St. Louis Post-Dispatch from St. Louis, Missouri • Page 18

C4 ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH SPORTS TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10, 1998 http: www.stlnet.cofn For The Record Rams Notebook Lee is back, but Miller is out BASKETBALL FOOTBALL ABL NFL STANDINGS DIVISION I AA POLL ASTERN Pet GB AMERICAN CONFERENCE East Pet PF PA Columbus 2 0 1.000 Chicago 1 1 Newtngiana i i i Philadelphia 1 1 .500 1 Nashville 0 2 .000 2 WESTERN Pet GB Class 'M Casey-Westfield (10-1) at St. Joseph-Ogden (9-2), Sat, Aledo (9-2) at llliopolis (10-1), Sat, 1:30 p.m. Gibson City (8-3) at Stillman Valley (10-1), Sat 2 p.m. Paxton (10-1) at Taylor Ridge Rock-ridge (1 1-0).

Sat. 1 m. Class 1A Galena (11-0) at Sterling Newman (10- 1). Sat, 1 p.m. Poplar Grove North Boone (10-1) at Lexington (10-1), Sat, 1 m.

Monmouth Warren (11-0) at Carthage (11-0), Sat, 1p.m. Pleasant Hill (10-1) at Milledgeville (11- 0), Sat, 1 p.m. Seattle 2 0 1.000 SanJose 1 1 .500 1 Colorado 1 1 .500 1 Portland 0 2 .000 2 MONDAY'S RESULTS No games scheduled SUNDAY'S RESULTS Miami 6 3 0 .667 165 123 NY Jets 6 3 0 .667 220 151 Buftak) 5 4 0 .556 200 196 New England 5 4 0 .556 201 179 Indianapolis 1 8 0 .111 148 241 Central Pet PF PA Jacksonville 7 2 0 .778 233 176 Pittsburgh ..5 3 0 .625 137 141 Tennessee .5 4 0 .555 216 179 Baltimore 3 6 0 .333 134 189 Cincinnati ..2 7 0 .222 164 243 West WIT Pet PF PA Denver 9 0 01.000 360 169 Oakland 6 3 0 .667 156 158 Seattle 5 4 0 .556 196 142 Kansas City 4 5 0 .444 160 167 San Diego 3 6 0 .333 113 166 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East II Pet PF PA Colorado 72, Portland 71 HUNTINGDON VALLEY, Pa. (AP) The top 25 teams in the Sports Network Division l-AA football poll, with first-place votes in parentheses and records through Nov. 9: Record 1.

Georgia Southern (95) 10-0 2. Western Illinois (2) 9-1 3. McNeese State 8-1 4. Appalachian State 8-1 5. Florida 8-1 6.

William Mary 7-2 7. Northwestern State (La.) 7-2 8. Murray State 7-2 9. Troy State 7-2 10. Massachusetts 7-2 11.

Delaware 6-3 12. Richmond 7-2 13. Connecticut 7-2 14. Hampton 7-2 15. Western Kentucky 6-3 16.

Tennessee State 7-2 17. Southern 6-3 18. Bethune-Cookman 7-1 19. South Florida 7-2 20. Lehigh 9-0 21.

Montana State 6-3 22. Montana 6-3 23. Hofstra 6-3 24. Jacksonville State 6-3 25. California State-Northridge 6-3 Seattle 106, San Jose 86 TODAY'S GAMES None scheduled WEDNESDAY'S GAMES (St.

Louis Timet) Colorado at Philadelphia, 6 p.m. Nashville at Portland, 9 p.m. PRE-SEASON ALL-AMERICA The Associated Press preseason By Jim Thomas Of the Post-Dispatch The Rams probably will regain Amp Lee for Sunday's game in New Orleans. But starting left guard Fred Miller will miss two to three weeks after suffering a knee injury Sunday in Chicago. "He did it in the first quarter, from what I understand, and played the whole game on it," coach Dick Vermeil said.

So we didnt think it was serious, but it got real tight and sore." Initial tests were inconclusive, and Vermeil said the Rams might not have a handle on the exact nature of the injury until Wednesday or Thursday. "It doesn't appear to be a structural thing," Vermeil said. Either Mike Gruttadauria or Tom Nutten will start in place of Miller. Both started at right guard while Zach Wiegert was out with a hyperextended knee. Vermeil said Jerald Moore, who left the Bears game in the first quarter with a concussion, is OK and will start at running back ahead of Robert Holcombe again.

Cornerback Ryan McNeil left the Bears game with swelling in his knee, but the injury doesn't appear to be serious. Lee will resume practice Wednesday after missing the Bears game and the Atlanta game with a cracked bone in one hand and a chipped bone in the other hand. Vermeil said wide receiver Isaac Bruce (hamstring) remained questionable. Vermeil is sticking with last week's announcement that Ricky Proehl will replace Eddie Kennison in the starting lineup when Bruce returns. "Just because of Ricky Proehl's consistency," Vermeil said.

