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Keeler: Broncos fans trust Sean Payton. Russell Wilson? Not so much. “I expect us to at least make the playoffs.”

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Hell hath no fury like a woman with an El Camino scorned. Especially if that El Camino is painted orange and blue.“I mean, I expect us to at least make the playoffs this year,” Crystal Gonzalez told me before her beloved Broncos hosted the Rams in Denver’s preseason finale on Saturday night.“Yeah, I’m very confident in the new coach. I think he’s going to change some things and we’re going to have a better group of guys on the field. I think we’re going to get it done. I’m pretty loyal though. I mean, look. I have a car.”Lordy, what a car. As we talked two blocks from Empower Field, Gonzalez, Denverite and Broncos For Life, waved back at the family’s tailgate ride, a gorgeous ’70 El Camino, the way the models wave at the prize cars on “The Price Is Right.” A giant, flat-screen television sat in the middle of a bed that was lined, back to front, with soft Astroturf.“Eleven and six,” Gonzalez continued. “I’d say 11-6. We’re going to take one from the Chie...

Russell Wilson, Broncos starters not playing in preseason finale vs. Rams

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Most of the Broncos’ starters got multiple series of playing time in each of the team’s first two preseason games. Then they got heavy workloads Wednesday and Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams.That made for a light night Saturday against the Rams.Virtually none of Denver’s starters dressed for the team’s preseason finale and lone home preseason game.Among players who could end up starting or could be considered near the top line of the depth chart, only fullback Michael Burton and rookie wide receiver Marvin Mims, Jr. were in uniform.In all, 32 players on the 90-man roster didn’t dress and most of them are expected to be key contributors.That list, of course, included quarterback Russell Wilson, his entire starting offensive line, running backs Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine, and most of the rest of Denver’s offensive weaponry.Defensively, none of the top line played and all of Denver’s top four edge rushers — Randy Gregory, Frank Clark, Nik Bonitto and Jonathon Cooper — wer...

Excessive heat warnings in effect for Southen California

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

Summer is not over just yet as an excessive heat warning will be in effect across Southern California this week. Beginning Monday through Tuesday, an excessive heat watch will be in effect for the:-L.A. and Ventura County Valleys-L.A. and Ventura coastal plains-Mountains in San Bernardino, Ventura, L.A. and San Luis Obispo counties-Santa Ynez Valley and Cuyama ValleyThe temperature highs will reach anywhere from 8-16 degrees above normal, paired with gusty winds and hot, dry conditions, according to the National Weather Service.Some areas will see temps hitting the 90s and even triple digits across inland, valley and desert communities. Overnight temps will also be very warm, NWS said.The high heat will create an elevated fire risk as gusty winds, dry conditions and excessive heat cover the Southland, an area that already houses the most fire-threatened homes in the state.An excessive heat warning will be in effect across Southern California on Aug. 28-29. (KTLA)An excessive heat wa...

Pittsburg begins the Charlie Ramirez era with a dominant showing in San Francisco

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

SAN FRANCISCO — As Sacred Heart Cathedral defenders buzzed around the offensive line and linebackers and cornerbacks sprinted back in coverage with frenetic energy, Marley Alcantara played like he was seeing everything unfold in slow motion. The 5-foot-10 Pittsburg quarterback threw bullets to short crossing routes with the same ease he completed fade routes into the end zone, despite the best efforts of gusting San Francisco winds at Kezar Stadium. When the pass rush got close enough to bother the junior, which wasn’t often during a 17 for 21 and four TD pass day, Alcantara just scrambled around for yardage or an opportunity to make another unerringly accurate pass as Pittsburg breezed to a 49-13 victory.It was obvious that Alcantara’s success as a backup behind current Arizona State quarterback Jaden Rashada wasn’t just the product of since-graduated D-I receivers. The leader of Pittsburg’s ballyhooed junior class got Charlie Ramirez his first win as the head coa...

Brewers principal owner is optimistic about stadium negotiations, wants to keep team in Milwaukee

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Brewers principal owner Mark Attanasio expressed optimism about the status of negotiations involving renovations to American Family Field and indicated Saturday he wants to make sure the team stays in Milwaukee.The Brewers have called American Family Field home since 2001 and have a lease that expires in 2030. State Democrats and Republicans have been debating on stadium renovation funding plans for several months.Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers, a Democrat, proposed a plan in which the state would spend $290 million in repairs and the Brewers would extend their lease by 13 years, through 2043. Republican Assembly Speaker Robin Vos said that plan wouldn’t work and indicated he wanted to come up with a deal that included a longer commitment from the Brewers to remain in Milwaukee.“I’m optimistic,” Attanasio said from American Family Field before the Brewers’ 5-4 victory over the San Diego Padres on Saturday. “We just have to get the three constituencies — which...

