Arapahoe Basin’s new paid parking requirement is still a month out, but officials there concede there has been some criticism among ski area loyalists.

“We’re getting mixed reviews,” said spokeswoman Shayna Silverman. “Anytime there is change at the resort, we’re faced with criticism. Some folks are excited to be assured they’ll have a spot and not feel rushed. Others are still trying to understand why we’re making this change.

“But we believe that starting Dec. 21, they will just have to come and see the new arrival experience on these 48 peak days to judge for themselves,” she added.

Because of the limited capacity of its lots, and to eliminate the possibility of people arriving when lots are full (or parking illegally), A-Basin decided earlier this year to require parking reservations on weekends and holidays from Dec. 21-May 4, 2025. To encourage carpooling, there will be no fee for vehicles with four or more occupants, although a reservation will be required. For other vehicles, the reservation fee is $20.

On days when the reservation requirement is in effect, parking will be free after 1 p.m. It also will remain free on weekdays. Reservations are currently on sale via the A-Basin website. The site also has an FAQ page.

For those who worry about parking reservations selling out before they can make them, Silverman said none of the days when reservations will be required have sold out yet. And, some reservations will be set aside to go on sale the week of the visit.

“Reservations are selling as expected,” Silverman said. “They are not selling out, but our skiers and riders are purchasing them as they begin to make their winter plans. We have no doubt that a vast majority of skiers and riders will have no problem making their weekend plans this winter.”

Because A-Basin is situated at the foot of Loveland Pass in a narrow canyon, the capacity of its parking lots is only 1,750. “Our mountain has a whole lot more capacity than our parking lots,” chief operating officer Alan Henceroth said when the parking plan was announced in March.

For those who miss out on reservations or who don’t want to drive, the Snowstang bus service from Denver, inaugurated by CDOT five years ago, will be back again beginning Dec. 14 with $25 roundtrip fares for adults. Another option is free public transportation within Summit County via the Summit Stage bus network. The bus to take is the Swan Mountain Flyer, which operates hourly from Breckenridge to Arapahoe Basin via Frisco, Silverthorne and Keystone. Riders can track buses online or via a mobile app.

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Adventurist, to get outdoors news sent straight to your inbox.

https://www.denverpost.com/2024/11/21/arapahoe-basin-paid-parking-lots-reservations-details/

Dear Eric: I have two brothers that have recently failed to send a birthday gift or even a card to my 12-year-old daughter. My wife and I on the other hand always send birthday gifts or money and a card to their kids, our nieces and nephews.

My daughter took note of not getting a gift from them this past year in a sad kind of manner. She enjoys her aunts and uncles and cousins otherwise.

One of my brothers just sent a request for a video game birthday gift to his 9-year-old son. I am happy to give a gift to my nephew but also a bit annoyed that this is not reciprocated. Welcome your advice.

— No Gift Back

Dear No Gift Back: Send the gift but have a separate conversation with your brothers about what gifts mean to your daughter and how the lack of acknowledgment has made her, and you feel.

The niece/nephew gift exchange need not be tit for tat, but it’s important that your brothers know that you’re not feeling the kind of family connection that you want. Offer to send them reminders or gift request lists, if you want, for your daughter’s sake. This may not be an intentional slight; they may simply not be great at keeping up with birthdays.

Dear Eric: I’m gay and a dad. Recently, my 16-year-old’s phone was connected to the car display, and I noticed from a notification that he had changed his phone contact for me from Dad to my real name and changed my husband’s name to Dad. My feelings are hurt. Am I overreacting or should I have a discussion with my son about it? I can’t stop thinking about what could’ve happened to cause this change.

— Used to be Dad

Dear Dad: I understand why this hits a sensitive spot for you. Your relationship with your kid probably continues to change and develop as he moves toward adulthood. And I imagine there have been people at various points in your life who have questioned the legitimacy of your family structure. But you know the truth: you are your kid’s dad, and you always will be.

So, what’s going on with him? Probably nothing. Maybe it’s funny to him that when his father calls, his full government name pops up on the screen. Maybe he’s experimenting with being more mature and testing out new nomenclature. Our phones are places where we deposit the weird insides of our brains, and it doesn’t always make sense to the outside eye.

I’m curious what he calls you when speaking to you. Are you still “Dad?” Or has that changed, too? That’s a better measure, I think.

But the best measure of the strength of your relationship is your actual relationship. Try to put aside the hurt; chalk it up to teen capriciousness. Mention it to him casually if you’re nervous that it means something bigger. “I see you changed my name on your phone. Any story there?” If he gives that textbook teen response “Nothing” (or its cousin: a shrug), let it be just that.