"We can get him the ball and he does well with it" Defensive end Grant Wistrom (hamstring), who missed the Chicago game, will sit out the New Orleans game as well. Linebacker Lorenzo Styles, who missed the Bears game with a dislocated shoulder, may return to work this week. Strong safety Toby Wright has begun working his way back toward full-scale participation in" practice after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery Oct. 1. "But he's so far behind right now, I don't know how long it's going to take him to catch up," Ver- meil said.

"And those other kids are playing well now. It's tough to all of a sudden jump back in there." Billy Jenkins Jr. has started the' past five games in place of with Gerald McBurrows backing; up Jenkins. Ram-blings: Vermeil said film view showed that Kennison's; fourth quarter fumble against the Bears wasn't really a catch, and the play should have been ruled an in-, complete pass. Besides the in-; jured Bruce and Lee, the Rams': Sunday inactive list included offensive guard Ryan Tucker.

Tony Banks was not sacked Sunday for; only the second time in his 39- game NFL career. Running-back David Thompson played for' the first time this season Sunday against the Bears. His action was. limited to special teams, but he did' not return any kickoffs. men's All-America team, with school, year, height, position, votes trom a 72-member national media panel and averages from last season: Richard Hamilton, Connecticut, jr, 6-6, g-f, 66.

21 .5 pts, 4.4 rebs. Mateen Cleaves, Michigan State, jr, 6-2. 58, 16.1 pts, 7.2 asts. Dallas 6 3 0 .667 224 121 Arizona 5 4 0 .556 154 197 NY Giants 3 6 0 .333 166 189 Philadelphia 2 7 0 .222 89 205 Washington 1 8 0 .111 141 270 Central Pet PF PA Minnesota 8 1 0 .889 296 167 Green Bay 6 2 0 .750 219 166 Tampa Bay 4 5 0 .444 143 176 Chicago 3 6 0 .333 164 198 Detroit 2 7 0 .222 171 219 West WIT Pet PF PA AMERICA'S LINE By Michael "Roxy" Roxborough NFL Sunday Favorite Points Underdog Dolphins 3 PANTHERS BILLS 2 Patriots 49ers NL FALCONS Steelers ,1 OILERS REDSKINS 4Vi Eagles Jets 6V4 COLTS VIKINGS NL Bengals SAINTS 2Vi Rams Ravens 1 CHARGERS Seahawks 1 RAIDERS Packers 8 GIANTS JAGUARS NL Bucs Cowboys 4 CARDS LIONS NL Bears Monday Favorite Points Underdog Broncos NL CHIEFS COLLEGE FOOTBALL Thursday Favorite Points Underdog Ga Tech 8 CLEMSON Saturday NCAA DIVISION II POLL OVERLAND PARK, Kan. (AP) The top 20 teams in the NCAA Division II football poll with first-place votes in parentheses and records through Nov.

Record 1. Central Oklahoma (4) 10-0 2. Northwest Missouri State 3. Carson-Newman, Tenn 9-1 4. UC Davis 9-1 5.

Slippery Rock, Pa 9-1 6. Northern Colorado 9-1 7. North Dakota 8-1 titon erano, uune, so, o-a, so, 13.4 pts, 7,3 rebs. Lee Naiton, Texas Christian, sr, 6-9, f-c, 50, 24.9 pts. 8.9 rebs.

Andre Miller, Utah, sr, 6-2, 44, 14.2 pts. 5.2 asts. Others receiving votes (in alphabetical order): Ed Cota, North Carolina; Baron Davis, UCLA; Khalid El-Amin, Connecticut; Obinna Ekezie, Maryland; Evan Eschmeyer, Northwestern; Ju-maine Jones, Georgia; Trajan Lang-don, Duke; Arthur Lee, Stanford; Todd Atlanta 7 2 0 .778 253 176 San Francisco 7 2 0 .778 273 186 New Orleans 4 5 0 .444 162 201 Rams 3 6 0 .333 174 216 Carolina 1 8 0 .111 182 241 MONDAY'S GAME Green Bay at Pittsburgh, night SUNDAY'S RESULTS Rams 20, Chicago 12 Atlanta 41 New England 10 8. Indiana, Pa 9-1 9. Albany State.

Ga 9-1 Favorite Points Underdog MICHIGAN 3 Wisconsin PENN ST 24 N'western SYRACUSE 4 Va Tech DUKE 9 Maryland VIRGINIA 10 Carolina TENNESSEE 10 Arkansas Florida St 26 FOREST 1 0. Emporia State, Kan 9-1 11. Texas 8-2 MacCullough, Washington; Mike Mao-sen, Stanford; BJ McKie, South Carolina; Lamar Odom, Rhode Island; Scott Padgett, Kentucky; James Posey, Xavi-er; Laron Profit, Maryland; Omar Sneed, Memphis; Wally Szczerbiak, Miami, Ohio; Jason Terry, Arizona; Ja-mel Thomas, Providence; Kenny Thomas, New Mexico; Tim Young, FLORIDA 31 Carolina Purdue Vh MICHIGAN ST COLORADO 16 Iowa St 12. l-ort valley state, lia -i 13. Shepherd, W.Va 8-1 14.

