The All State

Final Bearcats 72
Govs 10

Update: 1;10 Fourth Quarter
Adam Fearing rushes to give Bearcats 72 points.

Update: 8:06 Fourth Quarter
Kitts rushes for Govs first touchdown. Bearcats 65 Govs 10

Update: 12:22 Fourth quarter
Tipped ball turns into second Ryan interception. Bearcats takeover at Govs 11-yard line. One play later, they score another touchdown. Bearcats 65 Govs 3

Update: Fourth Quarter
Bearcats score with four-yard rushing touchdown. Bearcats 58 Govs 3

Update: 1:15 Third Quarter
Stansell kicks 21-yard field goal for Govs first score of the game. 51-3

Update: 2:55 Third Quarter
Ryan completes 36-yard pass for first and 10 on Bearcats six-yard line

Update: 7:05 Third Quarter
Cincinnati’s Munchie Legaux rushes five yards on quarterback keeper for the touchdown. Bearcats increase lead 51-0.

Update: 8:19 Third Quarter
Govs fumble, Bearcats recover.

Update: 8:26 Third Quarter
Govs take a time out, Second down and 12 on their 41-yard line.

Update: 10:47 Third Quarter
Govs defense hold Bearcats to 40-yard field goal. Bearcats lead 44-0

Update: Third Quarter
Govs go three and out on first drive of the second half. After a short punt, Bearcats take over in Govs territory.

Update: Halftime Bearcats 41 Govs 0
Turnovers, penalties and missed tackles have helped the Cincinnati Bearcats find the end zone six times in the first half. Meanwhile senior tailback Ryan White has been the only highlight of a Govs offense who has generated only 108 yards. White has 11 rushes for 52 yards. Govs quarterback Jake Ryan has completed eight passes for 57 yards with one interception.

The Bearcats have generated 351 yards of total offense. Isaiah Peed has two rushing touchdowns. Senior quarterback Zach Collaros has completed 12 passes for 134 yards and four touchdowns.

Kickoff
It only took two plays for the Cincinnati Bearcats to score their first touchdown against the Govs at Nippert Stadium. After Ralph David Abernathy IV ran back the opening kick return 60 yards, senior running back Isaiah Peed broke one tackle and dashed 40 yard into the end zone for six points.

The Govs troubles continued on their opening offensive drive when Jake Ryan threw his first interception of the season. The Bearcats took over at midfield and eventually scored on another Peed rushing touchdown.

At 6:00 left in the first quarter the Bearcats lead 13-0 and are driving in Govs territory.

‎5:06 in the first quarter, Govs make a defensive stand on fourth down and inches at their own 38-yard line. Offense takes over.

2:23- After a fumble by Ryan, Bearcats drive five plays and score. Kenbrell Thomas catches a 13-yard touchdown. Bearcats lead 20-0.

End of the first quarter, Bearcats lead Govs 20-0

My name is Marlon Scott and I was addicted to the Madden video game series.

It started for me with the launch of the PlayStation 2 video game system in March, 2000.

I had played video games at home and in arcades since I was in elementary school, innocently dabbling in my free time.

I had also watched and admired the evolution of video game consoles from the simplicity of Pong all the way to the PlayStation, but its impact on my life was minimal.

I was happy to play games on my PlayStation, plus the cost of the PlayStation 2 initially made it a serious commitment I was unwilling to make. Then a friend showed me Madden 2001.

It was the most beautiful, realistic sports game I had ever seen. I remember seeing lights reflecting off the helmets of players and the limited vision in a snow storm.

I admit to shedding manly tears.

From that moment, I was hooked. Like millions of my peers, I stayed up nights building franchises, playing through seasons and challenging friends. For 10 years relationships and jobs came and went, but my Madden loyalty never faltered.

Every year Madden addicts are convinced the game can’t improve. However, they are first in line to pre-order for the new version.

Before, at least there was the excuse of control improvements or wanting the updated roster. Now, however, we get updates online and the controls can be customized to any version of Madden ever made.

The creators of Madden laugh at the notion of someone trying to give up the game. Last year Madden 10 was released in August and eventually became the second highest selling game of the year.

I was hopelessly lost in the sea of my Madden playing zombie brothers until fate finally provided a chance to break free. My freedom came because of the NFL lockout.

Normally, Madden bridges the gap from the Super Bowl to the start of the new season for football lovers. But the lockout extended that period and actually threatened the start of a new season.

For the first time in 10 years, Madden players could not anticipate playing their favorite players or teams because the teams and game were in flux.

In July, the makers of Madden released a statement admitting they would not be able to include the new rules implemented by the new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in Madden 12, and the true rosters of the teams will need to be downloaded. The heart of the Madden game, its realism, had been wounded.

I had a moment of clarity. Since then, I have been clean for 35 days.

I have been able to resist the desire to purchase and play the new Madden by trying to keep up and understand all the changes in the real game.

I have found freedom and am enjoying the feeling.

Granted, I am in a lot more fantasy football leagues now.

I am sure that is just a coincidence. I don’t have a problem.