Dear Eric: My brother-in-law is coming for a visit. He likes to drink very high-end alcohol. As a host, how much do I have to provide? He can easily polish an entire bottle off in one night. He is visiting for a week. My husband and I occasionally will have a glass of cheap red wine. I’m struggling being a good host and blowing my grocery budget.

— Teetotaler Host

Dear Host: As the guest, shouldn’t your brother-in-law be bringing you a fancy bottle of his favorite spirit as a thank you, not the other way around?

At most, you can buy one of his preferred bottles, as a gesture of hospitality. But guests shouldn’t come with contract riders. If you don’t have something he wants, he’s capable of stocking the bar himself. Sometimes, part of making oneself at home when visiting, is asking the host for directions to the liquor store.

Dear Eric: I read the letter from “Unchanged Channel” regarding the widowed parent who only wants to watch TV and not socialize. From the point of view of one who was widowed eight years ago, after 43 years of marriage, I would tell the children not to worry.

They should know that at each and every doctor’s appointment to which we older folk go, we are asked Medicare’s required questions designed to identify depression and overindulgence (even at the dermatologist). The kids should ensure that their mother goes at least yearly to a general practitioner to monitor her health; this could go quite a way toward their peace of mind.

— Enjoying Life

Dear Life: Thank you for raising the importance of keeping up regular health monitoring with a primary care physician and specialists.

(Send questions to R. Eric Thomas at eric@askingeric.com or P.O. Box 22474, Philadelphia, PA 19110. Follow him on Instagram and sign up for his weekly newsletter at rericthomas.com.)

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/21/asking-eric-uncles-fail-to-acknowledge-nieces-birthday-but-want-presents-for-their-kids/

Marcellus Marshall grew up five minutes from the West Virginia campus and Milan Puskar Stadium.

His family used to park cars during the Mountaineers football games, which allowed him to catch a game or two occasionally. It’s where he developed his passion for football, which took him to Kent State and now UCF.

But for the 6-foot-5, 310-pound offensive lineman, a return home is nothing more than a game to him.

“I look at it as just another football game,” said Marshall, a fifth-year senior. “Obviously, it’s a unique experience to go back to Morgantown and play. I grew up playing football there.”

Temperatures are expected to be in the mid-30s with possible snow or rain, presenting a unique challenge for UCF (4-6, 2-5 Big 12).

“We’ve got to be able to adjust,” said coach Gus Malzahn. “From my standpoint, it’s the ball not carrying as far. We just have to make sure we’re protecting the football. Our guys will be ready, but it’s not like we can turn on the air conditioner to simulate 30 degrees.”

UCF set to dissolve The Kingdom and bring NIL operation in-house

“My whole life, I’ve been used to playing in the cold, which we’re going to experience a little bit this week,” said Marshall.

Senior linebacker Ethan Barr has played in a few cold-weather games while at Vanderbilt.

“It’s all about the mindset you take to the game and the confidence you have that you don’t let the weather affect you,” said Barr. “The game is the game and whatever is outside of the game, you can’t control.”

Coaches: Malzahn, 4th season at UCF, 28-22 (105-60 overall); Neal Brown, 6th season at West Virginia, 36-34 (71-50 overall).

Quick slant: This is the fourth meeting in the series, with West Virginia holding a 3-0 advantage. Last season, the Mountaineers jumped out to a 17-7 lead over UCF before cruising to a 41-28 victory. Quarterback Garrett Greene had three of WVU’s five rushing touchdowns and the defense forced three John Rhys Plumlee interceptions. … This is the second time UCF has traveled to Morgantown, with the first coming in 2003 when the Knights lost 36-18.

About UCF (4-6, 2-5 Big 12): Running back RJ Harvey leads the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,328) and rushing touchdowns (19). The fifth-year senior and two-time Doak Walker Award semifinalist has 40 career rushing touchdowns and is five scores away from tying Kevin Smith for the school record. … Quarterback Dylan Rizk has completed 75% (44 of 59) of his passes for 523 yards with 3 touchdowns and an interception in his two starts. The redshirt freshman has the third-highest passer rating (162.43) in the conference this month. …UCF has 17 tackles for loss over the past two games, led by tackle Ricky Barber (2.5) and safety Quadric Bullard (2.5).

