The Tennessean from Nashville, Tennessee • Page 22

4C THE TENNESSEAN TUESDAYNOVEMBER 6. 1984 oior Bowls Scouting for Big Teams 3f I v-v' Auto Racing ir CZfl ZJ LARRY WOODY College Football Two other teams to mention Ohio State and whoev- er the SEC runnerup is. SUGAR: "We have a situation we haven't had before, where we have so many SEC teams who have been involved with other ranking teams during the season," Holmes said. Bowl games rarely will take a rematch from the regular season. So if the SEC Sugar Bowl team is Georgia, it probably can't take South Carolina because they met during the year.

If it's Florida, they can't take Miami or Florida State for the same reason. So what's a good guess? Well, take away South Caroli- na and the Miami-BC winner and you end up with Ohio State. I Oklahoma, the Washington-USC loser, and Oklahoma State are in the major bowl picture, too. What the Sugar Bowl must first be concerned with is how Florida does in its eligibility case. The Gators may win the SEC and not get to be in the Sugar Bowl.

By MIKE LOPRESTI Gannett News Service It's getting to be backroom deal-cutting time for college football's post-season games, but it's clear about the only thing you can find in the bowls right now is mush. Saturdays are becoming difficult for the power pushers from Dallas, New Orleans and Miami. As the top-ranked teams keep barely winning and sometimes badly losing, the bowl scouts keep finding Friday's game plans turned into Sunday's scratch pads. As the Sugar Bowl's Mickey Holmes said, "It seems like we go back to square one every week." Lot of bushes remain to be shaken out there before invitations are handed out Nov. 24.

But here's a thought or two: COTTON: If Texas remains No. 2, the Cotton Bowl probably will get its choice of at-large teams, since the Longhorns would be the highest rated opponent available to play (No. 1 Washington is tied up in the Rose Bowl). At this point that would be South Carolina or the Raceway Called Sound xtASHVTLLE RACEWAY General Manager Joe Carver winner of the Nov. 24 game between Boston College and Miami The Gamecocks may not be the most familiar bunch of people ever to play football, but they do have that big in their loss column.

As one bowl scout said, "They're the only one (unbeaten) anybody can get their hands on." But the Cotton may opt for the EC-Miami winner even if rated lower than South Carolina. It would give the game a big-name quarterback, be it either Doug Flu-tie or Bernie Kosar. And the Cotton Bowl could use that given Texas' defensive, low-scoring souls. ORANGE: Nebraska is closing on Texas in the polls and could hop over the Longhorns, giving the Orange Bowl the inside lane The same option South Carolina or the RC-Miami winner pops up here, but would the Orange want in-town school Miami a second straight year? IN says the track Is on sound financial footing and that reports of problems within owner Warner Hodgdon's business and racing empire are unfounded. "The track is not for sale, I'm not leaving to work for Darrell Waltrip and Warner Hodgdon is not bankrupt or under indictment," said Carver yestereday.

"But I know these reports are being circulated, and yes, it's been dis- 'Z- ruptive to our operation. I think there are some forces in Nashville who don't want us to succeed who are behind most of if Carver said the track is currently in the process of pit road, a $100,000 improvement "You don't make a $100,000 investment in something that is about to go under," said Carver. "Maybe this will relieve people's minds a little." A lot of minds evidently needed relieving, reflected by recent inquiries into the state of the track by (1) the State Fair Board, which owns the Raceway property, (2) NASCAR, which sanctions the races, (3) Coors Brewing Company, sponsor of one of the two Winston Cup races, (4) drivers who are building expensive race cars for next season, and (5) local fans who are concerned about the future of the sport M'- Reports of financial problems in Hodgdon's $500 mil- lion National Engineering Co. have circulated nation- wide from company headquarters in San Bernardino, ll to NASCAR headquarters in Daytona Beach, Fla. The reports were rampant in Atlanta over the weekend among NASCAR officials, corporate sponsors, fans and drivers who converged for the rain-delayed Atlanta Journal 500.

