Asbury Park Press from Asbury Park, New Jersey • Page 21

v- VV v-v v-v VV WNV, ASBURY PARK PRESS I SATURDAY, SEPT. 23, 2006 iPTH A3 For latest results and scores: www.Bpp.cotn CONTACT US HAPPY RETURNS Gary Sheffield, Mariano Rivera help Yanks top Devil Rays. 3 PLAYOFF PUSH PLUS Sports Editor Greig Henderson 132-643-4208 gbendersonapp.com Cole Hamels (right), Ryan Howard lead Pbilies to win. 4 'fT I Monmouth Park a Scoreboard 9 i i1 OTnvTKTTT) II I I I 1 1 I IS Hurricane Helene helps make for good swells at Brave New World Pro-Am in Manasquan Giants need strong effort from secondary Straggling squad set for toughest test yet in Seahawks ,1, if i liiiiiSiiN'f Ml KA3I 14 KEAHSBURG 13 K3IO WATAWAH 28 LACEY 10W6 BRANCH 20 21 PKNTIEttN 21 A5BURT PARK 16 ST.JOKNVURSET BARNEGAT 22 WflmmHIflH 42 DONOVAN 8 Cmilrtacnmu Mm to NT btM www rwyigMWMW wm Dan Randazzo, Ocmh Pro Short board Friday, (staff By ERNIE PALLADINO STAFF WRITER EAST RUTHERFORD -Corey Webster wished he knew. "I can't explain it," the Giants' left cornerback said.

Sam Madison had the general answer. "We can play better," the Giants' right corner said. They had better. After watching the secondary struggle through two games now, the worst of which came over the first three quarters of last week's win in Philadelphia, it is clear the defensive backs have had trouble covering people. And now they face a Seattle offense that not only is trying to find its identity, but will try to do it this week with the deepest set of receivers the Giants have played yet.

Now that former Patriot Deion Branch is ready for action, the Seahawks (2-0) head into Sunday's contest with Darrell Jackson leading the way with 10 catches for 174 yards and a touchdown. Bobby En-gram follows him with nine catches for 103 yards. While former Viking Nate Burleson and second-year wide receiver D.J. Giants tight end Jeremy Shockey is nursing a sore ankle, but is expected to play Sunday. (AP RLE PHOTO) Hackett await extensive use, the first-time activation of Branch since his trade from New England last week gives the Seahawks a dangerous recipe of experienced possession receivers and downfield speed.

Just what the Giants' secondary needs right now. With a pass rush struggling to congeal and coverage problems that caused a load of uncontested Eagles completions last week, the defensive backs would have had a huge job ahead of them even without Branch. See Giants, Page C7 i I I I VWtourWrtsfts, www jmLcmn. fur RalyCMtfDoltalvMMi of Rumon-Fdr Ham's 14-13 victory omt MdThursdiy'i kflAhYMH Toms RhMr Rutgers feels need for speed Special teams players must be fast, athletic By KEITH SARGEANT STAFF WRITER PISCATAWAY-RonGi-rault marvels at the players Rutgers coach Greg Schiano starts on special teams. "Coach wants to put the best 11 guys on the field," Girault said.

"It doesn't matter if you're a starter or not. If you can help out at a particular spot (on special teams), he wants you out there." RUTGERS vs. HOWARD 2 p.m.; MSG; 910 AM Girault, Rutgers' starting safety, has experienced nearly every aspect of special teams, from kickoff return to kick coverage in his three seasons. These days, he plays on Rutgers' punt defense and the field goal block team. "I just want to be able to contribute as much as possible, whether it's defense or special teams," said Girault, who blocked a field goal in Rutgers' win over Ohio last weekend.

"Those are the kinds of plays that help your team win." Girault is correct when he says that Schiano wants the best 11 players on a particular unit, but the coach's philosophy goes deeper than that. Schiano seeks instinctual players such as Girault for the punt and field goal block teams, athletes who understand their gap assignments and can burst See Rutgers, Page CS For live scores and stats. fl send text III message with team name (e.g. Mets) or player name (e.g. Derek Jeter) to 44636 (4INFO).

CCU. PHONE CHARGES MAY APPLY 1 photo: bob bielki By JON COEN CORRESPONDENT MANASQUAN Local surfers had a chance to mix it up with some of the best wave riders on the East Coast Friday. But the real star of the day was Hurricane Helene, which bought 3- to 5-foot waves to Manasquan Inlet for the Brave New World Pro-Am. This event is slotted to take advantage of the Atlantic Ocean's hurricane season. Surfers at the Jersey Shore look forward to September with its tropical swells, summertime water temperatures and idyllic weather.

As hoped, Hurricane Helene, which became a category 2 storm on Monday, pulsed waves toward Inlet Beach all day Friday. "As far as the East Coast goes, this place gets pretty solid swell," said Robert August, star of the 1966 classic surf film "The Endless Summer." August has been to Manasquan for different events each of the last five autumns. "The water's pretty warm, and it's always a good time," said August. The contest offers a men's and women's Open Amateur Division, as well as the Hurley See Conditions, Page C6 Visit our Web site, www.app.com, and click on SPORTS for a photo gallery from the the Brave New World Pro-AM. City, compotes In ths Msn's 'i.

A dejected Tiger Woods stands in the rain on tho 18th green after he and Jim Furyk lost their foursome match to Luke Donald and Sergio Garcia. ap photoi Europe takes 5-3 lead after 1st day of matches tTBtiiVfc Abovo: Chris Carhart, Spring Lako, maintains his balance during tho Man's Pro Short board compotttion. Bolow: Sam Holiday, Allenhurst, ridos a wavo in ths Men's Pro Shortboard compotHiofl. (staff photos: bob bielki THE ASSOCIATED PRESS STRAFFAN, Ireland -The tears of Darren Clarke gave way to exhaustive relief for Colin Montgomerie. American red shifted to European RYDER CUP Europe is in the lead again.

Clarke delivered the inspiration, Sergio Garcia was unstoppable as ever, and the Europeans showed equal parts of depth and determination as they built a 5-3 lead, getting points from all 12 players on a team they claim is their best ever. "I played all my players," captain Ian Woos-nam said. "They played exceptionally well, every single one of them. I would have been happy with just one point, but being two ahead is great." Tiger Woods and Jim Furyk won the first point of this Ryder Cup, but it See Europe, Page C4 blue on the scoreboard. A day that began in brilliant sunshine ended in gray skies and showers.

The Ryder Cup was 11 hours of relentless action Friday, with wild swings in momentum and emotion and the tightest opening day of matches in the 79-year history of the event. All for a familiar result: Mi' ST- J'l 1 Or Call Toll Free 1-0S5-321-0757 -i.