Grand Valley State, Mich 8-2 15. West Texas 8-2 16. Nebraska-Omaha 8-2 17. Delta State, Miss 7-2 18. West Georgia 9-1 19.

8-2 20. Winona State, Minn 9-0 stantora. Tulane 15 ARMY BASEBALL Virginia 21 RUTGERS INDIANA 4 Minnesota Bowl Green 2 MICHIGAN TOLEDO 13 Michigan OHIOU 17 No Illinois KENTUCKY NL Vanderbilt AKRON Michigan NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR MCIUJ VHRK (API Votina for the HIGH SCHOOL PLAYOFFS Jacksonville 24, Cincinnati 11 Philadelphia 10, Detroit 9 Miami 27, Indianapolis 14 Minnesota 31 New Orleans 24 Dallas 16, New York Giants 6 Baltimore 13, Oakland 10 San Francisco 25, Carolina 23 Arizona 29, Washington 27 New York Jets 34, Buffalo 12 Seattle 24. Kansas City 12 Denver 27, San Diego 10 Tennessee 31 Tampa Bay 22 SUNDAY, NOV. 15 (St.

Louis times) Rams at New Orleans, noon Cincinnati at Minnesota, noon Miami at Carolina, noon New England at Buffalo, noon New York Jets at Indianapolis, noon Philadelphia at Washington, noon Pittsburgh at Tennessee, noon San Francisco at Atlanta, noon Seattle at Oakland, 3:05 p.m. Baltimore at San Diego, 3:05 p.m. Dallas at Arizona, 3: 15 p.m. Green Bay at New York Giants, 3:15 p.m. Tampa Bay at Jacksonville, 3:15 p.m.

Chicago at Detroit, MONDAY, NOV. 16 Denver at Kansas City, 7:20 p.m. loan Malinnal laaniiA Rnnkia of the Year Award, with first-, second- and Georaia 5 AUBURN MISSOURI Wednesday's Sectionals (In Bracket order) Class 5A third-place votes ana total poms on TEXAS 5 Missouri s-3-i oasis: ru 1.1 Onrt 3rd Tot Kerry Wood, Chi 16 16 128 Todd Helton, col i Travis Lee, Art 2 15 21 Kerry Ligtenberg, Att 1 13 18 Brad i-uiimer, ivion Poplar Bluff (5-5) at Kirkwood (9-0), 7 p.m. Summit (5-5) at Parkway West (6-4), 7 p.m. Parkway North (8-2) at Pattonville (6-4), 7 p.m.

St. Louis University High (9-1) at River-view Gardens (9-1), 7 p.m. Francis Howell (9-1) at Fort Zumwalt South (6-4), 7 p.m. Jefferson City (8-2) at Springfield Glen-dale (6-4), 7 p.m. Kansas City Rockhurst (10-0) at Blue Springs South (8-2), 7 p.m.

Columbia Hickman (9-1) vs. Kansas GOLF AREA RESULTS Rams Rams' next task Win two in a row Continuedfrom Page CI work to the Rams' advantage, if only because Collins hasn't played since Oct. 4 when he was a Carolina Panther and might be rusty. Next, the Carolina Panthers (1-8) come to the Trans World Dome on Nov. 22.

If the Rams can somehow take care of business with those two NFC West teams, they could be 5-6 with a bit of momentum when Atlanta visits St Louis on Nov. 29. But who are we kidding? Does anyone, even Vermeil, know what to expect from the Rams from Sunday to Sunday? Following the Rams' 20-12 victory over the Bears, Vermeil said, "I think we've zeroed in a little bit better on what we have to keep doing to win more than one in a Either the team is better than we, are, or we don't play as well as we; did when we "Whatever it may be a combination of coaching to players to performance what we have to do, is put some wins back to back." Save for penalties, and a late fumble, the Rams played with rela-' rive precision against Chicago, and received an all-around effort from, offense, defense and special teams.4 "I'm not going to say we did it all' the way, but we've got something' to build on now," fullback Derrick Harris said. A key, especially with an incon-. sistent quarterback and some injtf" ries on offense, is a defensive effort" that can keep the Rams in games.

The defense talked about that very thing last week. -4 "We feel like it's going to have to start with defense," free safety Keith Lyle said. "We had a talk. We said, 'Look, if we're going to get to these playoffs, we've got to turn this thing around '2 Playoffs? How about two in a row for starters. row.

The effort against Chicago, Vermeil said, "wasn't a product of anything other than embarrassment, focus, concentration, preparation and playing well. There's nothing magic about it The embarrassment, of course, came from that 37-15 loss to Atlanta on Nov. 1. "It startled them," Vermeil said. "They accepted the criticism, accepted the coaching, and refocused and went back to work." And did so with a sense of purpose.

"They just put their helmets on a different head," Vermeil said. "The shoulder pads were on the same shoulders. The pants were on the same body. But the helmet covered a head that was a little more ready to play." The challenge now is in duplication. "I always speak very openly and honestly to the guys," Vermeil said.