None of the reports have been substantiat-ed. i In addition to real estate and construction interests, Hodgdon is also deeply involved in auto racing. He is owner of Nashville Raceway and Bristol Raceway and half owner of Richmond (Va) Speedway and North Wilkesboro (N.C) Raceway. He also owns half interest in the International Hot Rod Association and half inter-: est in the Junior Johnson-Warner Hodgdon Racing Team, for which Darrell Waltrip and Neil Bonnett drive. He sponsors Waltrip's Sportsman race car and provides 3 sponsorship for Winston Cup races at Rockingham and jj Riverside.

"Obviously, a lot of people have a vested interest in the state of Warner's business affairs, Including me," said Carver, one of the more than 1 ,000 employees in the Hodgdon empire. "If there was something going on, I'd know about it And I can tell you for a fact that none of the stories being circulated is true." Carver said the turmoil is being caused by rumor i fueling rumor, and said he welcomed the chance to clarify some of the reports. ffy v. kjj. Franklin County Earns Bowl Berth Rebels Set for Nurseryman's Bowl By LARRY TAFT head the Tennessean's Action Rat- Franklin County's Rebels, who ings.

Following Lincoln County in fought back from an 0-2 start to Class AAA is Gallatin. Dickson Coun- stand 6-3 with one game left in the ty jumped from 10th to fifth with a season, yesterday agreed to play in win over McGavock last week. Over- the Nov. 1 7 Nurseryman's Bowl at ton is rated sixth and McGavock McMinnville. ninth.

No opponent for the Rebels has In Class AA, Memphis Kirby has been picked, but it will not be Spring- moved to No. 2 behind Brentwood field, a school many area bowl offi- Academy. Maryville is third with cials had wanted as an opponent for Marshall County slipping to fourth, the Rebels. Defending Class A state champion Springfield's Yellow Jackets, also Evangelical Christian School of Cor-6-3, are expected to sign this week to dova has moved into the runner-up play in the Chestnut Bowl at White spot in Class A right behind Gordons-House. The Springfield opponent will ville, the team it defeated to win the likely be Haywood County High of state championship a year ago.

Brownsville, which is coached by Other Middle Tennessee schools Gallatin native Rufus Lassiter. The ranked in the top 10 are No.8 Ezell-Tomcats could conceiveably make Harding and No. 10 Moore County, the playoffs as the District 13-AAA Lincoln County heads the Class representative, although their chanc- AAA portion of the United Press In-es are very slim. ternational high school poll, with Meanwhile at Winchester, Frank- Gallatin ranked second and Dickson lin County coach Harold "Red" Rob- County seventh. Brentwood Academy erts said he was very pleased to is No.

3 in the UPI Class AA poll, behave the Nurseryman's Bowl bid for hind Memphis Kirby and Milan, his team. Marshall County is fourth in that "This group has not given up like poll. Evangelical Christian School is a lot of teams would have. I'm proud first in the Class A listing, just ahead of the way we've worked after losing of Gordonsville, while Ezell-Harding the first two," said the Rebel coach. Academy is eighth and Columbia "The Nurseryman's Bowl is the Academy 10th.

first to contact us, though not the only one. It is one of the closest ones I OD 10 to us, and it has the reputation as being one of the finest around. The boys are really excited about us i. Lincoln co. (9-o) 101 onino" 2.

Gallatin (9-0) .98 9 3. Oak Ridge (9-0) 98.5 With the bOWl bid Safely in hand, f. Chattanooga Red Bank (9-0 5 5. Dickson County (9-0) 935 Roberts said he has other worries. 6.

Cleveland (7- 93 a "One thing we don't want to do is celebrate going to a bowl tor much ,1, Si and forget about this week. We will be playing one of the best teams in Middle Tennessee when Columbia 2 Memphis Kirby 19-01 9 3. Marvville 8-1) 86 4 comes over here Friday night Rob- 4. Marshall county (9-01 85 3 arte caiH 5- Mem. University School (6-2) 837 eiTS Sdia.

4 Milan (9-0) 82 9 "We Can't let them get paSS happy Chattanoooa Howard (7-2) 80.0. 0 rrJ 8. Unicoi County (9-0) 780 with us. They've got a very fine pass- 9. Marion county (9-o 771 ing game.

We're going to have to 10. Sweetwater (9-0) .75.8 work all week just to get ready to '1. Gordonsville (9-0) 81.7 StOp It 2. Evangelical Christian (9-0) 73.3 3. Lake County (9-0) 71.8 ri 4.

