AJ-T Sports LIVE from..... THE MEINEKE CAR CARE BOWL

2:40 PM -- We are LIVE at Bank of America Stadium in the queen city of Charlotte for2009 Meineke Car Care Bowl game between the 9-3 Pittsburgh Panthers and the 8-4 University of North Carolina Tar Heels!

Matt will be down on the field getting the photos from field level, while Jamie will be providing updates on-site from the BOA Press Box. Game time is slated for 4:30 p.m. and pregame festivities are underway as we countdown to kickoff.

Special thanks to Frank Kay and his staff with the Meineke Car Care Bowl for helping to make this coverage possible today.

This afternoon's contest features a pair of tough defenses. The Pitt Panthers surrender 20 points per contest, while the Tar Heels allow only 16.9 points per contest. Pittsburgh holds a decisive offensive advantage, averaging 33.2 points per contest, while Carolina only averages 24.3 points per game.

Today's contest features a number of players to watch. For Carolina, players who will look to make an impact include Marvin Austin (6'3", 305 lb. Jr.), as well as 6-3, 230 lb. junior Bruce Carter. The Panthers will feature an offensive dynamic duo of quarterback Bill Stull (6-3, 215 lb. Sr.) and tailback Dion Lewis (5-8, 195 lb. Fr.)

Carolina is making its second consecutive trip to the Meineke Car Care Bowl. UNC fell to West Virginia 31-30 last December before a crowd of 73,712 at Bank of America Stadium. The Tar Heels are looking for their first win in three attempts at this particular bowl contest, as the Heels fell 37-24 in 2004 to future ACC member Boston College, then a member of the Big East Conference.

Both Carolina and Pitt are coming off hard-luck losses. UNC lost 28-27 to North Carolina State in its regular season finale, while Pitt fell 45-44 to Cincinnati in the Big East Conference title game.

We'll have information, stats, and who knows what else along the way this afternoon. Thanks for reading!

Update #1: The teams have warmed up and returned to their respective locker rooms about 20 minutes before opening kickoff. The crowd is somewhat sparse here at the stadium. The lowest total attendance in the history of the Meineke Car Care Bowl has been around 51,000, but it may be a strain to get 35000-40000 for this afternoon's game.

Kickoff coming up soon!

Update #2: UNC has won the opening coin toss and deferred. Pitt will be receiving the opening kickoff on an overcast and chilly evening as game temperature is a balmy 47 degrees. UNC is in their home blue jerseys and Pitt is in road white. Pitt starts its first drive of the game from its own 35-yard line.

The Panthers move the football inside Carolina territory, where a pass interference call against the Heels pushes the ball inside the UNC 30. The drive stalls at the UNC 23, where a field goal attempt of 40 yards by Dan Hutchins in no good, wide right. Carolina takes over for its first offensive series at its own 23 yard line. 11:20 left in the opening period and there is no score.

Update #3: UNC opens with a reverse to Greg Little that picks up huge yardage to the Pitt 46. Carolina is also utilizing a no-huddle shotgun offense to keep the Pitt defense guessing. Two additional pass plays and a facemask penalty on Pitt puts UNC at the Pitt 5-yard line first and goal.

Carolina connects on a TD pass from Yates to Zack Pianalto, but an illegal formation against the Heels called the score back. A pass completion put UNC at the Pitt 7-yard line. On 2nd and goal, Tar Heels quarterback TJ Yates is called for a penalty. Greg Little makes a SportsCenter Highlight catch for a touchdown. Little then kicked the football into the stands, drawing an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. The touchdown covered 15 yards, and the PAT gives the Heels the first score of the game. Heels lead 7-0 with 6:57 left in the first quarter. UNC takes seven plays to move 77 yards over 4:23 of clock time.

Update #4: Pitt takes over possession at its own 37 yard line and drives to the UNC 26-yard line. On 3rd and 3, Dion Lewis breaks through to the UNC 2-yard line, but fumbled the football out of the end zone, giving Carolina the football on the turnover.

