The Akron Beacon Journal from Akron, Ohio • Page C001

Monday, February 3, 2014 Akron overcomes early deficit, tops Buffalo. C3 Kent State earns first conference win of season in close contest. C3 The Scoreboard C2, Ohio Lottery C2, Classifieds C8 INFORMING. ENGAGING. ESSENTIAL.

PORTS OHIO.COM/SPORTS Follow on Twitter Try Our Lunch Specials! Monday Friday 11am 3pm ontapgrille.com Dine-In Only 5. 5. SEAHAWKS SOAR TO TITLE SEATTLE 43 DENVER 8 By Jeff McLane The Philadelphia Inquirer EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.: The Se- of defense etched its name alongside the of the and the as one of greatest units with a suffocating 43-8 victory over the Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII on Sunday night at MetLife Stadium. In a matchup that pitted the top-ranked defense and offense against each other, the of delivered a knockout punch to Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning with two first-half interceptions one of which was returned for a touchdown and settled any debate about its legacy. The Seahawks, built almost entirely from scratch when coach Pete Carroll was hired four years ago, deserve to be mentioned in the same breath as the 1985 Bears and the Steelers and Cowboys defenses of the 1970s.

Time will decide its overall greatness, but when the NFL had been tilting toward offense and every owner seemed to be in search of the next offensive coaching genius, Seattle proved that defense still wins championships. The Seahawks, in truth, won in all phases. Their offense accounted for 27 points and zero turnovers as second- year quarterback Russell Wilson ran a steady ship. The Seattle special teams chipped in, as well, when Percy Harvin scooted 87 yards for a kick-return touchdown. But the of led by cornerbacks Richard Sherman and Byron Maxwell and safeties Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor, will ultimately be credited with giving the Seahawks their first Super Bowl title in 37 years of existence.

They lost in their only other appearance a 21-10 defeat to the Steelers in 2005. But the Seahawks are now the 19th franchise to win a Lombardi Tro- phy. Thirteen teams remain that have not won a Super Bowl, including the Eagles. After a historic regular season, Manning once again fell short of winning his second Super Bowl. The Broncos quarterback was hounded by questions all week about his legacy and how a victory would cement his place alongside the other greats or how a loss would tarnish his resume.

But Manning ran into a buzz saw. His final numbers were gaudy 34 of 49 passes completed for 280 yards and a touchdown but he averaged only 5.7 yards per attempt, tossed two interceptions and fumbled once. The 37-year-old quarterback, who said that he wanted to return next year for a 17th season, was hardly the lone reason that Denver laid an egg. The Broncos allowed a safety on the first play from scrimmage, lost two of four fumbles and committed untimely penalties. The Broncos have lost in five Super Bowls, more than any other franchise.

Rumblings surface about Redskins QB Kirk Cousins, trade to Cleveland With the hiring of Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator nearly a done deal, Browns may pursue Washington passer. C7 Former Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw leaves pregame due to family death Hall of father passes away; newly elected HOF member Michael Strahan replaces him on Fox coverage. C7 Giants president says bowl logistics go so smoothly, he wants gig again Cooperation among New York metro-area governments for huge sports event is extraordinary, official shares. C7 Fried chicken fans flock to Kenmore for buckets of Super Bowl eats Showcase Meats employees work all day to keep up with Super Sunday demands, especially the late afternoon rush. A1 Walsh shining on ice in new league High school notebook By Michael Beaven Beacon Journal sports writer There is a positive vibe surrounding the Walsh Jesuit boys hockey team this season and coach Pat McKendry is loving it.

McKendry knows that any successful team must have two characteristics: players who like each other and players who have athletic ability. Fortunately for McKendry, these Warriors possess both, with a talented group of 10 seniors and several underclassmen contributing. my 10 years at Walsh, I have yet to find a better group of seniors that wants to play together, be together and work for one McKendry said. guys are special. I am having a blast coaching them.

It is fun to be around these guys. They are good kids. I speak better of 10 young Walsh (14-12-4, 6-1-2) will host Mentor Lake Catholic in the Great Lakes Hockey League regular-season finale at 7:30 p.m. today at Kent State Ice Arena. The Warriors, who are in first place in the GLHL, are ranked No.

7 in the state poll and are seeking to win a league title on Senior Night. Walsh enters the matchup following a 3-1 victory over No. 6-ranked Parma Heights Holy Name last Tuesday night at Ries Arena in Parma. Seniors Chris Gaul, Mitch Hines and Jack Huscroft each scored a goal in the third period for Walsh, which will compete in the upcoming OHSAA hockey tournament along with approximately 80 other schools. The GLHL is in its inaugural year and features eight Coach says success comes from athletic ability, close players Walsh Jesuit senior goaltender Jamie Studer made 25 saves against Parma Heights Holy Name on Tuesday.

Report leaves Deng upset with portrayal Cavaliers By Jason Lloyd Beacon Journal sports writer DALLAS: Luol Deng was hurt and upset at how he was portrayed in a weekend New York Daily News report and said he hopes his teammates believe him when he says happy to be here. never been in a situation where I start talking and turn my back on in front of me. not me, not who I Deng said. really upset written about me and I just hope guys within the team under- stand that. something we need right The Daily News quoted a source close to Deng saying the newest Cavs player is shocked by the chaos within the team and called it a mess.

losing, not Deng said. to go as far as to say frustrated with the guys, that to me make sense. We know struggling, we know got to get better as a team. But writing an article like that is just giving Newest addition says he would not call team a mess, but not happy Next: Cavaliers at Mavericks Time: 8:30 tonight. TV: FSO.

Please see Cavaliers, C4 Please see Notes, C3 Seattle dominates Denver in all 3 phases of the game to capture the first-ever Super Bowl win BEN Press The Seattle Percy Harvin (left) runs past Denver Broncos kicker Matt Prater for a kick return touchdown. BASKETBALL KATHY Press Denver Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno (27) recovers a fumble in the end zone for a safety after a bad snap. TED S. Press Seattle Seahawks receiver Jermaine Kearse (center) celebrates with teammate Derrick Coleman (right) after catching a 23-yard touchdown pass during the second half of Super Bowl XLVIII against the Denver Broncos Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J. The Seahawks won 43-8.

Please see Super, C6 MO.