The biggest and highly anticipated international tournament in baseball has finally arrived with the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
This year’s tournament features 20 national teams, an upgrade from the previous 16 teams; with all participating teams from 2017 returning alongside 4 additional teams.
Originally scheduled in 2021, 4 years after the previous tournament in 2017, the WBC was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. After negotiations with Major League Baseball and the Major League Baseball Players Association, qualifying rounds were played in September 2022 which delayed the tournament to be played now in March 2023.
Qualified teams (by regions)
Americas: Canada, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Puerto Rico, United States, Venezuela, Panama, Nicaragua
Asia: China, Chinese Taipei, Japan, South Korea
Europe: Israel, Italy, Netherlands, Great Britain, Czech Republic
Oceania: Australia
Pool Composition
Pool A: Chinese Taipei (hosts), Netherlands, Cuba, Italy, Panama
Pool B: Japan (hosts), South Korea, Australia, China, Czech Republic
Pool C: United States (hosts), Mexico, Colombia, Canada, Great Britain
Pool D: Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Israel, Nicaragua
Venues
Pool A: Taichung Intercontinental Baseball Stadium in Taichung, Taiwan
Pool B & Quarterfinals: Tokyo Dome in Tokyo, Japan
Pool C: Chase Field in Phoenix, United States
Pool D, Quarterfinals, Semifinals & Championship: LoanDepot Park in Miami, United States
Notable (current and former) MLB players on rosters
*Teams were required to turn in final roster no later than February 7, 2023 **Roster as current and updated through March 5, 2023 as some players have dropped out
United States:Mark DeRosa (manager), Andy Pettitte (pitching coach), Ken Griffey Jr. (hitting coach), Miles Mikolas, Adam Ottavino, Adam Wainwright, Kyle Higashioka, J.T. Realmuto, Will Smith, Pete Alonso, Tim Anderson, Nolan Arenado, Paul Goldschmidt, Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, Jeff McNeil, Kyle Schwarber, Kyle Tucker & Mike Trout
México:Julio Urias, Jose Urquidy, Taijuan Walker, Austin Barnes, Rowdy Tellez, Randy Arozarena & Alex Verdugo
Colombia:Edgar Renteria (assistant), Jose Quintana, Jorge Alfaro & Gio Urshela
Canada:Larry Walker (first base coach), Russell Martin (coach), Freddie Freeman, Abraham Toro & Tyler O’Neill
Israel:Ian Kinsler (manager), Kevin Youkilis (hitting coach) & Joc Pederson
Puerto Rico: Yadier Molina (manager), Jose Molina (first base coach), Jose Berrios, Edwin Diaz, Dereck Rodriguez, Marcus Stroman, Martin Maldonado, Christian Vazquez, Javier Baez, Enrique Hernandez, Francisco Lindor & Eddie Rosario
Venezuela:Luis Garcia, Martin Perez, Eduardo Rodriguez, Salvador Perez, Jose Altuve, Miguel Cabrera, Eduardo Escobar, Andres Gimenez, Eugenio Suarez, Gleyber Torres, Ronald Acuna Jr. & David Peralta
Dominican Republic:Sandy Alcantara, Gary Sanchez, Willy Adames, Robinson Cano, Nelson Cruz, Rafael Devers, Wander Franco, Manny Machado, Ketel Marte, Jeremy Pena, Julio Rodriguez & Juan Soto
Game Schedule
Pool A: March 8-12
Pool B: March 9-13
Pool C: March 11-15
Pool D: March 11-15
Quarterfinals: March 15-18
Semifinals: March 19-20
Final: March 21
Broadcast
All games will be televised on Fox, Fox Sports 1, Fox Sports 2, Tubi & Fox Deportes (Spanish). Check local listings for details.
After a dramatic and fascinating offseason, MLB’s Spring Training has finally arrived. While some familiar faces might be in new places, some faces got their expected extensions to last for many years to come.