"I said, 'We've won three ball-games this season, and have not yet been able to come out and win the next one for one reason or another. OILERS 31, BUCS 22 HOLES IN ONE St. Albans: Don Bliss with a 3-wood on the 210-yard No. 7 hole. Ruth Park: Sid Herman with a 7-wood on the 156-vard No.

8 hole: Bill Lo- (SUNDAY) Tennessee 3 0 14 1431 Tampa Bay 3 13 0 622 uty uak park, p.m. Class 4A First Quarter renz with a 7-wood on the 154-yard No. 4 hole. TB FG Husted 46, 8:59. Drive: 10 plays, 52 yards, 6:01 Key plays: Alston ON THIS DATE pass irom uiner; tmanuel 13 pass from Dilfer.

Ten FG Del Greco 45, 1:56. Drive: 10 plays. 52 yards. 7:03. Key plays: Air Force 4 WYOMING BAYLOR 4 Oklahoma CAROLINA 1 Louisville MIAMI-OHIO 34 Kent Ohio St 25 IOWA Texas 2 TEXAS TECH KANSAS ST 10 Nebraska MISS ST 2 Alabama Colorado St 3 SMU RICE 18 Unlv Tcu NL TULSA Utah NL NEW MEXICO Ucla WASHINGTON w-Notre Dame 20 Navy STANFORD 7 Wash St Arizona 11 CALIFORNIA Boston Coll 1 PITTSBURGH Houston 10 CINCINNATI OREGON NL Arizona St FRESNO ST 25 Hawaii Miami-FIa 23 TEMPLE San Diego St 4 SAN JOSE ST Byu 10 TEX-ELPASO SO MISS 20 Memphis Ne Louisiana 3 ARKANSAS ST OK LA ST 35 Sw Louisiana UTAH ST 7 North Texas FLORIDA 30 Ball St IDAHO 13 Mexico St w-in Washington.

DC. COLLEGE BASKETBALL Favorite Points Underdog Wake Forest 6 Illinois Temple 7 Georgetown NHL Favorite Points Underdog SABRES -1 Senators BLUES Vj-1 Blackhawks PENGUINS -1 Islanders LIGHTNING even- Rangers COYOTES even- Avalanche FLAMES even- Kings SHARKS -1 Predators Home team in CAPS 1998 Universal Press Syndicate NOVEMBER 10 North County (9-1) at Perryville (9-1), 7 p.m. Salem (9-1) at Eureka (9-1), 7 p.m. Clayton (10-0) vs. Sumner (7-3) at Gateway Tech, 7 p.m.

St. Charles West (8-2) at Jefferson City Hellas (8-2), 7 p.m. Ozark (9-1) at Camdenton (10-0), 7 p.m.. Branson (9-1) at Nevada (8-2), 7 p.m. Belton (6-4) at Kansas City Hickman Mills (5-5), 7 p.m.

Kansas City Central (8-2) at St. Joseph Dyson 21 pass from McNair; Harris 10 1963 Don Meredith of the Dallas Cowboys passed for 460 yards and three touchdowns in a 31-24 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. pass trom McNair. Second Quarter TB-FG Husted 30, 10:11. Drive: 8 plays, 32 yards, 4:15.

Key play: Moore 15 pass from Dilfer. 1963 Detroit's Gordie Howe became TB Emanuel 58 pass from Dilfer the leading career goal scorer in the NHL withliis 545th in a 3-0 victory over the Montreal Canadians. Latayene (4-, p.m. Class 3A New Madrid County Central (7-3) at Ste. Genevieve (8-2), 7 p.m.

Duchesne (9-1) at Jennings (6-4), 1:30 p.m. HORSE RACING TODAY'S ENTRIES (Post Time, 1 p.m.) FIRST RACE (pace) conditions, Sullivan (7-3) at Warrenton (8-2), 7 p.m. California (10-0) at Fulton (6-4), 7 p.m. Ava (6-4) at Cassville (7-3), 7 p.m. Monett (9-1) at Harrisonville (8-2), 7 p.m.

Boonville (9-1) at Kansas City Southeast (8-2), 7 p.m. Kansas City O'Hara (9-1) at Chillicothe Surse 1. Jaison (Haugnt), 2. owva Dodat There (L Binkley), 3. Cau tion Lap (Conrad), 4.

Hammerem Henry IE Miller), 5. Holly Hill Obvious (Zeron), 6. Gotalitl Bluegrass (C Loney), 7. Mis (B-ii), I p.m. Class 2A ter inaigo irramerj.

SECOND RACE (oace) maidens, Maiden (6-4) at Scott City (9-1). 7 D.m. (tiusiea kick), 3:3. urive: plays. Bfl yards, 3:11.