How does UCF plan to slow down West Virginia’s ground game? | Analysis

About West Virginia (5-5, 4-3 Big 12): The Mountaineers have three players with over 500 rushing yards this season, led by running back Jahiem White (639 yards), Greene (600) and running back CJ Donaldson Jr. (525). Greene is coming off a season-high 129 rushing yards in the WVU’s 49-35 loss to Baylor last week. … Defensive lineman TJ Jackson II leads the Big 12 in tackles for loss (12) and is fourth in the conference in sacks (5.5). … WVU has recorded multiple sacks in 12 of its last 15 games.

3 things to watch

Pressure the quarterback. After registering just 3 sacks in the first four games of the season, UCF has turned things around with 14 sacks over the past six games. That includes multiple sacks in five straight games. Greene was sacked a season-high 4 times by Baylor in last week’s loss.

Eliminate penalties. The Knights were flagged nine times, including five false-start penalties, in their loss at Arizona State two weeks ago. Some of that can be credited to having a young quarterback playing in his first road game, but Malzahn wants his team to play more disciplined in those situations.

Get off to a fast start. UCF scored on eight of its first 12 possessions in the first half of the past two games (Arizona and  Arizona State) with Rizk as quarterback. During the previous 4 games (BYU, Iowa State, Cincinnati and Florida), the Knights scored on just 6 of 24 first-half opportunities.

Matt Murschel can be reached at mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com

UP NEXT

UCF at West Virginia

Where: Milan Puskar Stadium (Morgantown, West Virginia)

When: 3:30 p.m. Saturday

TV: ESPNU; Radio: AM 740/FM 96.9 The Game, Sirius/XM 385

Weather: 46 degrees with a 15% chance of precipitation, possibly 1-3 inches of snow.

Favorite: UCF by 3 points

Online: orlandosentinel.com/knights; @osmattmurschel on X(Twitter).

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/21/ucf-knights-big-12-west-virginia-mountaineers-marcellus-marshall-ethan-barr-gus-malzahn/

INGLEWOOD — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue predicted Wednesday’s game against the Orlando Magic would be a defensive “tug of war” with neither team giving up much ground.

He wasn’t altogether wrong.

This was a showdown between two of the top-rated defensive teams in the NBA and finding the basket proved difficult for the first 24 minutes. After the push-and-pull first half, though, the Clippers exploited a stretch of poor shooting by the Magic to pull away for a 104-93 victory, their third consecutive win this week and their sixth straight at the new Intuit Dome.

The Magic’s defense — rated second-best in the league — had held their past six opponents below 100 points. The Clippers’ defense (rated seventh) had been holding its own, limiting the top team in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors, to 99 points on Monday.

On Wednesday, one team succeeded and the other missed its mark.

Not only did the Magic fail to contain the Clippers, who had four players score in double figures, their offense sputtered. They shot 44% from the field and 8 for 35 from 3-point range (22.9%).

Asked before the game what his biggest concern was against Orlando, Lue said, “First one to 80 [points].”

It was a joke, but was it really?

The Clippers were facing a daunting challenge against the Magic, who had won six in a row and were holding opponents to 103.9 points per game. The Clippers were also without Norman Powell.

Powell, their leading scorer, suffered a hamstring injury two nights ago in the Clippers’ victory over the Warriors and was on the bench. Powell, who is averaging 23.4 points, is expected to sit out Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings as well.

Lue said the Clippers would miss Powell’s ability to get to the basket quickly and the rest of the team would need to contribute on the offensive end.

“Guys going to have to step up, play the right way; don’t try to do it all by ourselves,” Lue said. “It’s going to have to be collective and so our guys will understand that and so hopefully we can hold it down until it gets back.”

Amir Coffey, who started in place of Powell, took up the challenge and scored 11 of his 18 points in the first quarter.

James Harden scored a game-high 24 points (5 for 14 from the field, 11 for 12 on free throws) to go with seven rebounds and five assists while Ivica Zubac had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. added 10 points.

Overall, the Clippers shot 49.4% from the field and 50% (11 for 22) from 3-point range, but they made it difficult on themselves with 25 turnovers that led to 25 Magic points.

Neither team managed to gain much of an edge in the first half with the Clippers holding a 57-54 lead.

The Clippers limited Magic forward Franz Wagner to just six points in the first 24 minutes. Wagner came into the game averaging 22.5 points and 5.5 rebounds and finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

Wagner has seen an increase in his workload with forward Paolo Banchero injured and out. Orlando was also without Wendell Carter Jr. (foot).

Anthony Black came off the bench to lead the Magic with 17 points and 8 assists while Jalen Suggs added 16 points.

