In the offseason, Gardner figured he would be on the sophomore team this fall, seeing that the Bulldogs were loaded at receiver. “I remember it like it was yesterday,” Gardner said. “I was in the weight room working out with my buddies. He came up to me, and I had never really talked to him before. “He asked if I could play safety. I was like, ‘I can do it.’ I just want to play.” Gardner was willing to give it a shot and, boy, are the Bulldogs glad he did. Rita (8-4) at 2 p. m. Saturday for a state semifinal game in Chicago. As the strong safety, Gardner leads the Bulldogs with 86 tackles, picking up his production even more as the playoffs have gone on. He has 27 tackles the past two weeks alone. “With his movement skills, speed and tackling, we thought it was a good spot for him. “He really stuck out over the summer and stuck to it, worked very hard.” It didn’t always come easily, however. “At first in the summer, it was really hard because as a safety, you have to read and keep your eyes right and make sure you’re reading the receivers,” Gardner said. “It took me a long time to understand route combinations and also tackling.” It led to a memorable moment with defensive backs coach Billy Colamatteo during summer camp. Colamatteo challenged Gardner to get tough and want to tackle. “Preston hit the hole,” Gardner said. “That was my first time really laying it down, and since then, I kind of enjoy hitting.” Holm couldn’t have been happier with the move. “We were going around the room talking about the growth that everyone has had this season,” Holm said of Gardner. “He’s one of the ones that really stand out. “He’s out of position. He’s never played safety before. He’s a good tackler, smart, and he’s done a fantastic job.” The Bulldogs utilize their strong safety in the box often, which has suited Gardner quite well. “People don’t usually like defensive backs to have a lot of tackles, but the way our defense plays, our safeties have a lot of tackles,” Holm said. “You have to be able to recognize pass-run quickly and fill your assignments against the run. “He’s become a very sure tackler. He’s done a great job for us.” This is technically Gardner’s first playoff run on varsity as well. He was along for the ride in a reserve role last season, but being in the mix has been a whole different feeling. “It’s definitely been very emotional,” Gardner said. “I didn’t experience the true feelings of the games. Now that I’ve experienced it, I realize how much has to go right for you to win.” He’s not just experiencing it. He’s going to have to be a big part of slowing down an explosive St. “I’ve been getting a lot more confident in my play,” Gardner said. “I know what’s happening. We’ve come a long way and we’ve progressed as a group, so I’m really happy about that.” Paul Johnson is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/11/19/luke-gardner-batavia-ihsa-football/
Tag: combinations
Islantiles Is Coming Out in March 2026, Demo Live on Steam
Build the Best City in Islantiles
Thunderrock Innovations has announced that its upcoming title, Islantiles, will release for PC in March 2026. To give players an early taste, a free demo is already available, along with an official trailer showcasing the game’s charming mix of strategy and relaxation.
Islantiles is a cozy roguelike city-builder that invites players to craft, combine, and strategize as they transform a humble island into a thriving settlement. The adventure begins with a single patch of land and expands across a chain of islands. Along the way, players will unlock new technologies that reshape the way the world works.
Each discovery offers a chance to adjust strategies, experiment with combinations, and build a network of islands. Gameplay revolves around placing buildings, gathering resources, and shaping a deck of cards that triggers satisfying combos.
Technologies serve as the heart of progression, offering far more than simple upgrades. They can alter the very rules of play, influencing how tiles connect, how points are scored, and how settlements evolve. Players can purchase new technologies or trade away older ones to meet the shifting demands of each island’s unique challenges.
Every run in Islantiles offers something fresh, with no two islands ever the same. Beneath its gentle pace and sunlit style lies a deep layer of tactical thinking, rewarding players who balance efficiency with creativity.
Whether you are optimizing layouts or experimenting with new strategies, Islantiles promises a relaxing yet endlessly replayable experience when it sails onto PC next March.
https://cogconnected.com/2025/11/islantiles-is-coming-out-in-march-2026-demo-live-on-steam/
Bradley Beal gets positive injury update after 2-game absence
Bradley Beal and the Los Angeles Clippers haven’t gotten off to the start they wanted this season, but they’re hopeful that a stretch of five games at home over their next six will help get them back on the right track.