Key plays: Moore 11 pass from Dilfer; Alstott 7 run. TB FG Husted 24, 0:00. Drive: 11 plays, 79 yards, 2:34, Key plays: Dunn 28 pass from Dilfer on 3rd-and-15; Moore 16 pass from Dilfer; Husted 20 run to Oilers 6 on faked 44 FG on fourth-and-12. Third Quarter Ten E.George 14 run (Del Greco kick), 10:49. Drive: 7 plays, 80 yards, 4:11.

Key plays: Dyson 19 pass from McNair; Wycheck 12 pass from McNair; Barber and Mincy combined for 36 yards in penalties to Tampa Bay 14. Ten Archie 7 run (Del Greco kick), 6:38. Drive: 4 plays, 60 yards, 2:06. Key plays: E.George 6 run, E.George 16 run; E.George 30 run. Ten Bowden 1 interception return (Del Greco kick), 10:58.

TB Anthony 10 pass from Dilfer (pass failed), 3:32. Drive: 14 plays. 79 yards, 7:26. Key plays: Anthony 19 pass from Dilfer; Anthony 1 1 pass from Dilfer; Anthony 1 1 pass from Dilfer. Ten McNair 71 run (Del Greco kick), 1:46.

Drive: 6 plays, 64 yards, 1:46. TEAM STATISTICS Ten TB Festus St. Pius (8-2) at Lutheran TRANSACTIONS BASEBALL purse $2,040: 1. Hollys Covercharge (Zeron), 2. Act Of Kindness (Jackson), Norm 8-z i p.m.

3. R's Porscha (C Robinson), 4. Miss Cullin (L Binkley), 5. City Lights (Ra Finn), 6. Fox Valley Lioness (Alagna), 7.

Hollys Glow (Svendsen), 8. Princess Hermann (5-5) at Louisiana (5-5), 7 p.m. Monroe City (9-0) at Brookfield (10-0), 7 p.m. Springfield Catholic (9-1) at Granby East Newton (8-2), 7 p.m. Stockton (9-1 at Warsaw (7-3), 7 p.m.

Carrollton (7-3) at Kansas City St. Pius AL Announced that Rick Reed has been promoted to umpiring crew chief. Appointed Ed Hickox to the umpiring staff. NEW YORK METS Named Gene Kems East Coast scouting supervi Meg (ouninj. THIRD RACE (oace) claiming.

a w-zi, p.m. sor. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS Resigned RHP Mark Gardner. Lathrop (9-1) at Trenton (5-5), 7 p.m. purse $1,500: 1.

Ross The Hoss (Simmons), 2. Jemeister (Svendsen), 3. Inexplicable (Dillander), 4. Austin (Conrad), 5. Poor Acres Jim (Fagan), 6.

Giant Surfer tGallaherl. 7. Soecial So SEATTLE MARINERS Acquired journ (J Robinson), 8. Panther Spur HHf Mark Letter trom the Philadelphia Phillies for LHP Paul Spoliaric. FOOTBALL (Heese), uream nign (Kramer).

FOURTH RACE (trot) conditions, purse $2,160: 1. BJ's Golden Fish (Banks). 2. Soupbone Joel (Curtin), 3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS Placed FB Craig Heyward on the non-football injured list.

Signed FB Kantroy Bar uassiA Perryville St. Vincent (10-0) at Cardinal Ritter (6-3), 7 p.m. Fair Grove (8-2) at Miller (6-4), 7 p.m. Liberal (6-3) at Adrian (10-0), 7 p.m. Cleveland Cass-Midway (6-4) at Cen- terview Crest Ridge (6-3), 7 p.m.

Salisbury (10-0) at Memphis Scotland County (5-4), 7 p.m. Santa Fe 9-1) at Wellington-Napoleon (7-3), 7 p.m. Polo (5-4) at Dearborn North Platte (8- 2), 7 p.m. Gallatin (9-0) at Maysville (8-2), 7 p.m. FIRST DOWNS 20 19 Rushing 11 5 Passing 7 14 Penalty 2 0 ker irom ounaio pracice squao.

HOCKEY Diana's Joy (Gallaher), 4. Crystal Star (Clark), 5. Duchess Leebrook (R Loney), 6. Onzee Queen (Gash), 7. Fox Valley Smokin (Alagna), 8.

Midnite Con THIRD DOWN EFF 4-9 6-14 BLUES Placed Grant Fuhr on injured reserve. Recalled Rich Parent and Brent Johnson from FOURTH DOWN EFF 0-0 1-2 The Blues also have "Street Fightin' Man," Kelly Chase, and Chuck Wepner look-alike Rudy Poeschek around. If attitudes need moderating, the Blues will have the edge in depth. Big guys: The Hawks have one of the biggest forwards in the league in Eric Daze. The 6-6 Daze has four goals, three assists and no penalty' minutes.

The Blues have one of the: biggest defensemen in the game in' Chris Pronger. The 6-6 Pronger has two goals, four assists and 20t penalty minutes. Adam Creighton will be missed, Little guys: Amonte is off to a great offensive start, with nine goals in 13 games. The Blues counter with the devilish Pavol De-' mitra, who has five goals and four assists. Amonte is a minus-6, Demi-' tra is a plus-6.