Notable Free Agent signings
NYM Edwin Diaz: 5 years for $102 million with team option in 2028 worth $20 million
HOU Jose Abreu: 3 years for $58.5 million
TEX Jacob deGrom: 5 years for $185 million
One of the most entertaining pitchers to have watched in the past years in Queens, deGrom finds a new place in a shocking move to Arlington. If deGrom can stay healthy, as he hasn’t been able to in years, he can be a difference maker in the AL West.
PHI Trea Turner: 11 years for $300 million
CHC Cody Bellinger: 1 year for $17.5 million
NYM Justin Verlander: 2 years for $86 million (2025 vesting option worth $35 million)
As if Justin Verlander hadn’t won the World Series or AL CY Young award within the past year, he also got paid for his worth. At age 39, he shows no signs of slowing down and will continue to be performing at his very best.
BOS Kenley Jansen: 2 years for $32 million
STL Wilson Contreras: 5 years for $87.5 million
NYY Aaron Judge: 9 years for $360 million
The most sought after free agent this past offseason was none other than the reigning AL MVP. With rumors of Judge returning to his hometown San Francisco Giants as “Arson Judge,” he will stay in the Bronx with the title as captain; becoming the first Yankees captain since Derek Jeter.
SD Xander Bogaerts: 11 years for $280 million
NYY Carlos Rodon: 6 years for $162 million
CHC Dansby Swanson: 7 years for $177 million
To say Swanson is leaving his hometown Atlanta Braves, where he has won a World Series, is shocking. Although, it’s not shocking if you think about Swanson’s wife, World Cup champion and professional soccer player Mallory Swanson, who plays in Chicago for the Chicago Red Stars in the NWSL.
CWS Andrew Benintendi: 5 years for $75 million
BOS Justin Turner: 2 years for $21.7 million with a opt-out after 2023
LAD JD Martinez: 1 year for $10 million
In Los Angeles, Martinez will reunite with former Red Sox teammate Mookie Betts and hitting coach Robert Van Scoyoc, who helped rebuild Martinez’s career in 2013 after a disappointing career in Houston from 2011 to 2013. Already an established hitter, Martinez should have no problem hitting home runs at Dodger Stadium considering that he hit 4 home runs in a single game there as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2017.
TEX Nathan Eovaldi: 2 years for $34 million with a player option in 2025
MIN Christian Vazquez: 3 years for $30 million
MIN Carlos Correa: 6 years for $200 million with vesting options from 2029-2032
Originally Correa had signed with the San Francisco Giants, but when an apparent medical dispute occurred, he moved on to sign with the New York Mets. Again, the apparent medical issue came up again, he moved on to sign with the Minnesota Twins where he had recently opted out of his contract earlier in the offseason.
Notable Trades
LAD & MIA: Dodgers receive Miguel Rojas and Marlins receive Jacob Amaya
MIL & SEA: Brewers receive Abraham Toro and Jesse Winker while Mariners receive Kolten Wong
OAK & ATL & MIL: Athletics receive Manny Pina, Braves receive Sean Murphy, and Brewers receive William Contreras
Contract Extensions
BOS Rafael Devers: 11 years for $331 million
One of the brightest young talents currently, Devers has already won a World Series in 2018 and will continue to hopefully win more. Devers will have to step up to be the leader that Boston currently needs.
Super Bowl LVll begins on Sunday, February 13 at 3:30 pm as the Kansas City Chiefs will play against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.
Watching the game from home will make us hungry–maybe it’s watching the athletes hustle and attempt to play the best football of their lives as they attempt to make history. As entertaining as the game itself will be, it would be impossible to watch the game without a little snack here and there.
Here is a list of some of the best Super Bowl foods to eat during the game:
Chicken Wings
They are the most consumed food during the Super Bowl, there’s no doubt about it. They are as reliable in tasting as they are easy to get a couple dozen around you.
Pizza
No matter where you get your pizza from, we can all agree on how reliable it is when it comes to taste and availability.