Lewis is seeking to break Tony Dorsett's all-time freshman rushing record at Pitt, needing only 47 yards in today's game. Lewis took care of the record early, as his last run breaks the mark.

Yates completes a pass to wide receiver Highsmith, who fumbles the football which Pitt recovers. UNC's first turnover of the ballgame gives Pitt the football at the UNC 40 yard line.

Update #5: A 22-yard completion from Stull to Shanahan moves Pitt to the Carolina 14-yard line. A final rushing play nets one yard as time expires in the first period. UNC leads 7-0 after 15 minutes of play.

As second quarter action begins UNC holds and forces a 31-yard field goal by Dan Hutchins, which narrows the UNC lead to 7-3 with 14:11 to go in the first half. The score culminated a 7 play, 26-yard drive over 2:21.

Update #6: Pittsburgh holds UNC to -12 yards over three plays, forcing a punt. Panthers punt returner brings the kick back to Carolina territory to open its next drive.

Two Lewis runs two times for 34 yards to the UNC 11. Lewis makes it easy on a run along the left side, jogging untouched across the goal line for a Panthers touchdown. The PAT by Hutchins is good, giving Pitt its first lead of the game at 10-7 with 11:08 to play in the second period.

Update #7: UNC uses its rushing attack with Ryan Houston to control the football and march downfield. Houston carries the football inside the Pitt 30-yard line as the Heels look to tie or take back the lead. Carolina converts on a pass play from Yates to Highsmith on third down to get inside the red zone.

Carolina looks to pound the ball in the end zone with the running of Houston, who advances the ball inside the Pitt 5-yard line. On third and goal, Yates throws an interception to linebacker Dan Mason at the goal line. The second UNC turnover gives the Panthers the football with 4:00 to play before halftime.

Update #8: Casey Barth caps a 5-play, 18 yard drive with a 37-yard field goal, but Pitt answers with a 31 yard field goal from Hutchins as time expires. Pittsburgh leads it 13-10 at halftime. Dion Lewis of Pitt has rushed for 101 yards, his 10th 100-yard rushing game of the season.

Update #9: UNC is held to a three-and-out and punts to Pitt. The Panthers benefit from a personal foul penalty against Carolina and have advanced the football inside the UNC 25-yard line. The Tar Heels defense stiffens to force a 42-yard field goal try. The kick is good, staking Pittsburgh to a 16-10 lead with 9:11 left in the third quarter.

Update #10: UNC moves the football on its ensuing possession and drove inside the red zone. Yates finds Little for a 18-yard touchdown pass on a seam route to tie the game. The Barth point after gives the Tar Heels back the lead at 17-16 with 4:00 left in the third quarter.

The UNC defense forces back Pitt on its next possession with a sack and tackle for loss, forcing a Pittsburgh punt as the third period expires. UNC leads it 17-16.

On a side note...the press box has received the news that Florida's Urban Meyer is resigning from his post as head football coach at the Univ. of Florida due to health reasons.

Update #11: UNC gets the football following the Pitt punt and has moved into Panther territory. Back-to-back sacks forces the Tar Heels to punt the ball back to Pitt, and punter Schallock's kick is downed at the Pitt 5-yard line. 9:39 remains in the game and the Tar Heels lead by a point at 17-16.

Update #12: Pitt has maintained possession of the football, moving the pigskin to the UNC 30-yard line. Faced with a fourth down and 2, Pitt takes a timeout to talk it over. 1:55 remaining in the game and Pitt is looking at a 47-yard field goal attempt from Hutchins, who is 3 of 4 for the game.

Hutchins' kick attempt is not attempted...because the Panthers draw UNC offsides with a hard count, picking up the first down. Ouch for Tar Heel Nation.

50,389 was the announced paid attendance for today's game, but actual people in the stands were considerably less. Still a loud crowd and a great game as this one unfolds.