The Clippers grabbed a 14-9 lead on an alley-oop dunk by Derrick Jones Jr., but that five-point margin didn’t last.

The Clippers again led by a handful of points (50-44) after Harden connected on three free throws with 2:42 remaining in the half. The Magic, though, scored the next eight points to push ahead, 52-50. It was Orlando’s only lead of the opening half.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/21/clippers-win-defensive-tussle-with-magic-2/

INGLEWOOD — Clippers coach Tyronn Lue predicted Wednesday night’s game against the Orlando Magic would be a defensive “tug of war” with neither team giving up much ground.

This was a showdown between two of the top-rated defensive teams in the NBA and finding the basket proved difficult for the first 24 minutes.

After the push-and-pull first half, though, the Clippers exploited a stretch of poor shooting by the Magic to pull away for a 104-93 victory, their third consecutive win this week and their sixth straight at the new Intuit Dome.

The Magic’s defense – rated second-best in the league – had held their past six opponents below 100 points. The Clippers’ defense (rated seventh) had been holding its own, limiting the top team in the Western Conference, the Golden State Warriors, to 99 points on Monday.

On Wednesday, one team succeeded and the other missed its mark.

Not only did the Magic (9-7) fail to contain the Clippers (9-7), who had four players score in double figures, their offense sputtered. They shot 44% from the field and 8 for 35 from 3-point range (22.9%).

The Clippers’ defensive effort, however, didn’t cover up a persistent problem – turnovers. The Clippers turned the ball over 25 times, leading to 25 Magic points, ruffling Lue for the umpteenth time this season.

“I mean, we knew it was going to be nasty, but 25 turnovers,” Lue said, “… just makes no sense. We got to be better all around the board, just taking care of the basketball.

“We got to own our space when teams are getting into us and then we can have an attack mindset. If they’re going to deny the ball and be in passing lanes, that means there’s driving lanes available. So, we just can’t play like robots. We got to be aggressive, attack and make the right play. And a lot of our turnovers are guys just coming up, just throwing the ball to James (Harden), throwing the ball to James.”

The high number of mistakes caught Amir Coffey off guard.

“I mean I knew we had a lot. I didn’t know it was that much, but yeah, just cutting down on those, that’s something we could do,” he said. “Damn. It was once every two minutes, man.”

The Clippers were facing a daunting challenge against the Magic, who had won six in a row and were holding opponents to 103.9 points per game. The Clippers were also without Norman Powell.

Powell, their leading scorer, suffered a hamstring injury two nights ago in the victory over the Warriors and was on the bench. Powell, who is averaging 23.4 points, is expected to sit out Friday’s game against the Sacramento Kings as well.

Lue said the Clippers would miss Powell’s ability to get to the basket quickly and the rest of the team will need to contribute on the offensive end.

“Guys going to have to step up, play the right way, don’t try to do it all by ourselves,” Lue said. “It’s going to have to be collective and so our guys will understand that and so hopefully we can hold it down until it gets back.”

Coffey, who started in place of Powell, took up the challenge and scored 11 of his 18 points in the first quarter.

James Harden scored a game-high 24 points (5 for 14 from the field, 11 for 12 on free throws) to go with seven rebounds and five assists, while Ivica Zubac had 17 points and 12 rebounds. Kevin Porter Jr. added 10 points.

Overall, the Clippers shot 49.4% from the field and 50% (11 for 22) from 3-point range, but they made it more difficult with their high number of mistakes.

“To win a game is great, but we got to get better,” Lue said. “We can’t continue to keep coming and talking about the same thing every single night, taking care of the basketball, turning the ball over and we just can’t do it. Especially with our margin for error being so slim and with guys being out, we got to just make sure we respect the basketball, take care of the basketball and get shots on goal.”

Neither team managed to gain much of an edge in the first half with the Clippers holding a 57-54 lead.

The Clippers limited Magic forward Franz Wagner to just six points in the first 24 minutes. Wagner came into the game averaging 22.5 points and 5.5 rebounds and finished with 14 points, six rebounds and six assists.

Wagner has seen an increase in his workload with Paolo Banchero (abdomen) out. Orlando was also without Wendell Carter Jr. (foot).

Anthony Black came off the bench to lead the Magic with 17 points and eight assists, while Jalen Suggs added 16 points.

The Clippers grabbed an early 14-9 lead on an alley-oop dunk by Derrick Jones Jr., but that five-point margin didn’t last.

The Clippers again led by a handful of points (50-44) after Harden connected on three free throws with 2:42 remaining in the half. The Magic, though, scored the next eight points to push ahead, 52-50. It was Orlando’s only lead of the opening half.

