regular-season - The Latremie Post

49ers blow out Cardinals, 41-22

During a late Sunday afternoon window featuring three exciting football games, the San Francisco 49ers and Arizona Cardinals delivered a surprisingly dull matchup. The 49ers jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead within the first five minutes and never looked back, ultimately winning 41-22.

San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy, finally healthy after missing most of the season, put on an impressive performance. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 200 yards, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions. Two of those touchdown passes were caught by tight end George Kittle, while running back Christian McCaffrey snagged the other. McCaffrey also contributed heavily on the ground, rushing for 81 yards and scoring two additional touchdowns.

On the other side, Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett set an NFL record with an astonishing 47 completions—the most ever in a regular-season game. His final stat line was 47-for-57 for 452 yards, with two touchdowns and two interceptions. However, much of Brissett’s production came during garbage time after the Cardinals fell behind 35-10 in the third quarter.

With this win, the 49ers improve to 7-4, solidifying their position in the NFC playoff race. Meanwhile, the Cardinals drop to 3-7 and look poised to face more challenging “garbage time” scenarios as the season progresses.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/49ers-blow-out-cardinals-41-22

Kam Williams settling into his role, but Mark Pope wants more

On the same day Kentucky basketball played Tennessee in the Sweet 16 this past March, they landed a commit in the transfer portal in Kam Williams from Tulane. A sharpshooter with the Green Wave last season, Williams initially struggled through the Wildcats’ exhibition games and first couple of regular-season matchups.

However, a five-point performance at Louisville on Tuesday, which included a 3-pointer, may have put him on track to become the player Kentucky fans believe he can be.

Williams spoke after Kentucky’s 99-53 victory over Eastern Illinois on Friday night about the role he envisions for himself this season.

“Make 3s and play defense. If I’m not hitting 3s, do something else,” Williams said. “I can’t really be upset when I’m missing shots, because I can contribute in other ways on defense. I can still bring energy.”

On Friday night, Williams made two 3-pointers while also contributing two rebounds, an assist, and a steal. For the season, he has accumulated 13 points and 12 rebounds. He is shooting 5-for-12 from the field, including 3-for-10 from beyond the arc, but has been hotter recently — going 3-for-5 from deep over his last two games.

Head coach Mark Pope shared that he hoped the team would be further along in terms of defining their identity at this point in the season. Regarding Pope’s comments on players embracing their “special sauce” and unique skill sets to love their game, Williams responded:

“Really just staying in myself, not trying to do anything outside of what I was brought here for,” he said. “Everybody has a role. NBA players have a role. Trying to step out of your role is where mistakes and accidents happen.”

Following Kentucky’s loss to Louisville, Pope expressed pride in Williams’ effort and emphasized his hopes for the sophomore’s continued improvement.

“I have the same conversation with Kam every single day, and that is about him being more aggressive, more assertive, and more physical,” Pope said.

With Jaland Lowe out, Kentucky will undoubtedly need Williams to step up as the season progresses.
https://sports.yahoo.com/article/kam-williams-settling-role-mark-110900367.html

Colorado high school football playoffs: Chalk, toss-ups and upset alerts in the second weekend of postseason play

CHSAA State Football Playoffs: Round of 16 Preview

The CHSAA state football playoffs have been whittled down to 16 teams in the top three classifications. Here’s a breakdown of this weekend’s matchups, with coveted quarterfinal spots on the line.

Class 5A

The Chalk

No. 17 Fountain-Fort Carson (8-3) at No. 1 Cherry Creek (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: The Trojans were the only road team to win in the first round, but now face a tough trip to Stutler Bowl. Cherry Creek hasn’t lost at home in three years and has allowed just 27 total points over their last six games.

No. 14 Eaglecrest (7-4) at No. 3 Mountain Vista (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: Mountain Vista’s junior QB Marquise Reese is on fire, averaging 310.4 yards and 4.4 touchdowns on 67.7% passing over the last five games. Eaglecrest’s defense showed promise limiting Legacy to 10 points, but this game will be a major test.

No. 12 Erie (7-4) at No. 5 Valor Christian (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday: Valor’s sophomore quarterback Titus Huard has been almost flawless since taking over as starter. Their defense has allowed just 20 points in the last four games. Erie has proven it can compete with top 5A teams but faces another stern challenge.