Nachos
A versatile snack, you can style nachos in any way. No matter what, they will always be tasty to eat while watching the game.
Hamburgers
Can’t go wrong eating a piece of freedom, while watching some good old-fashioned American football.
Grilled Meat
While it may take a while to prepare depending on how you’re cooking, you will enjoy the juices dripping down your mouth as you watch the game.
Tacos
A good food to eat watching a game; use different types of meats to make it good to eat while watching the big game.
Hot Dogs
A classic food to eat while watching the game, it’s tasty, simple, and is versatile as you can add many different toppings.
Cookies/Brownies You can’t go wrong eating something to crave your sweet tooth while watching a close game.
Sandwiches/Subs
You can add anything you want to a sandwich while watching the game, and it’s easy to make at home.
It is time to make our picks for the NFL Conference Championships. In the NFC Divisional Round last week, the 49ers advanced by beating the Cowboys in a close one, 19-12, while the Eagles easily took care of business against the Giants, beating them 38-7. In the AFC, the favored Chiefs just squeaked by the Jaguars, 27-20, and the Bengals continued to surprise, winning in Buffalo by a score of 27-10, setting up a rematch of last year’s AFC Conference Championship.
In our picks last week, Richard Sanchez went a perfect 4-0 in his picks; Mr. Higgins went 3-1 (incorrectly picking the Bills to beat Cincy); while Rodolfo Garcia and Carlos Lopez each went 2-2. Joining our sports editor Carlos Lopez and Mr. Higgins this week are reporters Stany Hernandez and Evelyn Magaña. Let’s get to the Championship games, both on this fun-filled Sunday, January 29.
NFC Championship Game: 49ers @ Eagles | Noon, FOX
Mr. Higgins
49ers
Carlos
Eagles
Stany
49ers
Evelyn
49ers
Carlos is the only one picking Philly, and the reason he picks the Eagles is because, “They’ve been on a roll all season. A lot of people are picking against Philly because they want to root for the underdog. I think the inexperience of Brock Purdy will cost the Niners the game.”
AFC Championship Game: Bengals @ Chiefs | 3:30, CBS
Mr. Higgins
Bengals
Carlos
Bengals
Stany
Bengals
Evelyn
Bengals
So why is everyone picking the Bengals? The injury to Patrick Mahomes is concerning, and, as Mr. Higgins said, “I’m just tired of the Bengals proving me wrong!” Cincy obviously has a very complete team, and we see them repeating as AFC champs and moving on to Super Bowl LVII on Sunday, February 12.
Last week, we made our picks for the wild card round. Let’s recap how we did. We all incorrectly predicted a Vikings win over the Giants; otherwise, our NFL correspondent Rodolfo Garcia was perfect in his other predictions.
Rodolfo Garcia | 5-1
Mr. Higgins | 4-2
Richard Sanchez | 3-3
Michael Rodriguez | 3-3
It is now time to move on to round two of the NFL playoffs, otherwise known as the Divisional Round. The top-seeded Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs now join the fight, hosting the lowest remaining seeds in these Divisional Round games. *For this round of predictions, our sports editor Carlos Lopez replaces Michael to make picks.
NFC:
Giants @ Eagles | Saturday, 5:15pm on FOX
Mr. Higgins
Eagles
Rodolfo Garcia
Eagles
Richard Sanchez
Eagles
Carlos Lopez
Giants
Cowboys @ Niners | Sunday, 3:30pm on FOX
Mr. Higgins
49ers
Rodolfo Garcia
Cowboys
Richard Sanchez
49ers
Carlos Lopez
49ers
AFC:
Jaguars @ Chiefs | Saturday, 1:30pm on NBC
Mr. Higgins
Chiefs
Rodolfo Garcia
Jaguars
Richard Sanchez
Chiefs
Carlos Lopez
Chiefs
Bengals @ Bills | Sunday, 12:00 noon on CBS
Mr. Higgins
Bills
Rodolfo Garcia
Bengals
Richard Sanchez
Bengals
Carlos Lopez
Bills
Check in with us next week when we wrap up these predictions and get down to the final four teams playing for the Conference Championships and a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
The World Cup Final is all set: Argentina vs France will be held this Sunday, December 18 at 7:00am and will be the first time these nations have faced each other in the final of the World Cup.