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/21/clippers-win-defensive-tussle-with-magic/

Scores and statistics from Wednesday’s high school sports events:

Boys Golf

FHSAA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Final results from Mission Inn Resort, Howey-in-the-Hills, El Campeon Course

Team scores (top 3 and locals):

1. Viera 293-298—591

2. Lakewood Ranch 302-296—598

3. Ponte Vedra 316-293—609

7. St. Cloud 323-311—634

8. Lake Mary 323-312—635

9. Winter Park 321-317—638

13. Windermere 326-325—651

Top individuals (first place & top locals):

1. Anthony Monteleone (Winter Haven) 71-70—141**

T2. Shawn Coultoff (West Orange) 66-75—141

T2. Parker Severs (Lakewood Ranch) 71-70—141

10. Logan Leistner (Lake Nona) 76-71—147

14. Nicholas Pisarski (Boone) 75-74—149

T20. Ethan Parish (St. Cloud) 76-75—151

T31. Riley Sillaway (Lake Mary) 78

25. Ethan Breth (Winter Park) 79-74—153

T44. Vishruth Badiga (Lake Mary) 79-79—158

T44. Jack McKinney (Winter Park) 80-78—158

T44. Cameron Baez (Windermere) 81-77—158

** Monteleone won a sudden death playoff over Coultoff and Severs

Girls Golf

FHSAA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Final results from Mission Inn Resort, Howey-in-the-Hills, Las Colinas Course

Team scores (top 3 and locals):

1. Lake Nona 304-296—600

2. Lake Mary 310-300—610

3. Parrish 310-306—616

7. Winter Park 317-319—636

10. St. Cloud 336-324—660

Top individuals (first place & top locals):

1. Alexandra Snyder (Lake Nona) 70-70—140***

T2. Hannah Hall (Viera) 70-70—140

T2. Zoe Shamy (Jupiter) 71-69—140

T5. Emma Rynn (Olympia) 70-73—143

T5. Mara King (Lake Mary) 70-73—143

8. Ryleigh Knaub (Lake Mary) 76-68—144

T12. Wendy Xizhao Wei (Windermere) 78-69—147

T12. Bretton Mackiewicz (Lake Brantley) 76-71—147

T12. Sofia MacApagal (Lake Nona) 73-74—147

15. Madison Malaret (Winter Park) 73-75—148

T23. Phah Smitasin (Winter Park) 72-78—150

T23. Shreya Suresh (Horizon) 71-79—150

26. Alex Remaklus (East Ridge) 75-76—151

31. Abigail Murphy (St. Cloud) 81-71—152

***  Snyder won a sudden death playoff on the third hole

Boys Basketball

Lake Highland Prep 50, Windermere 46

Buzz: Robert Osharson scored 16 points and R. J. Ingram added 12 points for the Highlanders in the win. Sean Owens had 15 points for Windermere.

Tohopekaliga 49, Innovation 43

Buzz: Roberto Rivera led the Tigers (1-0) with 17 points. Innovation (0-2) got 11 points from Jahmiel Phillipus in the loss.

Winter Park 57, Apopka 42

Buzz: Winter Park (1-0) was led by Max Waters with 16 points while Will Ryan had 15 points. Point guard Hatcher Nordquist handled Apopka’s pressure defense and ran flawless offense. The Blue Darters (0-1) were led by Jude Angervil’s 11 points.

Evans 79 Olympia 69

Buzz: Arosco “Tre” Dubois broke his own school record with 10 3-pointers on his way to 39 points for Evans. Antonio Pollard added 19 points for the Trojans. JJ Watts had a team-high 23 points for Olympia.

Orlando University 60, Ocoee 52 

Buzz: Quais Hadid had 18 points for the Cougars in the win.

Dr Phillips 57, Lake Nona 44

Buzz: London Hatch had 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 5 steals for the Panthers, who outscored Lake Nona 13-0 in overtime. Ryan Ayala added 14 points and 7 rebounds for Dr. Phillips.

Other scores:

Pine Ridge 66, Crescent City 58

Girls Basketball

Winter Park 50, Oviedo 46

Buzz: Maliyah Lockhart had 18 points for the Wildcats (2-0) while Tyler Seay added 14 points. Leah Hopkins had 17 points for Oviedo (0-1).

Winter Springs 58, Lyman 8 

Buzz: Heaven Sims led Winter Springs (1-0) with 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals.