The Toss-Ups

No. 10 Mullen (7-4) at No. 7 Pine Creek (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday: Mullen is riding a six-game winning streak — their longest since 2016, the last time they reached the quarterfinals. Pine Creek leans heavily on 195-pound junior running back Xavier Lukes (231 carries, 1,429 yards). Expect a hard-fought, physical game.

No. 9 Arapahoe (7-4) at No. 8 Fairview (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Fairview’s only loss was by a single point to No. 6 Arvada West. The Knights average 51.5 points per game and stunned No. 2 Mountain Vista last year. Arapahoe has won six of seven games recently and features senior Jayden Tackitt, who gained 330 yards last week. This should be a high-scoring affair.

Upset Watch

Since 2021, only three double-digit seeds have reached the 5A quarterfinals, making these lower-seed matchups potential long shots.

No. 15 Columbine (6-5) at No. 2 Ralston Valley (10-0), 7:30 p.m. Friday: Ralston Valley has dominated all season and welcomes back senior QB Zeke Andrews after injury. But Columbine coach Andy Lowry is known for making every game a battle.

No. 13 Fort Collins (9-2) at No. 4 Legend (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Fort Collins faces Legend’s powerful senior running back Jack McKeon, who rushed for 370 yards and four touchdowns against ThunderRidge recently.

No. 11 Grandview (6-5) at No. 6 Arvada West (9-1), 4 p.m. Friday: Grandview is battle-tested, having faced three of the top four teams. They crushed Chatfield 32-13 in Round 1 — a team Arvada West barely edged on Oct. 24. This promises to be a gritty matchup.

Class 4A

The Chalk

The top three seeds appear dominant in 4A, and they face comparatively weaker opponents this weekend.

No. 16 Golden (8-3) at No. 1 Dakota Ridge (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: The teams met on Oct. 24, with Dakota Ridge dominating 49-10. Golden faces a steep challenge trying to turn things around in just two weeks.

No. 15 Frederick (8-3) at No. 2 Montrose (10-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Montrose has a history of playoff success, reaching quarterfinals seven straight years and posting multiple double-digit-win seasons recently. A Western Slope trip will not be easy for Frederick.

No. 14 Mesa Ridge (6-5) at No. 3 Palmer Ridge (10-0), 7 p.m. Friday: Palmer Ridge, a contender since moving to 4A in 2020, already defeated Mesa Ridge 35-7 earlier this season. But Mesa Ridge has improved since and aims to make this competitive.

The Toss-Ups

No. 9 Northfield (9-2) at No. 8 Pueblo West (7-3), 6 p.m. Friday: Northfield is on an eight-game winning streak but faces a Pueblo West defense allowing just 11.6 points per game. This clash of hot offenses and stingy defenses should be exciting.

No. 10 Riverdale Ridge (11-0) at No. 7 Monarch (8-2), 6 p.m. Friday: Despite an undefeated record, Riverdale Ridge’s low seed is likely due to strength of schedule. Their defense allows just 7.1 points per game but faces a Monarch offense averaging 40.9 points, setting up an intriguing battle.

Upset Watch

No. 13 Ponderosa (7-4) at No. 4 Durango (8-2), Noon Saturday: Durango’s only losses came against top seeds, and they’ve dominated other opponents. Ponderosa has won four of five recently and could challenge Durango in this regional showdown.

No. 12 Grand Junction (9-2) at No. 5 Heritage (7-3), 6 p.m. Friday: Grand Junction boasts a high-powered offense on a six-game winning streak, topping 40 points five times recently. Heritage is strong against lower classifications, so expect a fast-paced, high-scoring game.

No. 11 Vista Ridge (8-3) at No. 6 Broomfield (8-2), 7 p.m. Friday: Broomfield freshman Kashus Clarvoe is one of the state’s best running backs with 1,566 yards and 16 touchdowns. After a strong start, Vista Ridge faces a tough test against a solid Broomfield squad.

Class 3A

The Chalk

The top seeds in 3A are clear favorites though no guarantees exist in this competitive bracket.

No. 16 Severance (4-6) at No. 1 Windsor (10-0), 1 p.m. Saturday: Windsor faces a surprisingly tough first-round opponent. Severance led Windsor 3-0 at halftime when they met earlier this season and could be a dangerous underdog.