This game will be a fierce and tough game for both nations, but I see Argentina winning this game 3-2 in overtime with a late goal from an Argentina corner kick.
I originally predicted Argentina going all the way to the finals of the World Cup and even saw them beating France to secure their spot as the 2022 World Cup Champions. Argentina will be led by Lionel Messi and with a strong and motivated Argentina team behind him that is hungry for World Cup glory.
The last time Croatia and Argentina met up in the World Cup, Croatia overcame Argentina and defeated them to a 3-0 game in the group stages. Since then, this Argentina team has developed serious players and a new system with a new coaching staff that should lead this team to the championship.
The third place game is tomorrow, Saturday, December 17 between Croatia and Morocco at 7:00am. This will be the first time Morocco has made it to the semifinals and since they didn’t manage to defeat France, they will have the chance to play to get third place, which will be the first time any African team has made it to this point. That alone could put a whole lot of pressure on Morocco.
Croatia will be frustrated from the game against Argentina, and I could see Croatia breezing through this game, since the Moroccon team will be tired from the France game and will have less time to rest and prepare for Croatia. Overall, I predict Croatia winning this game 2-0.
When the Final 16 of the World Cup was released, Brazil and France were the favorites. Many were predicting them to head up against each other in the final. Many failed to see that while Brazil may have had a star-studded team, they lacked the discipline to play as a team and had a lackluster coaching staff. France not only has a star-studded team, they have the discipline to play as a team and a coaching staff that are more than comfortable enough to lead the team throughout the tournament. They did all this while missing key starters such as The Ballon d’or winner Karim Benzema (which is the highest individual level a pro player can achieve in their career). Pogba and Kante are other key players for France and lead them to win the 2018 World Cup.
The Final 16 was also just the second time Germany had not qualified to the knockout rounds due to goal difference. Belgium did not see the knockout rounds either, due to goal difference, despite having their “golden generation.” Due to not qualifying, Roberto Martinez, the head coach of Belgium has resigned and will not coach Belgium’s men’s national team for future games. He will not be the only coach to resign due to not qualifying further into the World Cup as the Mexico National Team has failed to qualify into the final 16 since 1994. Uruguay has also failed to qualify to the knockout stages from the same problem the last few teams have suffered, which was from having a low goal difference.
Andrea Urena is a senior and long time member of the Lady Eagles Wrestling team.
She has been dedicated to the program for her entire high school career and won league champ. She reflected back on this experience in the following interview:
What drew you to the sport?
It made me tired, like I’d never been in such a sport that made me tired like that. I got a good night’s sleep; and you know what, I want a good night’s sleep all the time. After my first win, the rush of getting your hand raised and you doing it for yourself, it was the best feeling ever.
Why did you stick with it for so long?
I just didn’t want to leave after a while. My friend dragged me to the first practice and I kind of fell in love with it since then. Even if I ever wanted to quit, I wouldn’t, my love for the sport is so much I wouldn’t want to leave.
What are your season’s goals? What do you want to achieve?
Probably get first place at a tournament, like I’ve done it before, but I’ve never done it individually. Probably be league champ again, two times in a row and just win league again because like I’ve never lost league since I’ve joined the team so if we lost my senior year that would be pretty embarrassing, just do my best and work harder than I’ve ever worked before.
What are you most excited for in your last season? Will you cry?
I will definitely cry. Probably on my last match, I’ll break down on the mat crying and I won’t get up. You’ll probably have to drag me away. I’m excited for how the season’s gonna go, right now, we have a good, solid team. We’re strong, everybody shows up, and it’s really united. Since it’s my senior year it pushes me to do more, like work harder, and enjoy every moment I have left.