Firefighters douse Maui brush fire that prompted evacuations near site of deadly Lahaina blaze

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

LAHAINA, Hawaii (AP) — A brush fire burned 10 acres (4 hectares) on Saturday and prompted Maui authorities to evacuate residents from a neighborhood of Lahaina, just a few miles from the site recently ravaged by blazes, before firefighters brought it under control.Firefighters doused flames from above using a helicopter and with hoses on the ground, said John Heggie, a spokesperson for Maui County’s Joint Information Center. Maui County said in an Instagram post that the fire no longer posed an active threat but firefighters were working in the area and evacuees should stay clear until it was safe to return.The evacuation order covered a small number of homes in the hills above Kaanapali resort hotels. It wasn’t immediately clear how many people were affected by the evacuation order.At least 115 people were killed and 2,000 structures destroyed when a wildfire tore through downtown Lahaina on Aug. 8. Minimal rains have pushed the area into drought. That fire was exacerbated by...

Messi scores dazzling goal in MLS debut, leads Miami over New York Red Bulls

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

HARRISON, N.J. (AP) — Lionel Messi scored a dazzling goal in the 89th minute of his Major League Soccer debut, helping Inter Miami beat the New York Red Bulls 2-0 on Saturday night and end an 11-match league winless streak.Forty-eight years after Pelé joined the North American Soccer League’s New York Cosmos in an effort to jumpstart soccer in the United States, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner entered in the 60th minute.Jordi Alba made an acrobatic leap to blindly center Sergio Busquet’s cross back pass to Messi. The 36-year-old star dribbled through three defenders and side-footed the ball to Benjamin Cremaschi. The 18-year-old American one-touched the ball back and Messi sprinted toward goal and let it bounce in off his left foot from in front.Messi has 11 goals in nine games for Miami in all competitions.The match drew the Red Bulls’ first home sellout this season, and resale tickets were listed for over $1,000 in the week leading to the game.Messi followed David Be...

Boupendza, Acosta spark Cincinnati to 3-0 victory over NYCFC

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

CINCINNATI (AP) — Aaron Boupendza scored early, Luciano Acosta had two assists and Eastern Conference-leading FC Cincinnati breezed to a 3-0 victory over New York City FC on Saturday night.Cincinnati (16-3-6) ties the 2002 San Jose Earthquakes’ record with the victory, totaling 37 points through the club’s first 13 home matches. Cincinnati earned its third straight victory over NYCFC (5-10-11) after losing the first six meetings before playing to a pair of draws last season.NYCFC falls to 1-8-8 in its last 17 regular-season matches.Boupendza gave Cincinnati the lead for good, scoring unassisted in the sixth minute. Boupendza has two goals in two starts and three appearances for the club this season.Junior Moreno pushed the lead to 2-0 when he took a pass from Acosta in the 52nd minute and scored his fourth goal of the campaign. Acosta notched another assist seven minutes later on a goal by defender Nick Hagglund, his first of the season, for a three-score lead. Roman Cel...

Aaron Rodgers throws a TD pass for the Jets in his first preseason appearance since 2018

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Aaron Rodgers threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Wilson to cap the second and final series of his preseason debut with the New York Jets, helping his new squad to a 32-24 victory over the Giants on Saturday night.Playing in the preseason for the first time since 2018 when he was with Green Bay, the four-time NFL MVP came out throwing in the regular-season tuneup against the Giants’ backups. The Jets (2-2) were the visiting team at MetLife Stadium in this matchup of New York clubs.Rodgers went 5 for 8 for 47 yards and the perfectly placed pass to Wilson in the front left corner of the end zone. He was replaced by Zach Wilson on the next series.Brandin Echols ended the Giants’ third offensive series by intercepting Tommy DeVito and returning it 67 yards for a touchdown.DeVito, the third-stringer behind starter Daniel Jones and backup Tyrod Taylor, redeemed himself for the pick-6 two series later. DeVito and the Giants (1-2) converted four third-down...

Alex Bregman drives in 4 runs to help lead the Astros to a 9-2 win over the Tigers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 12:00:32 GMT

DETROIT (AP) — Alex Bregman homered, hit two doubles and drove in four runs to lead the Houston Astros to a 9-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night.Bregman drove in Jose Altuve in the first, fifth and sixth innings and scored in the fifth, sixth and eighth. Jose Abreu and Chas McCormick each drove in a pair of runs.Hunter Brown (10-9) allowed two runs on four hits and two walks in five innings. He struck out nine, one short of his season-high set on May 26 against Oakland. Tigers batters struck out 15 times. With the win, the Astros held onto third place behind Texas and leading Tampa Bay in the race for an AL wild-card spot.(backslash)duardo Rodriguez (9-7) took the loss, giving up four runs on five hits and four walks in 4 2/3 innings.Unlike Friday’s game, when the teams combined for two singles in the first eight innings, the Astros and Tigers produced some early offense on Saturday.Houston took the lead in the first when Altuve led off with a single and scored on...