I can quit fantasy football whenever I want to. TAS

By MARLON SCOTT | Senior Staff Writer

I am one of what I assume to be many football fans that are disappointed, angry and slightly scared about the possibility of the next NFL season being delayed. It’s hard to believe the NFL, when it is arguably at an all time high in revenue and demand, can not do what it takes to keep its product going.

I remain hopeful, but recent reports are not encouraging. Here is the plot line for those who tuned in late or are confused about the sad situation.

The Basics

In 2006, the NFL and the NFL Players’ Association agreed to a collective bargaining agreement which, up until now, stipulated such details as salary cap, players and owners division of revenue, benefits, number of games played, advertising etc.

In 2008, the owners opted out of the agreement.

This meant the two sides had to come to a new collective bargaining agreement before the previous one expired on Thursday, March 3.

Despite a one-week extension the two teams failed to negotiate a new agreement and as a result the player’s union decertified and the beginnings of a lockout have begun. However, the two sides are currently still trying to negotiate an agreement.

The Issues

While there are several legal points in contention regarding a new collective bargaining agreement, two primary issues have been reported as the focal point of disagreement between the two sides.

First, the owners want to decrease player’s salaries and thus increase their share of the NFL’s revenue. They cite in a struggling economy where ticket and merchandise sales have decreased, the increasing player’s’ salaries is an unreasonable expense. The players, obviously, do not want a pay cut and also believe the owners are not losing income, citing the multiple broadcasting deals they have including a new $31 million dollar deal with Direct TV. In addition, the players discovered the owners had included as part of their broadcasting contracts, guaranteed money paid to the NFL regardless of a player strike. During mediations, U.S. District Judge David Doty declared the NFL violated the collective bargaining agreement when they made deals that secured ongoing payments during a work stoppage.

The second major issue is owners want to increase the NFL season from 16 to 18 games. Players do not want to play any extra games, especially with a salary decrease. They also believe the increase in games contradicts the NFL’s recent new focus on player safety.

Progress

Once negotiations and federal mediation failed, the NFLPA decertified. This means the union ceases to be the collective bargaining agent for the players and allows them to file individual class actions. As a result, 10 NFL players including Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Peyton Manning filed antitrust lawsuits against the NFL.

The two sides have met and continue to negotiate. However, representatives of the former NFLPA have accused owners of making unreasonable offers, citing evidence owners have yet to release.

Despite denials by NFL commissioner Roger Goodell, it has been reported owners are taking steps to begin a lockout. The difference between a lockout and a strike is management imposes a lockout by literally locking the doors to keep all employees out. A strike is a work stoppage initiated by employees.

What does this mean for fans?

If a lockout takes place everyone not under contract becomes a free agent, but no one can be signed under a new contract. For example, when the draft takes place teams can contact the players they drafted, but will not be able to sign them to a contract under lockout.

Right now it appears as if both sides are saying they are trying to negotiate in good faith, but the other side will not cooperate. Both sides have taken legal actions that imply an agreement will not be found soon. The legal actions could be only posturing to force cooperation, but all legal actions take time and for every day it takes to come to an agreement another day has to be added to implement whatever resolutions occur.

In short, the clock is ticking and the window to continue NFL football without any delay is closing faster than a rookie running back being chased by Raven’s linebacker Ray Lewis.

By MARLON SCOTT | Senior Staff Writer

Nathan Daniel Peppers, a former APSU student and tight end for the Govs football team, died in Houston, Texas Tuesday, March 22.

“It’s an unfortunate end to a young man’s life. He was a good person. He was not part of our program for the last year and a half, but when he was I thought he tried hard. It is an unfortunate thing that happens to young people. My condolences and prayers go to his family,” said Head Football Coach Rick Christophel.

Peppers was killed in a two-car accident. The accident occurred at approximately 10:50 p.m. at 6700 West Sam Houston Parkway N. at West Little York according to the Houston Police Department.

Witnesses say Peppers failed to stop at a red light and was subsequently hit by another car. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

No other injuries were reported.

Peppers was 20-years old. He was the son of Danny and Carrie Peppers. He attended Stewart County High School before coming to APSU in 2008. Peppers studied forestry and was pre-law. He joined the football team as a walk on.

Marlon Scott

Senior Staff Writer

Since the teams were determined for Super Bowl XLV on Sunday, Jan. 23, the matchup of the Pittsburgh Steelers against the Green Bay Packers had been analyzed from every conceivable angle.

Finally, the clock was striking 5:30 p.m. Central Standard Time on Sunday, Feb. 6. I, like the reported 162.9 million other home viewers, was armed with a plate full of tasty food with no nutritional value ready for the kick off of the game.

Although I was not wearing black and yellow, I was rooting for the Steelers to win in a close game.

11:05 first quarter: Steelers won the coin toss, but as expected, neither scored on their opening drives. These two defenses were too good to give up points early and I would have been surprised to see any trick plays by the offenses.

5:56 first quarter: Packers offense in Steeler’s territory. Looks like they might score first. Cameras show Alex Rodriguez chilling in his suite with his date. He is the man. I wish Cameron Diaz was feeding me at the Super Bowl. Probably make these wings taste even better.