Update #13: UNC holds Pitt for three plays and the Panthers again line up for a field goal, this time a 33-yard attempt from Hutchins. The kick is GOOD! The Panthers take the lead at 19-17 on Hutchins' fourth field goal of the game. Carolina has 52 seconds and one timeout to try to come up with the winning points. Pitt used a 17-play, 79-yard drive that elapsed 8:47 off the fourth quarter clock to regain the advantage. High drama in Charlotte tonight!

Update #14: Carolina advances to its own 41, but are faced with a fourth and 7 at the UNC 41-yard line. Pass complete to Pianalto gets the first down at midfield with 24 seconds left. Three straight incompletions leave Carolina with a fourth and 10 at the 49 yard line with 12 seconds left. Yates' pass attempt falls incomplete and the Panthers take over on downs.

Pitt takes a knee twice to end the game as the Panthers defeat the Tar Heels 19-17. Great effort from both teams.

The Jerry Richardson MVP of the game is Pitt's Dion Lewis, who had 28 carries for 159 yards and a touchdown.

Thanks for following along with today's action!

Avery Wrestling Schedule Changes

The recent inclement weather has wreaked havoc on the winter sports schedules at Avery High School. With multiple postponements due to the weather, the Avery wrestling program has made the following changes to the upcoming schedule.

Avery has rescheduled its dual meet at Mitchell originally scheduled for last week to January 6th. Avery's dual meet at Madison on January 8th is as scheduled, but the Vikings will be hitting the road the next morning, Saturday, January 9th, to take part in the Tigerland Classic Tournament at Fred T. Foard High School.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the sports staff at the Avery Journal-Times!

Vikings Basketball Downs Black Hawks for Non-Conference Victories

In a dominating night on the hardwood last Thursday evening at Viking Gym, Avery’s varsity girls and boys basketball squads cruised to double-digit victories over their counterparts from West Wilkes High School.

During the opening quarter of the varsity girls contest, the Lady Vikings grabbed an early advantage. Many of Avery’s offensive opportunities came by virtue of its defense, as the team forced the Lady Black Hawks into numerous turnovers throughout the contest. Avery took a 22-10 lead after one quarter and roared to a 34-13 halftime bulge..

The second half was anti-climactic as the entire Avery roster saw extended minutes on the playing floor. After three quarters, the Lady Vikings maintained a comfortable 52-23 lead and went on to capture its sixth straight victory with a 68-31 win.

Lauren Avery and Hayley Pyatte each scored 16 points in the Big Red triumph. Lauren added seven rebounds, while Hayley added four rebounds and three steals. Sara Wiseman chipped in with 14 points and six rebounds, with six points apiece from Megan Tennant and Katelynn Eudy.

The Vikings shot just under 46 percent from the field in the win, while holding West to only 31 percent shooting. West was paced by Laura Cantrell's double-double of 10 points and 11 rebounds. along with seven points from Jessica Bumgarner.

In the nightcap, the Avery varsity boys were white hot on the offensive end to start its contest with the Black Hawks. The Vikings scorched the nets in the first eight minutes by hitting on 10 of its 19 shots, including a Dustin Clarke dunk, en route to taking a 23-8 lead after one quarter.

The snowball continued to roll downhill and consume the blitzed Black Hawks. West had difficulty keeping up with Avery’s speed, while the Vikings were converting on inside shot attempts that they have been missing in previous contests.

Although Avery suited up only eight players for the game due to injury, seven Vikings scored in the first half. The Vikings stretched their lead to 21 points at 35-14 by halftime.

As the game continued, it became apparent that the evening’s top story was not only the dominant team performance by the Vikings, but the individual effort of Dustin Clarke.

The talented 6’3” junior guard who has averaged around 20 points per game electrified the crowd in Viking Gym with three slam dunks on the night. The final two dunks, the second one an athletic 360-degree spin and slam, earned Clarke technical fouls for hanging on the rim. The two fouls disqualified Avery's leading scorer midway through the fourth quarter. Clarke ended the night with 26 points, 13 assists, seven rebounds, and six steals.