Knoxville Webb (8-1) 71.3 LJ 5. Gatlinburg (8-1) 70.7 Three Middle Tennessee teams- Sci Si! Lincoln County, Brentwood Academy ii'lr and Gordonsville conunue to 10. Moore county ss Tennessean Action Ratings Oass AAA Father Ryan 81.0 Loudon. 69.0 Clau A Hillsboro 73.6 Poik Co 56.9 District I District 1 GlencliH .70.1 Lenoir City .56.8 Galllnburg-Plltmen 707 Bristol 86 8 Hillwood 694 Meigs 44.9 cioudland. 532 Sullivan South 82.1 Pearl-Cohn J6.5 McMinn Central 44.8 Unaha 269 Kingsport D-B.

.79.6 District 12 District 6 District 2 Johnson City 77.8 McGavock .91.2 Chalt. Howard. ,.80.0 Knox Webb 713 Eliiabethon 68 5 Stratford 835 OxXtawah 71.6 Knox Catholic. 618 Sullivan North 59.1 Maplewood 82.0 Chalt. City 65.6 Sunbriahl.

.469 Sullivan Central 57.6 Whiles Creek 81.0 Chatt. Central 50.1 yVarlburo. 46.3 Sullivan East 51.1 East 74 1 Chalt. Notre Dame 39.9 Oneida. 350 Volunteer 51X1 Dupont 55.2 District 7 Coalliek) 29 5 District 2 District 13 Marlon Co.

77 1 Tenn peat 16 8 JeHersonCo. 92.1 Covington 82.2 Bledsoe Co 498 Oakdale 00 Newport. 75.9 Ripley 81.2 Sequatchie ,41.7 District 1 Greenville. 72.7 Jackson 81.0 Whilwell 41.3 Midway 470 Morrlslown West. 72.6 Dversburg 76.5 Grundy Co 41.0 Tellico Plains 45 7 Cherokee 70.1 Brownsville 74 0 Districts Greenback 38.5 Morrlslown East 69.0 Bolivar 73 8 York 54 Charleston 355 Daniel Boone 63.4 Jackson North.

68.8 Smith Co .53.4 vonore .16 7 Davy Crockett. 59J Lexington 66.8 Livingston 52 3 Harrlson-Chithowee. 14.2 District Savannah 66.5 Jackson Co 42.8 District 4 Oak Ridge 98.5 District 14 DeKalb Co 40.1 Copper Basin 62.4 Clinton 809 CBHS 89.6 Cannon Co. 32.4 south Pittsburg 55 3 Knox. Fulton 77.0 Germantown 82.7 District 9 Lookout Valley 40.4 Knox.

Halls 71 9 Bartletl 76.5 Marshall Co. 85 3 Boyd-Buchanan 37.7 Knox. Central 67.0 Briarcrest 74.8 BGA 67.9 District Knox. Karns. 60.2 Millington.

53.5 Hickman Co. 59.5 Ceilna 447 Campbell Co 57.0 Muntord 36.9 Lewis Co 59.4 Monlerev. 31.9 District 4 Fayette-Ware. 15.9 Ml. Pleasant.

.57.5 Upoerman Knox. Dovle. 87 District IS Brentwood High .54.2 Red Boiling Sorings 13.0 Knox. Farragut 81.6 Mem. Hamilton 88.7 Page 46.8 District 6 William Blount 65 9 Mem.

White Station 87.7 Loretto 32.1 Gordonsville. 817 Carter 63.2 Mem. Central 71.0 District 10 Trousdale Co 55.3 Mary. Heritage 62.1 Mem. Melrose 64.0 White House 608 Westmoreland 54.1 Sevier Co.

54.5 Raliegh-Egvot 63.9 Portland 57.4 Walerlown 54.0 KnoxBearden. 51.7 Mem. Craigmont .62.9 Goodletlsville .52.6 Friendship Christian 42.4 Districts Mem. TrezevantS4.8 Macon County ,40.1 Castle Heights 27.4 Chalt. Red Bank 97.5 Mem.

Kingsbury 47.1 Greenbrier 39.4 District 7 Cleveland. 93.4 Mem. Wooddale 46.8 District 11 Entt-Harding 59.3 Bradley Central 88.4 District 14 Brentwood Acad. 89.5 Franklin Road Acad. 530 Cumberland Courtly.