Other scores:

Bishop Moore 53, DeLand 47

Deltona 58, Atlantic 29

Winter Springs 66, Osceola 35

Forest Lake Academy 56, Hope Academy 35

Boys Soccer

Boone 1, Lyman 0

Buzz: Boone defeated Lyman on a penalty kick by senior David Quiroz.

Colonial 6, Oak Ridge 3

Buzz: Jayvyn Jackson had 4 goals for the Grenadiers while Jose Rivas and Juan Acosta each added a goal.

Bishop Moore 1, Cypress Creek 0

Buzz: David Quintero scored the lone goal for the Hornets (4-1-2) while Matthew Ryan had four saves at keeper in the shutout.

Other scores:

Celebration 10, Pinecrest Lakes Prep 0

East River 4, Evans 0

Windermere 7, Lake Buena Vista 1

Pine Ridge 5, Atlantic 2

Gateway 3, Winter Park 2

St. Cloud 3, Tohopekaliga 1

Girls Soccer

Osceola 14, Liberty 0

Buzz: Laura Males led the Kowboys (1-3) with 6 goals and an assist while Emerlyn Albarran had 4 goals and an assist, and Valentina Rodriguez added 2 goals and an assist. Liani Vicens had the shutout at keeper.

Other scores:

Pine Ridge 3, Atlantic 0

Jones 4, Colonial 3

Spruce Creek 3, DeLand 0

Lake Nona 8, Lake Buena Vista 0

Cocoa Beach 8, East River 0

Varsity content editor Buddy Collings can be contacted by email at bcollings@orlandosentinel.com. 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/20/high-school-scores-statistics-november-20/

Here’s a look at how the Miami Dolphins (4-6) and New England Patriots (3-8) match up in six key areas ahead of Sunday’s Week 12 game at Hard Rock Stadium (1 p.m., CBS):

When the Dolphins run: It’s not so much a three-headed monster at running back for the Dolphins, but more so De’Von Achane handling the big workload. He did it again in last Sunday’s 34-19 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, with 17 carries for 73 yards and a touchdown. The second-year tailback has already stormed past his rookie year carry total (101), with 122, while also leading the team in receptions (46).

As he rushes for 4.3 yards per carry this season for Miami’s 11th-ranked rushing offense, it would be a welcome return if fullback Alec Ingold can play through his calf injury. There’s a direct correlation between his absence and the lack of a 100-yard team rushing output in back-to-back games. This after easily hitting that mark in four consecutive outings. Nonetheless, left tackle Terron Armstead and center Aaron Brewer are exceptional run blockers, while guards Robert Jones and Liam Eichenberg have been serviceable since the opening month of the season.

New England’s run defense ranks No. 20 in the NFL. Linebacker Jahlani Tavai leads the Patriots in tackles, and former Dolphins defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is key for coach Jerod Mayo’s defense in the middle. The Patriots were the team that got Miami going on the ground on Oct. 6, even as Achane left early that afternoon with a concussion, and they have allowed 100 yards rushing in eight of their past nine games. But Raheem Mostert said this week they have incorporated new schemes in run defense. Edge: Dolphins

When the Patriots run: When you face New England, you face a heavy dose of Rhamondre Stevenson. He already has a whopping 154 carries in 10 games and is averaging 3.8 yards per attempt, with 585 on the year and six touchdowns. It’s been no different of late, as the power runner got his 20 carries.

The Dolphins didn’t do a good job of stopping him nor Antonio Gibson in their first meeting. Stevenson went for 7.4 yards per carry (89 yards on 12 attempts), and Gibson had six carries for 52 yards (8.7 average). A big change for the Dolphins defense up front, though, has come in the demotion — and eventual cut — of linebacker David Long Jr., inserting Anthony Walker Jr. in his place. Since that move three games ago, the Dolphins have not allowed a 100-yard team rushing performance against them. This once-struggling run defense now ranks No. 10 in the league, and the defensive front has also benefited the past two games from the return of defensive tackle Zach Sieler. Edge: Dolphins

When the Dolphins pass: With quarterback Tua Tagovailoa back the past four games, Miami’s pass game has been incredibly efficient. He has thrown seven touchdowns to one interception and has been above 70 percent on completions every time out, including 89.3 percent against the stout Buffalo Bills defense. He also has the Dolphins as the NFL’s top team in converting third and fourth downs over the past four weeks.