How does it feel being a senior and getting your senior night, finally?
It’s, like… bittersweet. For senior nights I’ve been a part of, I’ve always tried to make it the most memorable night for my seniors and I’ve noticed that sometimes I’m the only one that does the work, and I think “Will I get that?” But it’s gonna be different; it’s gonna be weird not being the one doing the work, and getting the work done for and I hope it’s nice, and I’m probably gonna cry again. I’ll be crying a lot.
With upsetting moments and happy moments, this season had many exciting games. Many upset fans whose NFL teams were projected to be a playoff contender sadly failed and missed the playoffs once again; but many seemingly bad or average teams shockingly improved this season.
Through Week 13 in the NFL, it’s time to take a look at playoff predictions.
NFC PLAYOFF PREDICTION:
In the NFC the Bears, Rams, Saints, and Cardinals are all out. But thanks to a bad NFC South, the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons are still in the hunt to try to make the playoffs; and the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Green Bay Packers have a very slim chance at a wild card spot. But my prediction will be that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will win the South and that all the NFC East teams will make it in as wild cards behind the Eagles, including the Cowboys, Commanders, and Giants.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1ST NFC EAST–already clinched)
DALLAS COWBOYS (2ND NFC EAST)
NY GIANTS (3RD NFC EAST)
WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (4TH NFC EAST)
MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1ST NFC NORTH)
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1ST NFC WEST)
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1ST NFC SOUTH)
AFC PLAYOFF PREDICTION:
In the AFC the Jags, Raiders, Browns, Steelers, Colts, Broncos, and Texans are all out. The Jets, Chargers, and Patriots are battling for the find Wild Card spot for the final wild card spot (#7 seed) which puts them in the hunt. I predict that the New England Patriots and New York Jets will sadly be out of the hunt and not make the playoffs, leaving the Chargers as the 7 seed.
BUFFALO BILLS (1ST AFC EAST)
MIAMI DOLPHINS (2ND AFC EAST)
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1ST AFC WEST)
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2nd AFC WEST)
CINCINNATI BENGALS (1ST AFC NORTH)
BALTIMORE RAVENS (2ND AFC NORTH)
TENNESSEE TITANS (1ST AFC SOUTH)
Here are some teams I want to highlight who can go deep into the playoffs.
AFC
Kansas City Chiefs
One team that is not surprising to make it to the final stages of the NFL playoff runs is the Kansas City Chiefs. Many NFL fans were really concerned after trading their top wide receiver Tyreek Hill. But the Kansas City Chiefs were not worried about it and did what they knew coming to a current 10-3 record.
The Chiefs success continued this year because they made really great draft pick ups in the 2022 NFL Draft. One of the most underrated running backs, coming from Rutgers and getting picked up in the 7th round (pick 110) is Isiah Pacheco. I am not surprised by how he is playing this season. I knew this football player had so much potential with his speed and shiftiness to be a starter in the NFL, which he did with a really great RB room and knocked out Clyde Edwards Helaire to become a starter. A 1st round 2020 draft pick coming out of LSU, Helaire hasn’t had much of a chance because of injuries.
This team also has a really great offensive line. Also, two great LB that are making huge plays in Nick Bolton and Willie Gay both play really physical and aggressive on every play.
Travis Kelce, of course, carries a load for this team, making big plays along with Pacheco. These two players will be key factors to winning playoff games.
Not to mention Patrick Mahomes, the quarterback having a great season so far with not many key targets in the wide receiver spot. But Mahomes is what he is and manages to make huge plays this year. Players to look at in the playoffs are Patrick Mahomes, Isaiah Pacheco, Travis Kelce, Kadarius Toney, Trent Mcduffie, Skyy Moore, Marquez Valdes Scantling, Willie Gay, Chris Jones, Frank Clark, Nick Bolton, and Orlando Brown Jr.