71.5 Mem. South Side 81.5 Goodpasture 754 Nashville Christian 500 Rhea County 71.1 Mem. Mitchell 79 2 David Lipscomb 64.1 Donelson Christian 409 McMinn County 686 Mem. Hilkresl. 77.9 Madison .63.0 Tenn.

Preo 24.1 Chalt. East Ridge 65.1 Mem. Westwood 75.5 District 12 District! District 4 Mem. Whitehaven 70.9 uuh. I East Robertson 44.9 APLaserphoto Detroit Pistons' Earl Cureton is sandwiched between Cleveland's Jeff Cook, right, and Melvin Turpin, during their game at the Cleveland Coliseum.

Limping Pistons Win 1 07-98 0 Bid-rigging. "People are saying that Warner has been indicted for bid-rigging in California. That's not true. One of his employees was charged in 1978. The employee was fired, but three competing companies filed a $3 million suit against Warner's company, National Engineering.

That suit is still pending." 13 Bankruptcy. "The company, to the best of my knowledge, is on sound ground financially. Warner has a habit of waiting until the last minute to make some of his payments, which gives rise to a lot of speculation about a lack of operating capital. Some of that got started at Rockingham when his share of the purse didn't arrive until the morning of the race. But the bottom line is, he has never missed a payment" 121 Nashville Raceway's failure.

"The track lost $217,000 last year but made money this season. I think the 1983 loss was due partly to the ownership transition, the fact that the previous owners had eliminated the weekly racing schedule, and that the on-track competition frankly was not that good. We got it built back up this season, made some money, revived fan interest and I think we'll keep going strong." El Carver leaving to work for Waltrip. "Darrell like everybody else in the country had heard all the rumors. He and I go back a long way and he said that if anything happened to the track I always had a job with him.

I appreciate the offer but right now I've got a job "Tm happy with." 0 Employee terminations, "We let two employees go for personal reasons but had already planned a cutback. We simply don't need a full staff during the off-season." Complicating the situation was the fact that Carver was out of the country on vacation last week as the re. ports circulated. "When I couldn't be contacted some people jumped to the conclusion that I was ducking the issue," said Carver. "That's the last thing I'd do.

It's to the track's advantage to clear this mess up as quickly as possible and get on with our work." Attempts to contact Hodgdon at his California home or office have been unsuccessful. "He maintains a very busy schedule and sometimes even I have trouble locating him," said Carver. "Again, this can give rise to false speculation when he's not available to answer every charge somebody makes." RICHFIELD, Ohio (AP) Isiah Thomas scored 33 points as the injury-riddled Detroit Pistons defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 107? 98 in a National Basketball Association game last night Terry Tyler added 25 points while Bill Laimbeer got 20 points and 22 rebounds for the Pistons, who upped their record to 3-3 despite the absence of Dan Roundfield and Kelly Tripucka. Roundfield has a bruised left calf and Tripucka is suffering from a sprained right ankle. Cleveland fell to 0-6 with the loss.

Detroit led 81-69 early in the final quarter before the Cavaliers chopped the lead to 85-82 with 8:06 remaining after Johnny Davis scored a jump shot and four consecutive free throws. Detroit pushed the lead back out to 97-87, but Cleveland, featuring two baskets by World B. Free, pulled within 97-93 with 2:40 to go. Clippers 107 Nuggets 104 LOS ANGELES (UPI) Norm Nixon scored 21 points and Derek Smith and James Donaldson had 19 each last night leading the Los Angeles Clippers to a 107-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets. The Clippers, 3-2, led virtually throughout despite playing without forward Bill Walton.

Alex English had 31 for Denver and Calvin Natt and Lafayette Lever 1 9 each. Los Angeles built a 76-73 lead after three quarters, only to have Bill Hanzlik's three quick field goals put them behind 79-78. With the Nuggets ahead 84-83, the Clippers ran off 8 unanswered points with Donaldson hitting a field goal and two free throws, and Marques Johnson and Smith a basket each. Denver made it 91-89 with 4:42 left, but Johnson and Smith hit two free throws each. Walton missed the game because of tendinitis above his left ankle.