So this area of Sunday’s game takes on a different outlook than Oct. 6 in Foxborough, when Tyler “Snoop” Huntley started at quarterback. The Dolphins could stand to start hitting the big plays more like they have in the past, but Tagovailoa has been taking what the defense gives him, and it led to methodical drives throughout the win over the Raiders, before eventually hitting the big play downfield to tight end Jonnu Smith. With Smith’s effectiveness, it could lead Mayo to instruct his secondary, led by cornerback Christian Gonzalez and safety Kyle Dugger, to play more honestly against star wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Under Bill Belichick, the Patriots were always known to create a focus on stopping that duo.

New England’s 20th-ranked pass defense also has to worry about Achane getting his touches in the pass game. The Patriots’ pass rush isn’t too intimidating. Defensive ends Keion White and Deatrich Wise have five sacks apiece this season, but the Miami offensive line is coming off an effort in which it held stellar Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby at bay, between right tackle Kendall Lamm’s play and some effective chips from tight ends. Tagovailoa can continue to get the ball out on time, while using some of his newfound mobility when needed. Edge: Dolphins

When the Patriots pass: And on the New England side, it’s also a new look than the first pairing of these two teams. After the Dolphins sank the Patriots in Week 5, Mayo sat veteran Jacoby Brissett in favor of rookie No. 3 pick Drake Maye. In six starts, Maye is 2-4 and has completed 66.8 percent of passes for 1,236 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions. The youngster can make plays in the pocket and on off-schedule throws, but he may be a little more susceptible to turning it over than Brissett, who had just one interception in his time as New England starter.

As the Dolphins have struggled in recent weeks covering talented tight ends like the Raiders’ Brock Bowers and Cardinals’ Trey McBride, it may behoove defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver to deploy a different strategy. As safety Jordan Poyer has struggled, maybe allow cornerback Jalen Ramsey to play in the box and cover Patriots tight end Hunter Henry, who leads the team in receptions and receiving yards? New England isn’t particularly scary on the outside, with Demario Douglas the only wide receiver with more than 300 receiving yards for the team’s passing offense ranked last in the NFL. With fellow cornerback Kendall Fuller expected to miss a second game due to his latest concussion, it could be either Storm Duck or Cam Smith who play as third up at the position behind Ramsey and Kader Kohou.

Maye can be elusive at times, but the Dolphins will have opportunities to get to him, as New England ranks 29th in the league, giving up 35 sacks. Rookie edge rusher Chop Robinson can build on his high pass rush win rate against Las Vegas and sacks in each of the two previous games, as he and Emmanuel Ogbah look to attack tackles Vederian Lowe and Mike Onwenu. Sieler and Calais Campbell should create an interior pass rush, or get their hands up to deflect Maye passes when they can’t get to him. Edge: Dolphins

Special teams: It’s a special teams disaster nearly every time the Dolphins play the Patriots. There’s no other way to put it. New England special teams ace Brenden Schooler blocked a punt when these two teams met earlier this season, and last year, he got the Dolphins for a blocked field goal. What will happen this time, as long snapper Blake Ferguson, who had a bad snap in the first Patriots matchup, remains on the non-football illness list and Tucker Addington handles those duties?

That said, Dolphins kicker Jason Sanders has made all his kicks over the past four weeks. And Jake Bailey didn’t even have to punt against the Raiders. You just never know what can happen in this phase of the game when Miami plays New England. Edge: Patriots

Intangibles: Miami comes in on two-game winning streak and has an opportunity at home to complete a season sweep of the Patriots in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1999-2000. The Dolphins know every week is pivotal toward their playoff hopes, so they won’t overlook New England and its young combination of rookie coach Mayo and rookie quarterback Maye. Tagovailoa, by the way, is 6-0 in his career against the Patriots. Edge: Dolphins

PREDICTION: Dolphins 31, Patriots 17

Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami use Patriots game to open up offense? | VIDEO

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/20/who-has-the-edge-dolphins-vs-patriots-for-season-sweep-of-divisional-foe/

His phone rings in December 2014, and it’s too early. Sean Payton has a bad feeling. He is on his way to present a game ball to Bailey Elizabeth Leon, a 12-year-old patient at Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans. The pair have become friends over the course of multiple visits. Payton promises her the Saints will beat the Chicago Bears on Monday night and he is returning with a gift.

As he looked at the football in his passenger seat and answered the call, Payton knew something was wrong: Bailey was gone, passing away from pediatric cancer.

“I pulled over on the side of the road and immediately called both my children (Connor and Meghan). I was devastated knowing that I should have stopped by sooner (that week),” said Payton on Wednesday, his voice cracking. “She was so tough. And such a huge fan. I remember flying to her funeral and taking the ball to her parents and them putting it in her casket. It just reminds us of our mortality. The idea of young kids dealing with sickness is so difficult.”