Beal has missed the last two games for the Clippers, dealing with lower back soreness. He initially suffered the injury while taking a charge during the Clippers’ home win against the Phoenix Suns. According to the Clippers’ injury report heading into Friday night’s Halloween contest against the New Orleans Pelicans, Bradley Beal is unlisted on the injury report and expected to play.
Without Beal, the Clippers have been a mixed bag — winning an impressive game against the Portland Trail Blazers at home, while getting blown out by the Golden State Warriors on the road.
Beal is also still working his way back from offseason knee surgery. The guard underwent arthroscopic knee surgery back in May following his second season with the Phoenix Suns. A few months later, he reached a buyout agreement with the Suns and joined the LA Clippers in free agency.
So far, Beal has only played the first half of the team’s final preseason game against the Warriors and has logged a total of 40 minutes across two games for the Clippers this season.
Following the Clippers’ loss to the Warriors, head coach Tyronn Lue emphasized how important Beal is to the team. “I think teams are trying to pressure us more, but we are missing a key component which is Bradley Beal — he gives us a shooter, a guy who can playmake, a guy who can handle the basketball as well,” Lue said after the game. “So when you add that to the mix, it does make us better, but we just can’t have the offensive lulls throughout the course of the games like we’ve been having. It’s combinations, guys we have on the floor. I like our second unit staggering James and Kawhi, but that didn’t happen [against the Warriors] once they got tired, so that put us in a tough bind.”
Through two games played this season, Beal has averaged just 5.5 points, 1.0 rebound, and 1.0 assist as he gradually ramps up his activity level and comfort with the Clippers’ system.
Friday night’s game between the Clippers and Pelicans will also mark the first night of NBA Cup games this season, adding another layer of competitive excitement for the teams and fans alike.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/los-angeles-clippers/clippers-news-bradley-beal-gets-positive-injury-update-after-2-game-absence
Maple Leafs Debut Surprising New Lines After Bad Loss
The Toronto Maple Leafs are back in action on Friday night against the Buffalo Sabres. This game comes after a 5-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils, a contest marked by a particularly rough second period that ultimately cost them the game.
### Line Combinations Shaken Up at Practice
When the team hit the ice for practice on October 23rd, head coach Craig Berube made significant changes to the line combinations, throwing the usual trios and duos into a blender. The result was a series of surprising new groupings that are sure to raise a few eyebrows among fans.
### Craig Berube Completely Shuffles the Top-Six
Some of the most notable shifts occurred within the top-six forward group. In their recent loss to the Devils, the top line featured Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, and Max Domi. The second line centered John Tavares with Matias Maccelli and William Nylander on the wings.
At practice on October 23, the top six looked like this:
– Bobby McMann
– Auston Matthews
– William Nylander
– Matthew Knies
– John Tavares
– Matias Maccelli
Bobby McMann has previously skated alongside Matthews this season, logging 3:13 together with Knies on the opposite wing. McMann’s strong scoring rate at even strength since the start of the 2023-24 season makes this new arrangement promising.
Shifting Knies down to the second line with Maccelli and Tavares also seems like a smart move. Knies can take on the role of finisher, benefiting from Tavares and Maccelli’s playmaking abilities.
### Bottom-Six Forwards and Extras
The third and fourth lines saw some adjustments as well, though not as dramatic as the top two lines. Nic Roy and Dakota Joshua remained on the third line, while Steve Lorentz and Calle Jarnkrok continued as a pair on the fourth line.
Easton Cowan was inserted into the lineup, replacing the promoted Bobby McMann. This change resulted in Nick Robertson being shifted out of the lineup and Max Domi dropping down to center the new fourth line.
Head coach Craig Berube has praised Cowan’s work ethic, making his return to the lineup a reasonable decision. However, choosing to bench Robertson while the organization is actively trying to trade him raises some curiosity.