The season is still very young, but Reggie Theus and World B. Free already are at odds with their new coaches at Kansas City and Cleveland. "I want to feel like you can make a mistake without it being a cardinal sin," Theus says of Kings Coach Jack McKinney's style, which he regards as too conservative. "If that's the way it is, you may as well sit me down." Replies McKinney: "No one's playing style is being restrained more than Theus. But you can't have one guy out of control in a team concept Sometimes you have to harness his enthusiasm.

If you don't he'll make silly passes, unnecessary plays." "I will not become just a passer and cutter," Free fumed. "This franchise was nothing and I made it something." Huskies Still Atop UPI, Fans Polls UPl's Top 20 Your Top 20 (From First Sports Page) The Reader Ratings take fans' top-10 votes each Monday at 259-8011, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. Results are published each Tuesday throughout the season in The Tennessean. Only NCAA Division I-A teams are eligible, and votes for teams which are not in Division I-A are not counted.

Reader Ratings points are assigned as 10 points for a first-place vote, nine points for a second, eight for a third, etc Total points in the UPI poll are based on 15 for a first-place vote, 14 for second, etc No. 5 South Carolina and No. 6 Miami held their positions in UPI this week. Oklahoma State moved into seventh with Georgia eighth, Oklahoma ninth and Florida State 10th. Rounding out the UPI Top 20 an No.

11 Florida, USC, No. 13 Ohio State, No. 14 Texas Christian, No. 15 Louisiana State, No. 16 Boston College, No.

17 Iowa, No. 18 West Vir ginia, No. 1 9 Virginia and No. 20 Southern Methodist Auburn, ranked first in pre-season, fell from the ratings for the first time this year after losing'24-3 to Florida. The Tigers were 11th last week.

Texas, Nebraska and Miami have also been ranked No. 1 this season by UPI. Nebraska was the only team to hold the top spot for three weeks before Washington. All fans are invited to participate in the Reader Ratings poll. Additionally, a special Reader Ratings poll will be conducted tomorrow night concerning the NASCAR point standings.

The Wednesday night question: Do you agree with the structure of the NASCAR points system used to determine the stock car racing national champion? Fans should call the Reader Ratings line, 259-801 1, between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. with their response. NEW YORK (UPI) The United Pres International Board of Coaches Too 20 col-, lege football ratings, with first place voles and records in parentheses: I. Washington (30) (9-0) 615 Texas (6) (6-9-1) 560 3.

Nebraska (2) (8-1) 524 4. Brigham Young (4) (9-0) 512 5. South Carolina (8-0) 461 6. Miami (8-2) 351 7. Oklahoma State (7-1) 325 8.

Georgia (7-1) 322 9. Oklahoma (6-1-1) 227 10. Florida State (6-1-1) 215 II. Florida (6-1-1) 192 12. Southern Cat (7-1) 143 13.

Ohio State (7-2) 121 14. Texas Christian (7-1) 100 15. Louisiana State (6-1-1) 98 16. Boston College (5-2) 65 17. Iowa (6-2-1) 57 18.

West Virginia (7-2) 46 19. Virginia (6-1-1) 26 2a Southern Methodist (5-2) 21 Nott: By grttment with the American Football Coaches Association, teams on NCAA or conference probation ar Ineligible for the Top 20 and national championship consideration bv the UPI Board of Coaches. The teams currently on probation art Ari Chalt. Tyner 88.0 Mem. Northside 70.6 Montgomery Central 51.1 Jo Byrns 39.5 Hixson 83.2 Mem.

Washington 62.6 Fairv, 41 1 Clarksville Acad25.7r Chalt. Bavtor 80.1 Mem. Fairley 62 6 siewart Co, 35.1 McEwen 24.8 Chalt. McCallle 67.2 Mem. Carver 56.6 Co 27J District 9 Soddv-Daisv 60.5 Moore Co.

Chatt. Brainerd 52.1 Class AA District 13 Chapel Hill 391 Chatt. Kirkman .49.9 ff" vj CornersviW 35.7 District 7 District 1 III Cascade 29 9 Murt. Oakland 86 8 Unicoi Co. 78 0 Humboldt 67.0 Himanl J8 4 Murf.