Skilled guys: The Blues' most; skilled offensive player is center-Pierre Turgeon, who has four goals and six assists. The Blackhawks', most skilled offensive player is Alexei Zhamnov, who has one goal and nine assists. Neither is especially demonstrative, colorful or emotional, which means they will have no impact on the rivalry Blues Rivalry with Bkckhawb has suffered cool down Continuedfrom Page CI now features Jeff Hackett and Mark Fitzpatrick, which sounds more like a legal team than a goal-tending tandem. Try it Fiiitz paaaat triiiick." It just doesn't work. The Blues, on the other hand, have no goaltending at least they didn't as of Monday.

Grant Fuhr is out until January with a groin strain and Jamie McLennan might not be able to play after injuring his thumb as Fuhr's replacement last Saturday. The Blues might just turn the goal around and challenge the Hawks to a game of "pond hockey," or defend the net with a "Shooter Tutor," which might offer fewer holes than some of the alternatives. However, the team summoned Rich "Bemie" Parent and Brent "Magic" Johnson from the Worcester IceCats. If McLennan can't play, Parent, who was 5-1-0 with a 2.11 goals-against average at Worcester, probably will, get the start "His style is really aggressive," coach Joel Quenneville said. "Maybe even a little unorthodox." Trends: The Blues have not lost in five games, which includes three ties.

The Blackhawks have not won in six games, which includes five losses. If recent performances count for anything, the Blackhawks should go down easier than a Rams running back. Pests: Chicago boosted its irritant quotient considerably this year with the addition of Doug Gilmour. The former Blues player has annoyed more people in his career than Howard Stern and, along with Chris Chelios and Tony Amonte, gives the Blackhawks a "Gnat Trick" few teams can match. The Blues have an All-Star nuisance in Geoff Courtnall, and Jamie Rivers is showing great promise.

Pest control: The Hawks have one of the game's legendary constables in Bob Probert. The Canadian fugitive is not quite the menacing presence he used to be, but if you can't work up a good, healthy hatred for "Probie," you need a cardiogram. The Blues counter with one of the game's top heavyweight contenders, Twist. There is not a boxing association in operation that would not sanction the match. TOTAL NET YARDS 353 397 Total Plays 53 64 Worcester of the AHL.

nection (jackson). FIFTH RACE (pace) maidens, purse $2,040: 1. Big Ol Biggin (Martin), 2. Only If (Jones), 3. Storminrorty (Tai-ley), 4.

Mac Fancy Nukes (L Binkley), 5. Battleshoe Esther (B Simpson). 6. Hol PHOENIX COYOTES Recalled Brad Isbister from Springfield of the AHL. ILLIMUIS Quarterfinals (In Bracket order) Class 6A AvgGain 6.7 6.2 NET YARDS RUSHING 236 103 Rushes 36 26 Avg per rush 6.6 4.0 NET YARDS PASSING .117 294 Sacked-Yds lost 1-6 0-00 Gross-Yds passing 123 294 Completed-Att 9-16 20-38 WASHINGTON CAPITALS Assigned Matt Herr, Nolan Baum-gartner and Mike Rosati to Port Lincoln-Way (1 0-1 at Barrington (1 1 -0), lys Aurea (Zeron), 7.

Spects Command (Jackson). 8. County Cruiser (Branam), 9. Fumegator (Merrill), 10. Lovrboy land ot the AHL.

bluegrass nj Loney). SIXTH RACE (pace) conditions, nao intercepted 1 Yards-Pass Play 6.9 7.7 BOWLING KICKOFFS-EndZone-TB 6-3-1 5-1-1 purse $1 ,500: 1 Gypsy Kiss (Curtin), 2. Bright Flame (Gash), 3. Colinpal Blue-grass (C Loney), 4. Agent Hanover (G Guhy), 5.

Alert Bart (Conrad), 6. Shura-fine Anon (Banks), 7. Hard Time Fred PUNTS-Avg Punts blocked 0 0 FGs-PATs blocked 0-0 0-0 BRUNSWICK CIRCUIT CLASSIC TOTAL RETURN YARDAGE (bimmons). SEVENTH RACE (pace) claiming, purs $1,800: 1. Acting (Ra Finn).

2. Golden Armour (J Robinson), 3. Betty (pagan), 4. Indian Winner (Svendsen), 5. Eye For An Eye (C Loney), 6.

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) Leaders Monday after the third round of the Brunswick Circuit Pro Bowling Classic with total pintails after 18 games: 1, Walter Ray Williams Jr. 4,275. 2, Mike Miller 4.258. 3.

Robert Smith 95 115 Punts Returns 4-28 0-0 Kickoffs Returns 4-66 5-115 Interceptions 1-1 0-0 PENALTIES-Yds 2-10 7-66 FUMBLES-Lost 2-1 1-0 TIME OF POSSESSION 28:53 31:07 Talking Tanner (Cotton), 7. Herb Lt 4,257. 4, Chris Barnes 4,234. 5, Jeff (Hamnger), meai uam (jackson). EIGHTH RACE (trot) handicap, purse $2,700: 1 Mvron (D Graham), rjup.m.