### Defensive Pairings Adjusted Without Chris Tanev
Earlier on Thursday, October 23, 2025, the Maple Leafs announced that defenseman Chris Tanev had been placed on injured reserve retroactive to October 21, 2025. Following this move, the team recalled Dakota Mermis from the Toronto Marlies.
Here were the defense pairings observed at practice:
– Jake McCabe – Brandon Carlo
– Dakota Mermis – Erik Ekman-Larsson
– Simon Benoit – Philippe Myers
Mermis skated on what is believed to be Morgan Rielly’s pairing, although Rielly himself was absent from practice, according to David Alter of The Hockey News.
Jake McCabe, who was previously paired with Tanev, has most frequently partnered with Brandon Carlo since Tanev’s injury. Simon Benoit and Philippe Myers formed the third defensive pairing. If this setup holds for Friday’s game, it will mark Myers’ first appearance this season. Last year, Myers recorded five points in 36 games, averaging 16:14 of ice time per game.
### What to Expect Moving Forward
It’s not surprising to see these new defensive and forward pairings given the circumstances around Tanev’s injury. How long these combinations last remains to be seen, but it will be interesting to monitor the team’s chemistry and performance once the puck drops on Friday night against Buffalo.
https://heavy.com/sports/nhl/toronto-maple-leafs/surprising-lines-william-nylander-bobby-mcmann/
5 delicious corn tortilla recipes you’ll love
**5 Delicious Corn Tortilla Recipes You’ll Love**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 06, 2025 | 10:55 am*
Corn tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, offering a versatile base for a variety of dishes. Their mild flavor and chewy texture make them the perfect canvas for savory fillings. Here are five creative ways to fill corn tortillas, each bringing a unique twist to traditional recipes. From hearty vegetable mixes to spicy bean combinations, these ideas will elevate your tortilla game.
### 1. Spicy Black Bean Delight
For a protein-packed filling, try spicy black beans mixed with diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos. Sauté the vegetables until soft, then add canned black beans along with cumin and chili powder for flavor. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before spooning it into warm corn tortillas. Top with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for an extra burst of freshness.
### 2. Grilled Vegetable Medley
Grilled vegetables make for a delicious filling that is both healthy and flavorful. Choose zucchini, red onion, and asparagus, and grill them until tender. Toss the veggies with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before stuffing them into corn tortillas. This filling pairs wonderfully with crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan for an added kick.
### 3. Mushroom and Spinach Fusion
Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until golden brown, then add fresh spinach leaves until they wilt slightly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper before filling your corn tortillas. For extra richness, consider adding cream cheese or ricotta to the filling. This earthy combination goes perfectly with a crisp side salad.
### 4. Sweet Potato Surprise
Roasted sweet potatoes bring a naturally sweet contrast to savory elements. Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes, roast them until tender, and mix with black olives and optional feta cheese. Fill warm corn tortillas with this mixture and top with sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness of the potatoes.
### 5. Chickpea Curry Twist
For an exotic flair, fill your corn tortillas with a chickpea curry filling. Cook chickpeas in coconut milk with curry powder until thickened. Add diced tomatoes and spinach leaves near the end of cooking. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve these spicy tacos with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
—
These five corn tortilla recipes offer delicious and diverse options to enjoy this beloved staple. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or mildly sweet flavors, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Give them a try and transform your meals with these flavorful fillings!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/corn-tortillas-with-a-twist-5-savory-recipes/story
5 delicious corn tortilla recipes you’ll love
**5 Delicious Corn Tortilla Recipes You’ll Love**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 06, 2025, 10:55 am*
Corn tortillas are a staple in many cuisines, providing a versatile base for a variety of dishes. Their mild flavor and chewy texture make them the perfect canvas for savory fillings. Whether you’re looking to try something new or elevate your everyday meals, here are five creative corn tortilla recipes, each offering a unique twist on traditional flavors.