No. 15 Coronado (7-3) at No. 2 Pomona (9-1), Noon Saturday: Pomona has lost just two games to 3A competition since moving down classifications. However, Coronado and QB Thomas Buckmiller, fresh off a 70-point, 317-yard performance, are formidable.

No. 13 Lewis-Palmer (6-4) at No. 4 Mead (8-2), 1 p.m. Saturday: Mead aims for a repeat title appearance after thrashing Lewis-Palmer 50-9 earlier this season. Although Lewis-Palmer has improved, this will be a tough road test.

No. 12 Thompson Valley (7-3) at No. 5 Holy Family (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Defending champion Thompson Valley ended the regular season with two losses. They now face a hot Holy Family team that has won six straight and scored 299 points over that stretch.

No. 11 Pueblo County (7-3) at No. 6 Roosevelt (7-3), 7 p.m. Friday: Roosevelt has shown toughness against top teams and opponents from higher classifications, making them a potential dark horse this postseason.

The Toss-Ups

No. 9 Pueblo South (8-2) at No. 8 Conifer (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: Conifer’s defense has recorded five shutouts, and their offense averages 43.9 points per game. Senior WR Solomon Washer has been a standout. This game is a strong early test for Conifer.

No. 10 Lutheran (7-3) at No. 7 Eagle Valley (9-1), 7 p.m. Friday: After a recent loss and a bye week, Eagle Valley is well-rested but faces the perennial power of Lutheran. If Eagle Valley is to earn its first playoff win in 13 years, the Lions will make them work.

Upset Watch

No. 14 Timnath (6-4) at No. 3 Palisade (8-2), Noon Saturday: Timnath may seem like an underdog but has played at a high level, shutting out the defending champion Thompson Valley and competing against Mead and Windsor. This could be a tough night for Palisade if they aren’t prepared.

Stay tuned this weekend as these thrilling CHSAA playoff games unfold, with quarterfinal berths on the line across Colorado’s top high school football divisions.

https://www.denverpost.com/2025/11/12/colorado-high-school-football-playoffs-second-weekend-2025/

Nick Sirianni moves into fourth place among all NFL coaches in career winning percentage

Eagles coach Nick Sirianni improved his career record to 55-22 on Monday night, placing him in some truly elite company. With a regular-season winning percentage of .714, Sirianni now ranks fourth-best among all NFL coaches in history.

Prior to Monday, Sirianni had held the fifth spot all-time, but he moved ahead of Hall of Fame coach George Allen with this latest win. The all-time winningest coach by percentage is Guy Chamberlin, who served as player/coach for several teams—including the Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Bulldogs, Frankford Yellow Jackets, and Chicago Cardinals—from 1922 to 1927. Chamberlin’s record in that early NFL era was 58-16-7. At the time, tie games were not counted in the standings, giving him a winning percentage of .784.

The next-best record belongs to John Madden, the legendary Raiders head coach. Madden, who later became widely known as a broadcaster and lent his name to a popular video game franchise, posted a 103-32-7 regular-season record with the Raiders. His winning percentage was .759.

In third place all-time is Vince Lombardi, who achieved a 96-34-6 record as head coach. His winning percentage stood at .738.

Now, Nick Sirianni, in his fifth season as the Eagles head coach, has matched a level of success that few in NFL history can claim. He has already won a Super Bowl and appeared in another, solidifying his place among the game’s coaching greats with a remarkable career winning percentage.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/nick-sirianni-moves-into-fourth-place-among-all-nfl-coaches-in-career-winning-percentage

Cooper Flagg Stats Tonight: Mavericks Rookie Goes Head-To-Head against Kevin Durant In Clash Against Rockets (Nov. 3)

Cooper Flagg and the Dallas Mavericks faced off against Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets in their seventh regular-season game on Monday.

With Anthony Davis absent, Flagg once again led the Mavericks’ starting lineup. The former Duke phenom was joined by Max Christie, Klay Thompson, Daniel Gafford, and P. J. Washington.

Flagg overcame the struggles of his previous shooting performance and came out firing on all cylinders against the Rockets. The rookie got off to a strong offensive start, scoring seven quick points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from the field.