Lockport (10-1) at Naperville North (9- 2), Sat, 1 p.m. Wheaton Warrenville South (11-0) at Naperville Central (8-3), Sat. 1 p.m. St. Charles (11-0) at Downers Grove North (9-2), Sat, 1 p.m.

Class 5A Blue Island Eisenhower (9-2) at New Lenox Providence(10-1), Sat, 1 p.m. Rock Island (11-0) at Bolingbrook (10- 1), Sat, 1p.m. Champaign Centennial (11-0) at Mc- Henry(11-0), Chicago Mount Carmel (11-0) at Cary- Grove (10-1), Sat, 1 p.m. Class 4A Kankakee McNamara (1 1 -0) at Pontiac (10-1), Metamora (10-1) at Rochelle (11-0), Sat, 2 p.m. Canton (10-1) at Chatham Glenwood (11-0), Sat, 1p.m.

Geneseo (10-1) at Aurora Marmion (1 1- 0), Sat, 1 p.m. Class 3A Evergreen Park (8-3) at Kaneland (11- 0). Sat. 6 p.m. Spring Valley Hall (8-3) at Byron (1 1 -0), Sat, 1 p.m.

Nashville (11-0) at Harrisburg (8-3), Sat, 1:30 p.m. Mt Carmel (11-0) at Macomb (8-3), Sat, 6 p.m. Lizzi 4.209. 6. Butch Sooer 4.196.

7. INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS Norm Duke 4,185. 8, Curtis Odom 2. Proud Son (J Dillander), 3. Rock 4,179.

Rushing: Tennessee, E.George 27-134, McNair 8-95, Archie 1-7. Tampa Bay, Dunn 14-49, Alstott 10-32, Husted Maioer irratner), i. nger Magoo (liai-laher), 5. Hustlin' For Home (Curtin), 6. De LadySue (Banks), 7.

Maxwell Cadi-lac IL Binklev). 8. Florian (Svendsen). 1-20, ureen i-z. 9, Dave Wodka 4,122.

10, Brian Le-Clair 4,118. 11, Dale Eagle 4,114. 12, Mike Scroggins 4,109. 13, Jimmy Davis 4,107. 14, Jason Hurd 4,105.

15, Dave D'Entremont 4,074. 16, Tom Baker Passing: Tennessee, McNair 9-16-0- izj. lampauay. umerzu-as-i-iSM. Receiving: Tennessee, Wycheck 4-66, Dyson 2-40, Harris 1-9, Mason 1-8, E.Georoe 1-0.

Tamoa Bay. Anthony 7- 4,070. NINTH RACE (pace) Handicap, purse $3,000: 1. Bella Boo (Podres), 2. Sentational Sherry (Conrad), 3.

Great Sahbra (Reese), 4. Hardtime Honey (Prather), 5. Sunny Success (Jones), 6. 68. Emanuel 5-106.

Moore 3-43, Dunn 17. Mitchell F. Beasley 4,069. 18, (tie) Dave Husted and Ryan Shafer 4.058. 20, (tie) George Branham III and Brian Voss 4,052.

22, Steve Wilson 4,037. 23, Rick Schissler 4,032. 24, John Bauerie Lucmp bluegrass (O Loney). 10TH RACE (oace) Handicap, 2-32. Green 2-20, Alstott 1-25.

Punt Returns: Tennessee, Mason 4-28. Tampa Bay. none. Jr. 4.023.

Kickofl Returns: Tennessee, Archie purse $1,800: 1. Lotsa Sex Appeal (Jackson), 2. Broadway Class (Ra Finn). 3. Clarisse (Bryant), 4.

Ninja 300 games round three 1 Bnan laoeDei. 4-66. Tampa Bay, Anthony 5-115. Interception: Tennessee, Bowden 1 1. Bluegrass (C Loney), 5.

Desperate Act (Curtin), 6. Muskoka Opal (Conrad), 7. Vinegarroon (Podres), 8. Bluffview Bunny (Svendsen), 9. Sending My Love BOWL CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES STANDINGS Bowl K-State's weak schedule fails to impress BCS Continuedfrom Page CI The potential for good remains for Snyder, who was unavailable coaches') the week after.

If K-State wins the Big 12 Conference North Division, it also figures to play another ranked team in the Big 12 title game at the Trans World Dome on Dec. 5. The final BCS standings will be released Dec. 6. for comment after the release of the standings Monday afternoon: First, there's been a shuffle at the top in each of the three weeks of the standings, which initially had UCLA No.

1, then Ohio State (shocked by Michigan State this weekend) and now Tennessee. Second, KSU's strength of schedule should improve when it plays No. 11 Nebraska on Saturday and at Missouri (No. 13 AP; No 15 (bimmons). 11TH RACE (pace) claiming purse $1,500: 1.

