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COLUMN: The return of high school football season is upon us

It’s hard to believe we’re already back to that time of year again — football season. Fellow scribes Jordan Holland, Kerry Patrick and Aaron Lee already have been out to make a few visits to their respective schools for the upcoming Pigskin Previews (Marietta Times, Aug. 22 and Parkersburg News and Sentinel, Aug. 29), but my first official trip will be Saturday when I make the trek to Reedsville to visit with the Eastern Eagles of third-year head coach Jason Jackson. Although the Eagles have some holes to fill after their graduation losses, coach Jackson’s program once again ...

Fun times so far at Olympics

Honestly, I don't give too much thought to the Olympics overall, but from the opening ceremonies on it's been quite interesting to say the least. Leading up to the Olympics, the biggest issue came with portions of the swimming where athletes had to compete in the Seine River. Well, that's not been anything to write home about if anyone has seen the footage from the competitors. However, it should be noted Canadian swimmer Tyler Mislawchuk, who vomited 10 times following the men's triathlon on Wednesday after the event was set to be postponed due to the water quality on Tuesday, didn't ...

R.I.P. to my Mr. Destiny

A former friend and colleague passed away last week. We worked as part-time sports writers for the local newspaper back in the Midwest in Moline, Ill., and eventually graduated from the same college in the same class. Our dream jobs were to remain on staff and eventually settle into a full-time position. At the same time, nothing was guaranteed as to if and when a position would open for either of us or both of us. Steve had immense talent working in the media – with his background in radio, television and journalism. He decided to remain with the newspaper in a part-time ...

PATRICK: Chance of a lifetime

A former rower himself, Marietta High School crew coach Tanner O’Connor knows first-hand what his girls are going through as they prepare for Saturday’s competition on an international scope. The five-member team of Mo Caslow (coxswain), Eden Ingram (bow seat), Wilkey Smith (three seat), Katie Lovejoy (two seat) and Madi Lovejoy (stroke) are part of the 22-member field in the Junior 4+ Division for this weekend’s Henley Women’s Regatta. Races are held at England’s River Thames – the birthplace of competitive rowing. “Crew is the one sport where you spend 365 days ...

Column: Plenty of options for QB-needy teams in 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft is upon us, and it looks to be one of the most important in recent memory. With six quarterbacks slated to go somewhere in the first round, the NFL landscape will look much different at the conclusion of the night’s festivities than before. I figured that given the circumstances, a ranked analysis of each first round quarterback prospect and their potential destinations is warranted. Caleb Williams - USC Williams is undoubtedly the number one pick, and therefore headed to Chicago. Carolina would have the first overall pick, but the Panthers gave it away in a ...

COLUMN: Chiefs or 49ers? Here’s a swift way to decide

It’s that time of year again, when casual and even non-football fans turn their attention to the last gridiron game of the season. A lot of it has to do with the social aspects, the food and camaraderie, maybe even the commercials. Some might be drawn by a major musical performer being right, smack dab in the middle of the game. Or some people might want to watch Usher at halftime. Yes, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend and his teammates are facing the San Francisco 49ers in a rematch of Super Bowl LIV, back when Travis Kelce’s team was known as the Kansas City Chiefs. I kid, but many ...