Riverdale 62 8 Happy Valley 669 Obion Co 64.1 v.rewj. ,27.1 Warren Co 73.5 South Greene .65.0 Weslview. 54.6 District 10 Cookeville 67.4 West Greene 54.6 Trenton 54.1 Columbia Academy. 496 Lebanon 64.4 Chuckey-Doak. 36.1 Over Co 44,5 il)r 47 White Co 59.4 Hampton 33.1 Collinwood 37.5 Districts Norm Greene.

16.2 Crocket! .17.9 Ricrtlarxl 33 5 Lincoln Co. .101.5 District 2 District 14 Wayne Co. 19.2 2f XlS0 McNalry Central 666 District 11 Tullahoma 82 5 Gibbs 53.5 rxmtur Ca 61 9 Bruceton 433 Franklin 798 Rulledge 47.2 nodoS; 59 2 Dtshict 12 Manchester 70.6 Tawell 46.2 2tS? 59 2 Jack Old Hickory. 53.1 Sheibwille 62 6 Maynardvllle 45.5 44 0 Adamsville 46.4 Lawrence Co 58.4 Powell Valley 43.8 jkion wf, side 42 9 Denmark West 24.9 M-'JelliC0 WUs- "Sdfiw 2S8U OlstrictU District 9 District 3 MrKenile 249 Hans. 49.5 Gallatin 98.9 Maryville 86.4 WcM Greenfield 41.3 Springfield 81.1 Knox.

Austin-East 74.8 Dhtrict IS Sharon 14.2 Mount Juliet. 80.6 Alcoa .74.5 Mem. Kirby. 869 District 14 Hendersonville 74.4 Powell 70.9 MUS. 83.2 Lak, Co 718 Beech.

71.8 South- Youns .65.5 Mem. Catholic 71.6 south Fulton .432 Smyrna .68.2 Rule 64 6 Harding 57.1 Dresdon 38 7 Franklin 622 Knox. Holslon 63.4 Collierville 57.0 cttion 31.1 District 10 Knox. West 53.4 BiH" Bvrn 55.1 District IS Dickson Co. 93 District 4 District 14 Mem.

ECS 733 Cheatham, Co. 789 Rockwood 715 Mem. Sheffield. 63.7 Bolton 64.1 Henry Co7l.5r Clark Scott Co, 68.8 Mem. Overton.

.62.8 MemSkwIew. 51.6 Northeast. 65.2 Harrlman. 67.0 Mem Fravser. 61.7 First Assembly 47.6 Clarksville High 63.1 Anderson Co 54.6 Mem.

Ridoeway 54.8 Auburndale 27.2 Clark. Northwest 63.0 Kingston 54.5 Mem EaslT 51.0 District 16 District II Oliver Springs 46.7 Mem. Treadway 48.0 MemWeslside .47.7 Oon .92 5 Districts Mem. Manassas 466 Preo 431 MBA 860 Sweetwater 758 Mem. Tech 460 SBEC 400 Anlloch S4J MadisonvHIe.

49J Mem. Oakhaven 364 Mem. Elllston 32.4 Results of The Reader Ratings poll of fans for college football with first-place votes in parentheses (points assigned on 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1 basis): Team Tot Pis 1. Washington (29) 582 2. Nebraska (14) 566 3.

Brigham Young (7) 461 4. Texas (2) 422 5. South Carolina (5) 395 6. Miami (Fla.) (2) 285 7. Georgia 225 8.

Florida 203 9. Oklahoma State 199 10. Oklahoma (1) 130 11. Texas Christian (3) 101 11 Florida State (2) 81 13. Virginia 65 14.

Southern California (1) 64 15. Clemson (1) 62. 16. Vanderbilt (2) 59 17. Clemson 56 18.

LSU (1) 53 19. Memphis Slate (1) 40 20. Maryland (1) 37 Others receiving votes: (in alphabetical order) Arkansas (3), Auburn, Boston College (1), Central Michigan, Duke, Fullerton Stale, Georgia Tech, Illinois, Iowa, Iowa Slate, Kansas Slate, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan Slate, Mississippi Stale, Nevada-Las Vegas, North Carolina, Ohio State (2), Penn State, Purdue, Southern Methodist, Tennessee (1), zona, Clemson, Illinois and Kansas. "1.