He finished the first quarter with an impressive stat line of nine points, three rebounds, and one assist.
https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/news-cooper-flagg-stats-tonight-mavericks-rookie-goes-head-to-head-kevin-durant-in-clash-against-rockets-nov-3

Jalen Duren’s 33 points lead Pistons to victory over Mavericks in Mexico City

**Pistons Rally to Beat Mavericks 122-110 in Mexico City**

MEXICO CITY (AP) — Jalen Duren delivered a dominant performance with 33 points and 10 rebounds, while Cade Cunningham contributed 21 points and a team-high 18 assists as the Detroit Pistons pulled away in the fourth quarter to defeat the Dallas Mavericks 122-110 on Saturday night.

Duncan Robinson added 18 points and Ausar Thompson contributed 15 for the Pistons, who secured their second consecutive win. Coming off the bench for the Mavericks, D’Angelo Russell scored a game-high 31 points. First overall draft pick Cooper Flagg scored a season-high 16 points, although he struggled from the field, shooting 3-for-14.

Despite trailing 93-87 after three quarters, the Pistons outscored Dallas 35-17 in the final period to seal the victory. The Mavericks played without forward Anthony Davis, who is expected to miss two games due to a left leg injury sustained on Wednesday against Indiana.

This game marked the 15th regular-season NBA game played in Mexico City and the fourth for the Mavericks—more than any other franchise. The Phoenix Suns and the Orlando Magic have both played in Mexico City three times each.

**Up Next:**
– Pistons: at Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night
– Mavericks: at Houston Rockets on Monday night

___
*AP NBA*
https://mymotherlode.com/sports/basketball-game-stories/10134198/jalen-durens-33-points-lead-pistons-to-victory-over-mavericks-in-mexico-city.html

Josh Allen Sends Strong Message to Patrick Mahomes Before Bills-Chiefs

The Buffalo Bills have officially entered Chiefs Week, their now-annual regular-season meeting with Patrick Mahomes and their rivals from the AFC West. The stakes are always high when the Kansas City Chiefs arrive on Buffalo’s schedule, but this year could be even more important as both teams have fallen out of the lead in their respective divisions.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen is ready for the challenge, offering some big praise of his quarterback counterpart this week and receiving some love from Mahomes in return.

### Josh Allen Needs to Raise His Game

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Allen shared praise for Mahomes and said the two-time MVP forces him to up his game. Allen has had plenty of success against Mahomes in the regular season, leading the Bills to wins in each of the last four years. However, the Bills are 0-4 against the Chiefs in the playoffs, including a loss in last year’s AFC Championship.

The Bills come into this year’s game against the Chiefs with a 5-2 record, having recovered from back-to-back losses by blowing out the Carolina Panthers last week. Meanwhile, the Chiefs started the season 0-2 but have since steadied the ship, getting top receiver Rashee Rice back from a six-game suspension and winning five of their last six games.

The importance of this week’s contest is underscored by the fact that the loser could fall out of the playoffs entirely if the Jacksonville Jaguars win their game.

### Patrick Mahomes Returns the Favor

Mahomes also had plenty of good things to say about Allen, telling reporters that the reigning MVP is a nightmare for his team to defend. Mahomes added that he believes Allen is only improving and said the Bills quarterback forces him to be better.

While their rivalry on the field has only grown more heated, Mahomes and Allen have maintained friendly terms off the gridiron. The two recently teamed up for a televised golf match where they faced—and ultimately lost to—fellow star quarterbacks Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers.

With both quarterbacks pushing each other to new heights, this year’s Bills vs. Chiefs game promises to be a thrilling showdown.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/buffalo-bills/josh-allen-message-patrick-mahomes-chiefs/

Hornets’ Kon Knueppel drops ‘potluck’ claim after Charlotte’s 136-point explosion

It was an explosive start to the season as the Charlotte Hornets’ offense came alive in a 136-117 victory over the Brooklyn Nets. Impressively, all five starters for Charlotte scored in double digits, and four bench players also contributed 10 or more points in the Hornets’ season opener.

Hornets rookie Kon Knueppel described the team’s balanced scoring effort, saying, “It was kind of like a potluck tonight. Everybody was eating. That’s fun basketball, and that’s how it’s supposed to be played. So, hopefully, we can keep that going.”

Expectations for the Hornets were low heading into the season, with many analysts predicting a bottom-of-the-standings finish. However, Charlotte showcased something special in their dominant win over the Nets, giving their fans plenty to celebrate. In fact, the Hornets set a franchise record for most points in a season-opening game, according to Sam Perley of Hornets.com.