“I emphasize that great players should make others around them better, and Dustin has been doing a lot of that this season. I ask a lot from Dustin, but he’s taking it in full stride,” Avery varsity boys head coach Bo Manis said after the game. “I encouraged him to relax out there on the floor and let the game come to him.”

The entire Avery team enjoyed a great night on the court, leading 59-20 after three quarters on the way to a 73-35 victory. Joey Potter poured in 18 points for the Vikings, with eight points and six rebounds from Dylan Eppley.

“Joey had a good night because he was able to find the open space in their defense and move without the basketball. Doing that really allowed him to score a quiet 18 points. We emphasized that all week, and he wasn’t the only player to step up and do that,” Coach Manis added.

Luke Foster and Garrett Hamby scored eight points apiece for the Black Hawks, with seven points from Lucas Stinson.

“I could never be any prouder of the guys than tonight. This team is better than the results we have had on the scoreboard,” Coach Bo Manis said following the win. “The team played hard defensively and we came out firing on all cylinders. Not to take anything away from West Wilkes, but we played good basketball. We were focused and played Team Avery basketball, which is pretty fun to watch.”

Avery shot 61 percent from the field in the second half and 53 percent for the game. The Vikings nearly matched West's total of 12 field goals for the game in just one quarter, when the Vikes drained 11 shots in the third quarter. West shot only 23 percent from the field for the night.

The Vikings played with a renewed focus and intensity, and showed great selflessness throughout the contest.

“Before the game I reminded the players about focusing on what was important at that time. I asked the players that they commit themselves to concentrating only about what matters at this moment they put their uniforms on, and that one thing to consider is team,” Coach Manis said. “When the players realize that concept, I believe we will be clicking as a team.”

Avery’s varsity basketball games last Friday night against Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy as well as Monday against Hendersonville were cancelled. Avery’s girls are scheduled to participate in a holiday tournament at Draughn High School on December 28-29, while the men’s team will return to action on January 5^th at Polk County.

Western Highlands Conference Releases Fall All-Conference Selections

Last week the Western Highlands Conference recognized a number of student-athletes as All-Conference selections in its respective fall sports. A host of Avery Vikings were tabbed with the All-Conference or Honorable Mention All-Conference moniker. Below is a listing of the Viking honorees in each sport.

In cross country, junior runner Mary Chesnut Smith received All-Conference recognition as she finished fifth overall at the Western Highlands Conference meet in October. Smith had a strong showing in regional competition and qualified for the state cross country meet.

In varsity football, three Vikings, Dylan Aldridge, Andy Gonzalez, and Taylor Potter were recognized as All-Conference, while teammates Colton Blackburn, Nathaniel Buchanan, Kenny Hicks, Tyler Long, and Alex Villanueva were honored as Honorable Mention All-Conference.

Aldridge served as a punter, tight end, defensive linebacker and lineman, as well as saw plays in the offensive backfield and on the offensive line. He recorded 60 tackles (including 10 TFL) and registered two and a half sacks for the season. He also caught a touchdown on four passes as a tight end.

Potter was the defensive heart and soul for the Vikings in 2009, as he led the team in tackles with 88 stops. He scored a touchdown rushing the football, as well as caught 18 receptions for 228 yards and a pair of scores. Potter also made an impact on special teams, leading the squad with a 19.1 yards/return average on 20 kickoff returns.

Gonzalez led Avery in receptions with 39 for a team-high 746 yards. The sophomore caught seven touchdowns, including the game-winner in the regular season finale against Mitchell, as well as a team-long 95 yard touchdown in the season opener at Robbinsville.

In women’s golf, Catalina Lehmann was the lone Lady Viking selected All-Conference. Lehmann consistently improved throughout the season and represented Avery in the regional golf tournament when she captured a sixth place finish at the conference golf tournament in October.

Men’s soccer saw two Avery players, Kyle Griewisch and Brock Yackey, tabbed All-Conference as the Vikings experienced one of its best seasons in school history and a ranking as high as fifth in the NC state soccer 1A poll.

