire near Kremmling in 2016. He and McCann married in 1988, according to Denver marriage records.
Grand County sheriff deputies responded to Linsmayer’s property outside of Kremmling about 4:20 p.m. Tuesday after someone called to report a possible fire, according to the news release. Deputies and Kremmling firefighters found multiple slash piles burning near the home. Firefighters used hand tools and shovels to put out the fires but deputies were unable to locate Linsmayer on the property.
“After further investigation deputies found that Mr. Linsmayer had left the residence that morning, leaving the fires unattended,” the news release states.
The following day, a deputy returned to the property and found that four of the 12 slash piles were still smoking, according to the news release.
“Deputies attempted to contact Linsmayer via telephone and they were later advised that he had already spoken with his attorney regarding the situation,” the news release states.
A person can be charged with misdemeanor fourth-degree arson if they “knowingly or recklessly start or maintain a fire or causes an explosion” that endangers property.
The allegations against Linsmayer come as firefighters continue to battle record-breaking wildfires across the state that have destroyed hundreds of homes, including in Grand County.


thedenverpost--2020-10-29--Justin Herbert, Chargers’ red-hot rookie QB, presents big challenge for Broncos

The Broncos ’ defense faces a rookie quarterback on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High .
Imagine the possibilities .
After hassling Kansas City star quarterback Patrick Mahomes last week and sacking him three times , facing a raw rookie should be a breeze .
Right ?
Not necessarily .
Because the rookie QB in question is the Los Angeles Chargers ’ Justin Herbert , the former Oregon Duck who ’ s already flashing star power early in his NFL career .
In the ‘ Bolts 39-29 victory over Jacksonville last Sunday , Herbert became the first rookie @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 300 yards , pass for three touchdowns , run for a TD and throw no interceptions in a victory .
“ Ultimately , this guy is just very talented , ” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Thursday .
“ It looks like he ’ s made up of the right stuff to be a quarterback in the NFL and fortunately for them and unfortunately for us , I think they ’ ve found their quarterback for the next 10-15 years.
” Thursday , Herbert was named NFL offensive rookie of the month for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ posted a 122.2 passer rating , the best in history during October by a rookie with at least 50 passing attempts .
Herbert threw at least three touchdowns in each game while throwing 10 total TDs vs. only one interception .
Fangio , the man charged with masterminding a game plan to stop Herbert , is impressed with how the Chargers have developed their special talent .
“ He throws the deep ball really well , he throws the intermediate stuff well and he ’ s obviously very athletic , ” Fangio said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good job coaching him and adapting their offense to his skill set and he ’ s really played well these past three weeks.
” In his career as a head coach and defensive coordinator , Fangio has schemed for rookie QBs a number of times , with mixed results .
Last season , in the fourth start of his career , Gardner Minshew led Jacksonville to a 26-24 win at Denver , completing 19-of-33 passes for 213 yards , two touchdowns and no interceptions .
The Broncos did sack him five times .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ up Detroit ’ s David Blough in a 24-12 win at Denver .
Blough threw for only 117 yards and was sacked four times .
It will be interesting to see what defensive scheme Fangio concocts for Herbert .
All-out blitzing could be risky , because , against the blitz , Justin Herbert has thrown for 456 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions , good enough for a league-best 137.4 passer rating .
“ He can for sure make plays with his feet , ” Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ he ’ s back there comfortable and confident .
He ’ s throwing the ball like a guy who ’ s been in the league for years .
He ’ s running it with confidence .
It ’ s going to be a good challenge for this defense.
” With or without a blitz package , Chubb said the Broncos must generate pressure .
“ As a front four , we ’ ve got to get after him as much as we can and not let him have those escape lanes , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guys on the back end are going to hold it down for us and we ’ re going to make it happen for them .
I feel like if we have all 11 guys on the same page on the defensive side then we should be good.
” For a 6-foot-6 , 236-pound QB , Herbert runs remarkably well and has a strong arm .
His 70-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Guyton against the Jaguars was a thing of beauty .
But it ’ s the mental approach to the game where Herbert @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moves along .
“ It ’ s a big jump from college to the NFL , ” Herbert said .
“ The guys on the opposite side of the ball are fast and they can make plays .
Adjusting to the speed of the game , seeing it , and experiencing it , has been really helpful.
” Chargers coach Anthony Lynn concurred , saying he ’ s seen a steady , week-to-week growth from his rookie QB .
“ I think he ’ s done some things to get better every single @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we weren ’ t clicking , he found different ways to move the ball , whether it was checking down to the backs or taking off and getting the first down , ” Lynn said .
“ I thought that was growth .
He ’ s a young quarterback who has a lot to learn .
I just like the fact he works his tail off and is continually improving.
” The Broncos host San Diego Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert on Sunday at Empower Field .
As head coach of the Broncos @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the Chicago Bears ( 2016-18 ) , Vic Fangio has experienced mixed results facing rookie QBs .
A closer look :