T's Bonehead (Sor- Poll Comp enson). 2. Hrs Playfull (Simmons). 3. AP U-E Avg.

Tot. ST Sagarin NYT Avg. Skd QRnk 2 2 2 2.00 23 0.92 1.00 Sparky (Curtin), 4. Jughead (Prather), 5. Phantom's Image (Russell), 6.

The Kid (Svendsen), 7. Wim- 2.33 10 0.40 2.33 79 3.16 1. Tennessee 2. UCLA 3. Kansas St.

4. Florida St. 5. Florida 1 3 1 5 4 3.92 5.73 6.99 9.87 9.97 paroo (jackson), o. mo nope (Murcni- 3.00 1.50 5.00 4.00 (3) 3 1 4 1 (3) (5) 5 son).

3.67 5 4.33 16 0.20 0.64 TODAY'S SELECTIONS Bv John Scully 16.00 1, Hammerem Henry, Holly Hill Howya Dodat There. 18.60 6. Texas 7. Arkansas 8. Ohio St.

9. Wisconsin. 10. Arizona 6 10 7 8 9 8 9 7 6 10 7.00 9.50 7.00 7.00 9.50 7 3 10 9 8 8 (8.25) 12 11 6 6 8 7 9 10 7.00 6.42 9.67 9.67 8.00 25 67 27 89 53 1.00 2.68 1.08 3.56 2.12 18.75 20.23 20.62 2. R's Proscha.

City Lights, Hollys Covercharge. 3. Ross The Hoss, Panther Spur, Inexplicable. 4. Midnite Connection, Onzee Queen, Soupbone Joel.

5. Lovrboy Bluegrass, County Cruiser. Storminrorty. 11. Nebraska 11 11 11.00 11 7 12 10.00 19 0.76 2 23.76 12.

Notre Dame 12 13 12.50 12 (17.25) 11 13.42 49 1.96 1 28.88 13. Missouri 13 15 14.00 18 15 16 16.33 15 0.60 2 32.93 14. Oregon 20 19 19.50 13 9 (16.50) 12.83 11 0.44 2 34.77 15. Texas 18 21 19.50 14 10 14 12.67 24 0.96 2 35.13 39.54 40.61 16. Tulane 17.

Georgia 18. PennSt. 19. Michigan 20. Va.

Tech 14 17 19 15 16 14 18 17 16 12 14.00 17.50 18.00 15.50 14.00 16 17 20 22 25 21 17 16 27 22 (27.75) 21.58 (25.50) 19.83 25 20.33 18 22.33 24 23.67 99 32 18 48 100 3.96 1.28 0.72 1.92 4.00 6. Gypsy Kiss, Colinpal Bluegrass, Hard Time Fred. 7. Acting. Eye For An Eye.

Betty. 8. De Lady Sue, Rock Raider, Proud; Son. 9. Great Sahbra, Luchip Bluegrass, Sunny Success.

10. Muskoka Opal, Bluffview Bunny, Vinegarroon. 11. Mo Hope. The Kid.

T's Bone-head. BEST BET Lovrboy Bluegrass (5th). LONGSHOT De Lady Sue (8th). TODAY'S INTERTRACK 41.05 41.75 42.67 Recycling Answers. EXPLANATION Poll Average The average of The Associated Press media poll and USA Today-ESPN coaches poll.

Others receiving votes are calculated in order received. Computer Average The average of The Hester AndersonSeattle Times, Jeff Sagarin's rankings and New York Times rankings. In order to prevent differences in individual formulas, a maximum adjusted deviation of no greater than 50 percent of the average of the two lowest computer rankings is utilized. Quartile Rank Rank of schedule strength compared to other Division l-A teams divided by 25. This component is calculated by determining the cumulative wonloss records of the team's opponent (66.6 percent) and the cumulative wonloss records of the team's oppo Reclaim The Post-Dispatch electronic recycling guide.

Gd in towlt with Ralaim on POSTline: (314) 923-2323, at 8800. POSTwrf Qlffl OPOSTW 1:30 a.m. 1:30 a.m. 1:30 am noon 1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.

6 p.m. 6 30 p.m. 6:30 p.m. 6 30p.m 6 30 p.m. 6:30 p.m.

6:30 7:40 p.m. Finger Lakes, post Philadelphia Park, post Suffolk Downs, post Freehold (H) post Churchill Downs, post Turf Paradise, post Dover Downs (H) post Hoosier Park, post Meadowlands. post Meadows (H) post Mohawk (H) post Yonkers (H) post Northville(H)post Pocono (H) post Balmoral Park (H) post (H) Harness pacing. nents opponents (33.3 percent). Losses One point for each loss during the season.

Notes BCS rankings each week will list the top 15 or down to the lowest-ranked BCS-affiliated conference leader. Adjusted computer scores in parentheses (Seattle Times raw scores: Kansas State 4, Florida State Sagarin raw scores: Arkansas 13, Notre Dame 18; New York Times raw scores: UCLA 5, Oregon 19, Tulane 71, Georgia 27).