Leading the charge was Brandon Miller, who tallied 25 points on 8-for-19 shooting. LaMelo Ball also had a strong showing with 20 points and eight assists, while Miles Bridges added 18 points and 11 rebounds.

Rookie Kon Knueppel made an impressive debut, contributing 11 points on 4-for-6 shooting, including 3-for-4 from beyond the arc. Fellow rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner recorded a double-double in his NBA regular-season debut, posting 10 points and 11 rebounds.

Off the bench, Collin Sexton led with 15 points on 4-for-9 shooting. Moussa Diabate added 13 points on 5-for-7 shooting, Tre Mann chipped in 12, and Tidjane Salaun finished with 10 points.

The Hornets’ balanced scoring played a major role in their big win. Beyond their shooting success, Charlotte also dominated the boards, winning the rebound battle 50-38—another key factor in the blowout victory.

With the season opener now behind them, the Hornets turn their attention to their next challenge. Charlotte will travel to Philadelphia to face the 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center, aiming to build on their impressive start and continue improving their position in the standings.
https://clutchpoints.com/nba/charlotte-hornets/hornets-kon-knueppel-potluck-claim-charlotte-136-point-explosion

It’s the Week 7 Big Shield giveaway

It’s free stuff time! You can get a signed copy of *Big Shield* this weekend by doing one simple thing: send an email to florio@profootballtalk.com with the subject line: **“Week 7 Big Shield giveaway.”**

I’ll pick one entry at random and, ideally, drop the book in the mail next week. As always, no purchase is required. But of course, all purchases are appreciated.

The ebook is still only 99 cents, and the print edition is $14.99.

*Big Shield* is a tale of gambling, the mob, and pro football—but not the NFL. (They haven’t sued me yet, so the disclaimer must be working.) Set in an undefined future, with 34 teams, 20 regular-season games, and widespread real-time, in-game betting, the book follows three main characters. It illustrates how a criminal enterprise could exploit widespread inside information before and during games—and how it could all go sideways for everyone involved.

Don’t forget about my other titles:
– *Father of Mine* (a mob story inspired by true events)
– *Son of Mine* (sequel to *Father of Mine*)
– *On Our Way Home* (a Christmas-season ghost story)

Each is available in ebook form for just 99 cents. More books are on the way!

In addition to the six unpublished manuscripts currently in the hopper, I’m working on a legal thriller about a pro football player turned lawyer whose first day on the job becomes a life-and-death rollercoaster ride—one I still need to figure out how to resolve. (“He was dead the whole time.”)

Go ahead and enter the giveaway. And feel free to drop 99 cents on something you just might enjoy. You’ll definitely get your money’s worth—even if you ultimately decide it’s caca.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/its-the-week-7-big-shield-giveaway

Saints activate Taysom Hill and Foster Moreau ahead of Sunday’s game against the Giants

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The New Orleans Saints have moved versatile quarterback Taysom Hill and tight end Foster Moreau from the team’s Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list to the active roster ahead of Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants.

The roster moves, announced Saturday, increase the likelihood that both players, who are recovering from major knee injuries sustained late last season, could make their 2025 debuts for the winless Saints (0-4) against the Giants (1-3).

Hill, who had been listed as a tight end over the past two seasons, had his designation changed back to quarterback last week—the position he began his NFL career playing as a backup in 2017 after starring at BYU in college.

Saints first-year coach Kellen Moore has emphasized that Hill will continue to play a versatile role on offense and special teams, just as he has in previous seasons. Hill is expected to contribute in various positions, potentially lining up as a tight end, running back, or receiver, as well as regularly participating on the punt and punt coverage units.

Despite these changes, Spencer Rattler, who has lost all 10 of his career NFL starts (six as a rookie last season), will remain the starting quarterback.

Foster Moreau, who was injured late in the fourth quarter of the Saints’ 2024 regular-season finale, had a solid previous season with 32 catches for 413 yards and a team-high five touchdown receptions.

In other roster moves, the Saints elevated linebacker Eku Leota from the practice squad to the active roster, placed wide receiver Trey Palmer on injured reserve, and waived rookie tight end Moliki Matavao. Additionally, defensive tackle John Ridgeway III was downgraded to out for Sunday’s game.

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AP NFL
https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/sports/football/nfl/2025/10/04/saints-activate-taysom-hill-and-foster-moreau-ahead-of-sundays-game-against-the-giants