### 1. Spicy Black Bean Delight
For a protein-packed option, try a spicy black bean filling. Sauté diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños until soft. Then add canned black beans along with cumin and chili powder for a flavorful kick. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before spooning it into warm corn tortillas. Top with avocado slices or fresh cilantro for added freshness and texture.
### 2. Grilled Vegetable Medley
Grilled vegetables make a healthy and delicious filling. Choose zucchini, red onion, and asparagus, and grill them until tender. Toss the vegetables in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before stuffing them into corn tortillas. For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese or Parmesan.
### 3. Mushroom and Spinach Fusion
Sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until golden brown, then add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. For added richness, incorporate cream cheese or ricotta cheese into the filling. This earthy combination pairs wonderfully with a side salad, making it a satisfying meal.
### 4. Sweet Potato Surprise
Roasted sweet potatoes add a natural sweetness that complements savory ingredients beautifully. Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes, roast until tender, and mix with black olives and optional feta cheese. Fill your warm corn tortillas with this hearty blend, then top with sour cream or Greek yogurt to balance the sweetness.
### 5. Chickpea Curry Twist
For an exotic flavor, try a chickpea curry filling. Cook chickpeas in coconut milk with curry powder until thickened, then add diced tomatoes and spinach leaves near the end. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve these spicy-filled tortillas with lime wedges on the side for an extra zing.
—
These five delicious corn tortilla recipes are easy to prepare and packed with flavor. Whether you love spicy, savory, or sweet, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. Give them a try and transform your tortilla dishes today!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/corn-tortillas-with-a-twist-5-savory-recipes/story
5 delicious corn tortilla recipes you’ll love
**5 Delicious Corn Tortilla Recipes You’ll Love**
*By Anujj Trehaan | Oct 06, 2025, 10:55 am*
Corn tortillas are a staple in many cuisines and serve as a versatile base for numerous dishes. Their mild flavor and chewy texture make them the perfect canvas for savory fillings. If you’re looking to elevate your tortilla game, here are five creative and flavorful recipes that put a unique twist on traditional corn tortilla meals. From hearty vegetable mixes to spicy bean combinations, these ideas will surely delight your taste buds.
—
### 1. Spicy Black Bean Delight
For a protein-packed filling, try spicy black beans mixed with diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños. Start by sautéing the vegetables until soft, then add canned black beans along with cumin and chili powder for flavor. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes before spooning it into warm corn tortillas. Top with creamy avocado slices or fresh cilantro for a refreshing finish.
—
### 2. Grilled Vegetable Medley
Grilled vegetables offer a healthy and flavorful filling option. Choose zucchini, red onion, and asparagus, then grill them until tender. Toss the grilled veggies in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper before stuffing them inside corn tortillas. This filling pairs wonderfully with crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of Parmesan for a delicious extra kick.
—
### 3. Mushroom and Spinach Fusion
For an earthy and rich flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms with garlic until golden brown. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until they wilt slightly. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, then fill your corn tortillas with it. For added creaminess, incorporate cream cheese or ricotta into the filling. This combo goes perfectly with a fresh side salad.
—
### 4. Sweet Potato Surprise
Roasted sweet potatoes bring a natural sweetness that balances savory ingredients beautifully. Dice sweet potatoes into small cubes and roast until tender. Mix them with black olives and optional feta cheese for an added tang. Spoon the mixture into warm tortillas and top with sour cream or Greek yogurt to complement the dish’s sweet and savory notes.
—
### 5. Chickpea Curry Twist
Give your corn tortillas an exotic flair with a chickpea curry filling. Cook chickpeas in coconut milk infused with curry powder until the mixture thickens. Toward the end of cooking, add diced tomatoes and fresh spinach leaves. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve these spicy-filled tortillas with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of zing.
—
Try these five creative corn tortilla recipes to enjoy diverse flavors and healthy ingredients wrapped in deliciousness. Whether you prefer spicy, savory, or slightly sweet fillings, these recipes have something for everyone!
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/lifestyle/corn-tortillas-with-a-twist-5-savory-recipes/story