The Broncos’ defense faces a rookie quarterback on Sunday afternoon at Empower Field at Mile High. Imagine the possibilities.
Blitzes, sacks, interceptions, mayhem.
After hassling Kansas City star quarterback Patrick Mahomes last week and sacking him three times, facing a raw rookie should be a breeze. Right?
Not necessarily. Because the rookie QB in question is the Los Angeles Chargers’ Justin Herbert, the former Oregon Duck who’s already flashing star power early in his NFL career. In the ‘Bolts 39-29 victory over Jacksonville last Sunday, Herbert became the first rookie quarterback in NFL history to throw for 300 yards, pass for three touchdowns, run for a TD and throw no interceptions in a victory.
“Ultimately, this guy is just very talented,” Broncos coach Vic Fangio said Thursday. “It looks like he’s made up of the right stuff to be a quarterback in the NFL and fortunately for them and unfortunately for us, I think they’ve found their quarterback for the next 10-15 years.”
Thursday, Herbert was named NFL offensive rookie of the month for October. In three starts, he posted a 122.2 passer rating, the best in history during October by a rookie with at least 50 passing attempts. Herbert threw at least three touchdowns in each game while throwing 10 total TDs vs. only one interception.
Fangio, the man charged with masterminding a game plan to stop Herbert, is impressed with how the Chargers have developed their special talent.
“He throws the deep ball really well, he throws the intermediate stuff well and he’s obviously very athletic,” Fangio said. “They’ve done a good job coaching him and adapting their offense to his skill set and he’s really played well these past three weeks.”
In his career as a head coach and defensive coordinator, Fangio has schemed for rookie QBs a number of times, with mixed results.
Last season, in the fourth start of his career, Gardner Minshew led Jacksonville to a 26-24 win at Denver, completing 19-of-33 passes for 213 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. The Broncos did sack him five times.
In Week 16, the Broncos roughed up Detroit’s David Blough in a 24-12 win at Denver. Blough threw for only 117 yards and was sacked four times.
It will be interesting to see what defensive scheme Fangio concocts for Herbert. All-out blitzing could be risky, because, against the blitz, Justin Herbert has thrown for 456 yards and five touchdowns with no interceptions, good enough for a league-best 137.4 passer rating.
“He can for sure make plays with his feet,” Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb said. “He’s a rookie but he’s back there comfortable and confident. He’s throwing the ball like a guy who’s been in the league for years. He’s running it with confidence. It’s going to be a good challenge for this defense.”
With or without a blitz package, Chubb said the Broncos must generate pressure.
“As a front four, we’ve got to get after him as much as we can and not let him have those escape lanes,” Chubb said. “I know those guys on the back end are going to hold it down for us and we’re going to make it happen for them. I feel like if we have all 11 guys on the same page on the defensive side then we should be good.”
For a 6-foot-6, 236-pound QB, Herbert runs remarkably well and has a strong arm. His 70-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Guyton against the Jaguars was a thing of beauty. But it’s the mental approach to the game where Herbert has improved the most as the season moves along.
“It’s a big jump from college to the NFL,” Herbert said. “The guys on the opposite side of the ball are fast and they can make plays. Adjusting to the speed of the game, seeing it, and experiencing it, has been really helpful.”
Chargers coach Anthony Lynn concurred, saying he’s seen a steady, week-to-week growth from his rookie QB.
“I think he’s done some things to get better every single week and even last week, when we weren’t clicking, he found different ways to move the ball, whether it was checking down to the backs or taking off and getting the first down,” Lynn said. “I thought that was growth. He’s a young quarterback who has a lot to learn. I just like the fact he works his tail off and is continually improving.”
The Broncos host San Diego Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert on Sunday at Empower Field. As head coach of the Broncos (2019) and as defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears (2016-18), Vic Fangio has experienced mixed results facing rookie QBs. A closer look:
C-A-Yds TD/INT Sacks-Yds Rating Result G. Minshew, J’ville (2019) 19-33-213 2/0 5-27 97.2 Jaguars 26, Broncos 24* D. Blough, Detroit (2019) 12-24-0117 1/0 4-22 78 Broncos 24, Lions 12* S. Darnold, N.Y. Jets (2018) 14-29-153 1/0 1-3 75.8 Bears 24, Jets 10* N. Mullens, San Fran. (2018) 22-38-241 0/1 1-9 65.8 Bears 14, 49ers 9 D. Kizer, Cleveland (2017) 18-36-182 0/2 1-4 41.7 Bears 20, Browns 3* C. Wentz, Philadelphia (2016) 21-34-190 1/0 2-10 86.6 Eagles 29, Bears 14* D. Prescott, Dallas (2016) 19-24-248 1/0 0-0 123.6 Cowboys 31, Bears 17 Overall 125-208-1344 6/5 14-75 81.2 4-3 record
*Home game for Fangio


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Keeler:  Steve Addazio got cute with Todd Centeio. If Patrick O’Brien doesn’t start for Colorado Sta

Keeler:  Steve Addazio got cute with Todd Centeio. If Patrick O’Brien doesn’t start for Colorado State vs. Wyoming, it’s a slap in the face of Rams fans.