Shaped by this experience, Payton and his wife Skylene, a former nurse, found themselves drawn to help, first in New Orleans, and now in Colorado. In June the couple asked to tour Children’s Hospital of Colorado. They were impressed during the two-hour visit and wanted to support the kids in a meaningful way. After discussing ideas, Sean and Skylene made a $150,000 donation to help build a playground on the backside of the hospital.

At a time when nerves are frayed and the suffering is agonizing, this space can offer a chance for kids to be kids and for their families to suspend reality.

“We shared with them an idea we had for a long time, and they thought it was a great way to engage with the youth. We are extremely grateful,” said Christy Dobson, vice president, board and community relations at Children’s Hospital. “It will be a place for some respite, for normal activities, a healthy way for them to play.”

The contribution allowed the hospital to move forward, leaving optimism that the area, with adaptive swings, wheelchair accessibility and possibly a rock-climbing wall, will be ready in spring of 2025.

“They were so generous with their time. We got back home, talked about it and we thought it would be something really cool,” said Payton, who had been reluctant to discuss the donation, not wanting any attention. “It constantly reinforces that if you are able to give, whether it’s time or resources, it creates that feeling of fulfillment and balance in your life.”

The idea of Payton with a warm heart is quite the juxtaposition to the person seen on the sidelines or in Broncos headquarters. His factory setting is abrasive. At least for public consumption.

But in his second year in Denver, Payton is becoming one of us. His understanding of this area, of Broncos Country, of what the Broncos mean to this region has evolved and grown.

It started in the spring when his comfort level was noticeably different, his energy spiked from coaching a young and hungry team. Then it was reinforced in June.

This season he has changed the culture. Changed the record. And found a fit with a rookie quarterback in Bo Nix. But it is clear it goes well beyond that, extending to life away from the field.

He is not just passing through anymore. This place is becoming home to Payton and Skylene.

“He’s all ball in the building. I would say the majority of the guys haven’t seen the other side of him. I have known him for nine years so I have seen it plenty,” kicker Wil Lutz said. “He wants to be part of and buy into the community that he’s part of. I think it is truly important. You don’t want to be a coach who only cares about the locker room. When he was in New Orleans for 15 years, you saw him embrace the city. And he’s doing it here now.”

Payton provides his team with reminders of life’s fragility. It is not uncommon on Saturdays before home games for the coach to host a patient from Children’s Hospital. Prior to the visit, Payton puts a biography of the child on the big screen in the morning team meeting, listing their favorite players, food and where they are from. He wants the players to make a connection, if possible.

The visit concludes with the child breaking down the huddle at the end of practice. These moments, his experience a decade ago a constant reminder, can not be taken for granted.

“It’s their wish to be there, to be with our guys,” Payton said. “It’s so good for our team to see. It is humbling and really puts everything in perspective.”

Want more sports news? Sign up for the Sports Omelette to get all our analysis on Denver’s teams.

https://www.denverpost.com/2024/11/20/sean-payton-childrens-hospital-donation-renck/

The era of the triple option may have come to an end at Lake Brantley.

Third year Lake Brantley football coach Skip Clayton has been let go by the school. Clayton acknowledged the move via text message Wednesday night, writing “the principal [Brian Blazewitz] says he wants to go in a different direction.”

Athletic director Eric Entrekin also confirmed the move via text message, ending a relationship with the Clayton family and the school that spanned nearly 40 years.

Clayton took over as head coach in 2022, after serving as an assistant coach under his father, George Clayton, who was the Lake Brantley head coach for 19 seasons before retiring and giving way to Dave Delfiacco, who resigned in 2022, when Skip took over.

Skip’s father, George Clayton, 74, who had a 153-66 record at Lake Brantley, died in May of last year.

Skip Clayton, who graduated from Lake Brantley High in 1996, had a 9-22 record in his three seasons, going 3-7 this season.

The Clayton era at Lake Brantley was know as the era of the triple-option offense that was installed by the elder Clayton when he took over the job as head coach in 1996. Skip served as his father’s assistant, as well as assistant to Delfiacco from 2003-2022.

The school produced a number of star running backs during that time, and four NFL players Pat DiMarco (2012-19), Dee Brown (2002-06), Tion Green (2017) and Jared Bernhardt (2022).

Chris Hays can be found on X @OS_ChrisHays.

 

 

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2024/11/20/skip-clayton-let-go-as-lake-brantley-football-coach/