Cincinnati Bengals
After a rough start to the season, NFL fans were bashing the Bengals for having a slow start (0-2 record). This team never gave up and picked things up to become a playoff contender. After two straight losses they picked up the rhythm. Beginning in Week 9, this team won five straight through Week 13. Ja’Marr Chase does what Ja’Marr does and Joe Burrow is having a fun season so far. Joe Mixon who is doing a great job picking up where he left off last year, is a physical runner and a catcher in the back end, and on the go route he is explosive.
The Bengals defense surprised NFL fans with a top 5 defense this year by only allowing around 14 points in the second half. With so many underrated LB like Germain Pratt and Logan Wilson and defensive ends such as DJ Reader and BJ Hill who are the best run block stoppers. Also, when getting a shot to play, I think Dax Hill will have a key defensive role in the playoffs. Eli Apple who got re-signed to a 1-year deal is having a great season so far. Apple has a lot of hate throughout his career, but I believe he is the most underrated CB this year. Finally, rookie CB Cam Taylor Britt who is having a great season so far in his rookie year looks like a CB 1 for the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Bengals will run it back to the playoffs. This team is explosive on both ends offense and defense with many key players on this roster who will make a great impact including Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Jamar Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd Jessie Bates, Samaje Perine, Cam Taylor Britt, DJ Reader, Trey Hendrickson, Logan Wilson, Germaine Pratt, Sam Hubbard, Jonah Williams, Hayden Hurst, Vonn Bell, Mike Hilton, BJ Hill.
Miami Dolphins
Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
What a shocking and surprising team for NFL fans, who did not expect the Dolphins making it to the playoffs this year. With a great offseason hiring former 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel has become in their head coach.
Tyreek Hill paid a lot during the season and is having a great season this year with his QB Tua Tagovailoa also having one of his best seasons. Tua (who was called a bust through his rookie year and expected to not be good this year) proved his haters wrong due to the fact that he doesn’t have a long arm meaning he is not an explosive thrower and not a deep threat. It also helps having the best wide receiver duos in Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who both are passing 1,000 yards this year with their nasty routes, speed, and shiftiness with many explosive plays making their opponents double team Hill and Waddle.
Also picking up one of the best offensive lines is Terron Armstead who is having one of his best seasons this year as one of the best left tackles in this league, looking phenomenal; and looks like it is paying off for the Miami Dolphins. This Dolphins team is having a great offense and makes a huge gain of plays. They are an exciting team to watch. Also, having great key players on both offense and defense. Finally, they traded for Bradley Chubb from the Denver Broncos during the season and is having one of his best seasons so far in his career (mostly due to injuries).
Players to watch through the season and the playoffs: Tua, Jaylen Waddle, Tyreek Hill, Terron Armstead, Bradley Chubb, Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson, Xavier Howard, Christian Wilkins, Jaelan Phillips.
NFC
Philadelphia Eagles
What a season the Philadelphia Eagles are having after being the first team to clinch and make it to the playoffs. They made huge splashes and shocking trades this offseason and also having one of the best draft picks this year and picking up many defensive players that made a huge impact on this defense this year. Trading for AJ Brown (Swole Batman) impacted the offense with DeVonta Smith (Skinny Batman) on the other side forming one of the best wide receiver duos this year, as both guys are making huge and exciting plays. AJ Brown who is doing great so far having these stats: 1,020 yards with 65 receptions and 10 touchdowns and with 15.7 yards averaging per catch. QB Jalen Hurts shocked the NFL world and fans as he had a lot of pressure on his hands, proving that he could be a MVP candidate. The stats this year says it all for him: 3,157 passing yards, 22 TD, only 3 INT, and finally a QBR of 70.4. Not many NFL fans are giving credit to a special player that is really impacting this playoff run.
I also believe that the running game on this team has one of the most underrated running backs in the league in Miles Sanders (ATT 204, 1,068 Yards, 11 TD, Avg per carry 5.2). Another key player to watch in the playoffs for this team is Quez Watkins with his deep threat and speed and finally with his shiftiness.