You feel the worst for Trey McBride , who could play anywhere .
But never more than after CSU ’ s last play of the third quarter against Fresno State .
There was nobody within eight yards of him .
Cripes , maybe 10 .
McBride , CSU ’ s sledgehammer of a tight end , cut left on a 4th-and-goal route in the back of the end zone , a gallop into nothing but beautiful , open space .
All the ball had to do was find him , and it was a lifeline for a Rams crew down @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t .
Todd Centeio , in his first start as CSU ’ s quarterback , overshot his tight end , the Rams turned the ball over on downs , and that was pretty much that .
A Bulldogs team that got waxed at home by Hawaii turned around five days later and smacked CSU , 38-17 .
The first serving of the Steve Addazio Era was one for the dumpster .
“ I don ’ t think we were clean enough on both sides of the ball , ” said Addazio @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because of 2020 , it feels way longer than that — to replace Mike Bobo as the Rams ’ head coach .
“ And that ’ s my job .
I take responsibility.
” This isn ’ t Daz ’ s first rodeo .
If Thursday night was a rope-a-dope in advance of Wyoming on Nov. 5 , if it was designed to lull the Pokes into a false sense of security , then it was genius .
Pure , unadulterated genius .
Otherwise , as game plans go , it looked a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in some places , way too disjointed in others .
Especially at quarterback , where Addazio banked on the idea that Centeio ’ s legs were a safer bet against a porous Fresno defense than Patrick O ’ Brien ’ s bazooka .
By the time the Daz finally fetched O ’ Brien from the bullpen on Thursday , the Rams were down 38-10 .
Even a coach launching a complete tear-down-slash-rebuild also knows it ’ s loopy , in the short term , not to play to his roster ’ s strengths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McBride — a George Kittle clone who ’ d entered , then exited , the transfer portal late this past summer — is the best thing this Rams bunch has going for it now .
So why not play the signal-caller who gives your best weapon the most chances to succeed ?
To anyone ’ s eyes , that quarterback is O ’ Brien , a prototype pocket passer who already has chemistry with the 6-foot-4 McBride , whom he ’ d helped to snare 45 balls for 560 yards and four touchdowns @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Centeio , a nimble transfer out of Temple , hoping the element of surprise would carry him .
And it did .
The Bulldogs came out ill-prepared for designed QB runs and zone reads that probably weren ’ t featured on any CSU scouting report .
Alas , the joy of subterfuge didn ’ t last long .
Because of the Rams ’ shoddy tackling and maddening inability to get off the field on third down , CSU trailed by double digits in the second quarter .
Which forced Centeio to air it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ McBride miss was actually Centeio ’ s second major whiff in the red zone , having capped the Rams ’ second drive of the evening by firing a contested dart 3rd-and-goal to E.J .
Scott in the end zone .
Replays showed that tailback Marcus McElroy was wide open only a few feet away and could ’ ve walked in for six .
CSU settled for three .
A 10-7 Rams lead was short-lived , as Fresno had racked up 247 yards through the air by halftime , 117 of them to running @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for all the wrong reasons .
Missed tackles .
Lousy reads .
A plethora of self-inflicted wounds .
Adjustments that seemed to come too late , if they came at all .
It was a soul-crusher in almost every phase .
It felt a lot like a Bobo game from any of the previous two Octobers .
Centeio ( 23 pass attempts , 10 completions ) is fast ( 89 rushing yards ) and tough , which makes him tempting as a change-of-pace option .
Or on short-yardage .
Or when you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on what we saw Thursday , those cushions could be few and far between .
Why handicap yourself if you don ’ t have to ?
O ’ Brien deserved the start .
McBride deserved better .
So did CSU fans , now that you mention it .