Griewisch led the Avery team in goals scored as the Vikings finished 13-8-2 for the season. Yackey was a valuable asset on the defensive side of the pitch, as he saw increased action with the injury suffered by senior Daniel Huff.

Senior Morgan Bounds was selected as Co-Goalkeeper of the Year in the conference, as he pitched seven shutouts between the pipes during the season, including an impressive four straight during the month of October.

In women’s tennis, Anna Melton, Lauren Avery, and Morgan Stout were tabbed All-Conference during the fall. Avery and Stout experienced individual successes, but worked well together in doubles play. The duo advanced out of the conference to regional competition.

Senior Melton had a great season which saw her as one of the top singles players in the conference. Anna competed at Regionals and qualified for a berth in the state tennis tournament.

In volleyball, Savannah Dellinger was the only Lady Viking to be named to the All-Conference squad. Dellinger served as hitter for the Big Red, and became a team leader in her first season of varsity action. Dellinger was active offensively as the team’s kills leader, and more then held her own defensively on the floor with a numerous variety of digs and blocks.

Great job to the Vikings on a brilliant 2009 fall sports season!

Vikings Junior Varsity Dominates Black Hawks

It was a clean sweep on Thursday night in Viking Gym as the Avery basketball teams won both junior varsity contest and won decisively in each varsity contest.

In the early going of the game, Avery freshman guard Kelsie Clark helped Avery take command, scoring nine points in the frame to help the home team break out to a 10-0 scoring run to start the game and an eventual 12-2 after one quarter.

West Wilkes rallied but only cut its deficit to seven at 19-12 by halftime. The Viking offense cooled from its fast start, as it could only muster two field goals in the second period.

As the second half began, the Lady Vikings came out of the locker room on fire, utilizing a 19-5 scoring run in just over four minutes to put the contest out of reach. Seven different Lady Vikings scored in the third quarter alone, led by Clarke who tallied 13 of her game-high 26 points in the stanza.

In addition to the scoring punch, the Lady Vikings ramped up the intensity defensively, prohibiting the Lady Black Hawks from advancing the ball past the half court line on multiple occasions with steals and forced turnovers. Avery took a 45-27 lead after three quarters and cruised to the 61-32 victory.

In addition to her scoring prowess, Kelsie Clarke exploded for the Big Red with six steals and four assists. Shayna Vance added nine points, with eight points from Megan Dellinger and five points, seven rebounds, seven steals, and four assists from Monica Estep. Makayla Nichols tallied 20 points to lead West Wilkes.

“We were very passive on our defense in the first half, so I talked to the girls at halftime and we switched from a zone press to a full-court man-to-man defense, which made everybody responsible,” Lady Vikings head coach Pat Daniels said after the win. “With the man-to-man defense, every player had to use pressure rather than standing and watching them bring the ball up the court. I told the girls if they didn’t play defense during the second half that they’d be sitting with me at the bench, so they responded and did exactly what they were supposed to do.”

Avery worked hard on the glass during the contest for a decided rebounding advantage. The duo of Brooke Buchanan and Danielle Byrd combined to haul in 13 rebounds from the post position.

“Using both players in the post has been our plan all season. We’ll start Brooke one game and Danielle the next, and they both work so well together. Both Brooke and Danielle are awesome defensive players,” Coach Daniels said.

The junior varsity boys team followed the ladies action with a strong performance in capturing a 39-26 win over the JV Black Hawks.

Avery raced out to an early lead of 8-0 and led 8-1 after the first quarter. The Vikings received balanced scoring in the first half, led by Lane Smith’s six points which helped Avery hold an 18-9 halftime advantage.

In the second half, Avery used its pressure defense and patient offense to distance itself from the Black Hawks. Austin Lyons scorched West for seven points in the frame, while a smothering defensive effort boosted the Big Red to a 33-18 lead through three quarters.