3:44 first quarter: The Packers score first. Jordy Nelson catches a 29-yard touchdown to cap off a nine play, 80-yard drive.

3:22 first quarter: The Steelers make the first turnover of the game. The Packers’ lead jumps to 14-0. Nick Collins intercepts Roethlisberger’s pass, dashes 37 yards and dives into the end zone.

End of the first quarter: Big Ben converts a first down. One second he looks hurt, the next, he is scrambling for the first down. The Steelers are down, but not out.

11:08 second quarter: The Packers’ defense clamps down and the Steelers are forced to settle for a field goal. The score is 14-3 and I along with many Steelers fans are starting to lose our appetite.

4:28 second quarter: Roethlisberger threw another interception. Plenty of time left in the half for Green Bay to increase their lead.

2:24 second quarter: Aaron Rodgers makes his second touchdown pass to Greg Jennings.

I can not believe the Steelers are down 21-3. Now I am not hungry, but the spicy wings give me an excuse for the tears.

0:39 second quarter: Finally, something to cheer about. Roethlisberger and Hines Ward almost single-handedly drive 77 yards to score before halftime.

Ward flashes his infamous smile, but his team is still behind 21-10. Plus, Packers get the ball to start the second half.

Halftime: Two turnovers are the reason the Packers are leading 21-10.  Charles Woodson was out for the game with a broken collarbone. Maybe the Steelers offense can take advantage of his absence. However, it won’t matter if the defense does not stop Rodgers.

10:19 third quarter: These are the Steelers I expected to see. The defense makes the stop. Then the offense runs the ball. Mendenhall and Moore ran over the Packers defense. Mendenhall makes the last 8-yard run to the end zone to bring the Steelers within four points, 17-21.

9:00 third quarter: The Steelers are gaining momentum. The defense made another stop and gave the offense a chance to take the lead.

4:29 third quarter: Green Bay defense stops Steelers at the edge of field goal range. Suisham missed the 52-yard field goal attempt. The Packers hold on to the lead and keep everyone on the edge of their seats.

End of the third quarter: One quarter of football left in Super Bowl XLV with only four points separating the two teams. Its time for clutch players to make clutch plays.

Also last chance for a break. Go to the bathroom, refill the cup and grab the last chicken wing.

14:50 fourth quarter: Clay Matthews forces a Mendenhall fumble. The Packers recover with good field position. That may have been the play of the game.

11:57 fourth quarter: It only took three minutes before Rodgers throws his third touchdown, an eight-yard bullet to Jennings. Packers go back up by two scores, 28-17. Three Steeler turnovers turned into three Packer touchdowns.

7:34 fourth quarter: Break out the terrible towels. Roethlisberger threads a needle 25 yards to Mike Wallace for a touchdown.

Then a great play call to make the two-point conversion. It is a three-point game. At this point everyone had their excuse to miss work on Monday, Feb. 7, ready.

2:07 fourth quarter: Packers forced to settle for a 23-yard field goal. The stage was set. After the kickoff, the Steelers started a drive on their own 13 yard line behind by six points (25-31), with one timeout and less than two minutes remaining in the game. This is why people love football.

0:56 fourth quarter: Roethlisberger receives the snap in the shotgun formation on fourth down and five. He throws to Mike Wallace and the ball falls incomplete. The Steelers’ chance at the Lombardi trophy falls incomplete as well. A single chip falls to the ground unheard as cheers erupt from Green Bay fans around the world.

The Packers defeated the Steelers in Super Bowl XLV, 31-25. Rodgers was named MVP. He completed 24-of-39 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns. TAS

By Marlon Scott | Senior Sports Writer

Wednesday, Feb. 2, was National Signing Day, which meant potential football
recruits across the country could sign letters of intent to join football programs.

The Govs announced signing 16 student-athlete National Letters of Intent.

According to APSU Sports Information, Govs head coach Rick Christophel felt they
successfully filled their need positions.

“We recruited needs as we always do,” Christophel said. “We pinpointed some areas
in particular, and we did well recruiting those areas.”

Top of the list of needs were quarterbacks. However, they also focused on recruiting
wide receivers, defensive backs and defensive linemen.

Wednesday was just the first day for letters of intent to be signed. More signings are
expected in the next few weeks.

“All of them are good kids with character and integrity. They are coming here with
the thought of graduating and getting a championship ring,” Christophel said. “But
the most important thing is … they want to be here. They are kids who want to be at
Austin Peay.”

Below is the complete list of signings.

Leonard Amarh — def/off lineman

Ben Campbell — punter/tight end

Montez Carlton — defensive back

DeAndre Carroll — defensive lineman

Landon Curtis — quarterback

Jamaar Embry — receiver/defensive back

John Houston Jr. — defensive lineman

Buddy Mitchell — receiver/defensive back

Xavier Norman — tight end/defensive end

Steven Rich — Linebacker/fullback/tight end

Tremond Robinson — receiver

Jacob Sexton — quarterback

Johnathan Shuler — defensive back/receiver

Isaiah Tuiasosopo — defensive line

Julian Virgo — off/def lineman

Reco Williams — linebacker/fullback