This defense is a top 5 this year with many key players who are really impacting this team this year making their offensive opponents struggle with really great underrated CB, DE, ED, LB, and especially their safeties. Trading for safety Chauncey Gardner Johnson was a shocking move this offseason for this team and fans due to the fact that they had Anthony Harris (who got released before the trade went public), but it has worked out well for Philly.
Players to watch in the playoffs are Jalen Hurts, Devonta Smith, Jordan Davis, AJ Brown, Miles Sanders, Darius Slay, Brandon Graham, Fletch Fox, Jordan Mailata, and finally Lane Johnson, and James Bradberry.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings are also shocking the NFL world by having one of their best seasons, with many exciting and surprising moments in the season. Quarterback Kirk Cousins had a great season with many huge and impacted plays in the line. With his #1 wide receiver Justin Jefferson, what can NFL fans say more about this stud and exciting player? Man, his stats: 99 receptions, 1,500 yards, 6 TD and finally averaging 15.2 yards per carry, and his film speaks for itself. I believe he is the number one WR in this league this year. What makes him special is his special talent such as hands, his speed, his routes are filthy, and his shiftness. He has impacted this team and is carrying a load on his back to make a run to the playoffs. These two special players are keys to watch in the playoffs.
This Vikings defense is special with many great talents around them. Patrick Peterson, still having his juice, is making huge interceptions on the line with many games such as the Bills game. Give credit to the Vikings for re-signing him because it took a few until someone picked him up cause he is too old and everybody wants a young player on their team.
Key players to watch in the playoffs are Kirk Cousins, Justin Jefferson, Dalvin Cook, Danielle Hunter, Brian O’Neill, and Harrison Smith.
San Francisco 49ers
What a season the 49ers are having. It is a great, and really, roller-coaster-of-a season at the same time, with two of their QBs out with injuries: Trey Lance, who was predicted to have a good season with what all NFL fans saw last year and how he played with a couple of opportunities, and also Jimmy Garoppolo, who had some great games with his time. Now it’s Mr. Irrelevant, the last pick in the draft, QB Brock Purdy’s opportunity to make something huge this season. So far with his opportunity he is starting on fire with the NFL world shocked and keeping an eye on Mr. Irrelevant, who has had two straight wins as a starter so far.
Making a huge splash during the season by trading for Christian McCaffrey who already impacted the running game, was really the missing piece for this offense who was struggling and only had a couple of pieces.
This defense is special, arguably top 2 or 3 in the league, with many talented players from LB, CB, DE, and safeties.
Players to look at the playoffs are Brock Purdy, Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Ayuik, Deebo Samuel, Nick Bosa, Jimmie Ward, Trent Williams, Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga, Fred Warner, Arik Armstead, Javon Kinlaw, and Azeez Al-Shaair.
This wrestling season started off pretty well with a 46-0 Win against Bell High School and a 66-18 win against Gahr High School.
Recently, at the San Clemente Tournament, we had three placers with sophomore Jacob Enriquez (128 wt) taking second, senior Emmanuel Enriquez (122 wt) taking third, and senior David Barahona (HWT) taking fourth. We also have two sophomore transfers: Cameron Nuñez (132 wt) and Ruben Gomez (220 wt) doing really well.
Pictured L-R: Jacob Enriquez, Emmanuel Enriquez, David Barahona (picture courtesy JGHS Wrestling Instagram)
It looks like the JV team and the Varsity team both have a full lineup which is good news because that means more people are joining the team.
However, even with all these victories we have some bad news to share, two of our key seniors — Diego Lopez (152 wt.) and Emmanuel Rebollar (220 wt.) have gotten hurt in a tournament and are out for most of the season; and a couple of our JV and Varsity wrestlers also have gotten sick.
We still have two months left in the season so let’s make this season count! GO EAGLES!
The Shoemaker Bugle 