The Vikings eased the pressure slightly in the final minutes of the contest and West slightly cut into the Avery advantage. The Vikings were too much in the end, however, as they earned their second victory of the season.

Lane Smith led Avery with 13 points, with 11 points by Austin Lyons.

“The boys gave great effort tonight. I thought the kids played hard. Shea Buchanan showed great court vision and did a solid job at the point tonight.,” JV boys head coach Reggie Oakes said after the win. “We made some shots and did a good job boxing out. We’re still struggling a little bit in that area, but we’re improving. We changed up our defense, and we’re still working on boxing out on a shot and getting to our assignments. Nonetheless we played a good game and it was a good win.”

Avery’s JV clubs are off for the holidays and will return to action on January 5^th at Polk County.

Avery Basketball vs. Hendersonville Postponed

The scheduled basketball games between Hendersonville and Avery that were slated for Monday evening have been postponed due to the weather conditions. The games will be rescheduled for a date yet to be determined.

Avery will next be in basketball action with the varsity girls traveling next week to Draughn High School in a Christmas tournament, while both teams will return to conference action on Tuesday, January 5th at Polk and Wednesday, January 6th at Owen.

Avery County Schools are also closed on Tuesday for students.

Avery Wrestling Schedule Affected by Weekend Snowstorm

The Avery High School wrestling team's scheduled dual meet at Mitchell High School was postponed on Friday, December 18th. Avery was also forced to cancel its scheduled trip to Fred T. Foard High School in Hickory for the Tigerland Classic Tournament.

The Vikings plan on returning to the mat at Cherokee High School for the Cherokee Invitational Tournament on Tuesday and Wednesday. Any changes to the schedule or any other Avery sports changes can be found here at the Blog!

Men's Basketball Hits Late Free Throws to Down Robert Morris

(courtesy Appalachian Sports Information)
MOON TOWNSHIP, Pa. - The Mountaineers scored their final 12 points from the free throw line over the last three minutes to ice a 65-52 win over defending Northeast Conference champion Robert Morris on Saturday night.

Donald Sims was 6-of-6 from the stripe, with all six attempts coming in the final stretch, and led the team with 17 points. The junior connected on 3-of-6 three-pointers as the Mountaineers made 10-of-23 on the night.

The Colonials (4-6) looked to extend their 13-game home winning streak early on, as the squad jumped out to an early 9-3 lead. The Mountaineers tied it up three times before taking the lead for good on a 7-0 run to push the advantage to 21-14 midway through the first half.

ASU then extended the advantage to as many as 12 points before the intermission and took a 33-24 lead into the locker room. Sims scored 11 points in the frame, including all three of his treys.

The Appalachian (7-4) lead remained steady through the first 10 minutes of the second half, before the Colonials made their move.

A Marcus Wright three-pointer gave the Apps a 48-35 lead with eight minutes to play and then RMU embarked on a 14-2 run to pull within 50-49 with five minutes to play.

Jeremi Booth snapped the streak with his third three-pointer of the night. It turned out to be ASU’s final field goal of the night, however, as the Mountaineers went to the free throw line on seven consecutive possessions and drained 12-of-14 free throws to provide the final margin.

Over the same stretch, Robert Morris made just one of its last nine field goal attempts, en route to a dismal 26.1 percentage from the floor for the night.

The Mountaineers made 44.7 percent of their field goals and made 10-of-23 from downtown.

Josh Hunter and Isaac Butts combined for 21 of ASU’s 44 rebounds while Booth scored 11 points and Kellen Brand added 10. Brand and Wright had four assists each as the Mountaineers dished out 17 on the evening.

Karon Abraham led the Colonials with 15 points while Russell Johnson came off the bench to secure 12 of RMU’s 40 rebounds.

RMU’s last home loss came on December 28, 2008 against Duquesne and stands at 16-2 in the Sewall Center dating back to the beginning of last season. The win was just the second on the road for ASU for the season in five attempts.

The Mountaineers continue the current three-game road swing at Dayton on Monday night at 8 p.m.