You feel the worst for Trey McBride, who could play anywhere. But never more than after CSU’s last play of the third quarter at Fresno State late Thursday.
There was nobody within eight yards of him. Cripes, maybe 10. McBride, CSU’s sledgehammer of a tight end, cut left on a 4th-and-goal route in the back of the end zone, a gallop into nothing but beautiful, open space. All the ball had to do was find him, and it was a lifeline for a Rams crew down 31-10 in their season debut.
It didn’t. Todd Centeio, in his first start as CSU’s quarterback, overshot his tight end, the Rams turned the ball over on downs, and that was pretty much that.
A Bulldogs team that got waxed at home by Hawaii turned around five days later and smacked CSU, 38-17. The first serving of the Steve Addazio Era was one for the dumpster.
“I don’t think we were clean enough on both sides of the ball,” said Addazio, who was hired last December — because of 2020, it feels way longer than that — to replace Mike Bobo as the Rams’ head coach. “And that’s my job. I take responsibility.”
This isn’t Daz’s first rodeo. If Thursday night was a rope-a-dope in advance of Wyoming on Nov. 5, if it was designed to lull the Pokes into a false sense of security, then it was genius. Pure, unadulterated genius.
Otherwise, as game plans go, it looked like a hot mess. A little too cute in some places, way too disjointed in others.
Especially at quarterback, where Addazio banked on the idea that Centeio’s legs were a safer bet against a porous Fresno State defense than Patrick O’Brien’s bazooka. By the time the Daz finally fetched O’Brien from the bullpen on Thursday, the Rams were down 38-10.
Even a coach launching a complete tear-down-slash-rebuild also knows it’s loopy, in the short term, not to play to his roster’s strengths. With wide receiver Warren Jackson opting out, McBride — a George Kittle clone who’d entered, then exited, the transfer portal late this past summer — is the best thing this Rams bunch has going for it now.
So why not play the quarterback who gives your best weapon the most chances to succeed?
To anyone’s eyes, that quarterback is O’Brien, a prototypical pocket passer who already has chemistry with the 6-foot-4 McBride, whom he’d helped to snare 45 balls for 560 yards and four touchdowns last fall.
Instead, Daz tapped Centeio, a nimble transfer out of Temple, hoping the element of surprise would carry him. And it did.
For about a quarter-and-a-half.
The Bulldogs came out ill-prepared for designed QB runs and zone reads that probably weren’t featured on any CSU scouting report. Alas, the joy of subterfuge didn’t last long. Because of the Rams’ shoddy tackling and maddening inability to get off the field on third down, CSU trailed by double digits in the second quarter. Which forced Centeio to air it out. Which got ugly.
The McBride miss was actually Centeio’s second major whiff in the red zone, having capped the Rams’ second drive of the evening by firing a contested 3rd-and-goal dart to E.J. Scott in the end zone. Replays showed that tailback Marcus McElroy was wide open only a few feet away and could’ve walked in for six. CSU settled for three.
A 10-7 Rams lead was short-lived, as Fresno had racked up 247 yards through the air by halftime, 117 of them to running backs.
This one smelled familiar, for all the wrong reasons. Missed tackles. Lousy reads. A plethora of self-inflicted wounds. Adjustments that seemed to come too late, if they came at all. It was a soul-crusher in almost every phase. It felt an awful lot like a Bobo game from any of the previous two Octobers. Accent on the awful.
Centeio (23 pass attempts, 10 completions) is fast (89 rushing yards) and tough, which makes him tempting as a change-of-pace option. Or on short-yardage. Or when you’ve got a lead.
But based on what we saw Thursday night, those cushions could be few and far between. Why handicap yourself if you don’t have to? O’Brien deserved the start. McBride deserved better. So did CSU fans, now that you mention it.


thedenverpost--2020-10-30--Denver weather: Sunny and clear ahead of Halloween’s full moon

Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Boulder said to expect temperatures to climb to 69 degrees in the Mile @ @ @ @ @ Tonight the low will dip to about 36 degrees under clear skies , which should @ @ @ @ @ the nearly-full moon .
The full moon will be on display on Halloween night for @ @ @ @ @ two decades , and the weather service predicts skies in Denver will be mostly clear @ @ @ @ @ It will also be a so-called “ blue moon.
” Before the full moon rises @ @ @ @ @ climb to 60 degrees on Saturday , and winds could gust up to 20 mph @ @ @ @ @ low Saturday night is expected to fall to around 30 degrees .

It’s another clear, sunny day in Denver, weather forecasters predict.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service in Boulder said to expect temperatures to climb to 69 degrees in the Mile High City on Friday.
Tonight the low will dip to about 36 degrees under clear skies, which should result in excellent viewing of the nearly-full moon.
The full moon will be on display on Halloween night for the first time in nearly two decades, and the weather service predicts skies in Denver will be mostly clear for the celestial display. It will also be a so-called “blue moon.”
Before the full moon rises, temperatures in Denver will climb to 60 degrees on Saturday, and winds could gust up to 20 mph, forecasters said. The low Saturday night is expected to fall to around 30 degrees.