The Jackson Sun from Jackson, Tennessee • 26

Page 4CThe Jackson Sun SPORTS Saturday, Nov. 1. 1997 the wall Osier rookies prepare to clear TICKETS As of the close of business Friday, 20,584 tickets had been sold for Sunday's game in the Liberty Bowl between the Oilers and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Call 1 -888-31 3-TEAM for tickets. I ftp v'l he said.

I guess I haven't hit it and I guess I'lK know when I do." Walker's playing time has in- creased substantially in the last three weeks. He has been wary of the wall's arrival, and braced himself for it "I feel a lot different, I've played through a whole college season," he said. "You've just First-year players must get used to the NFL season being longer than college. By PAUL KUHARSKY The Tennessean NASHVILLE Tennessee Oilers defensive end Kenny Holmes played the 12th game of his rookie season last Sunday. A year ago, as a senior at Miami, his 12th game the Carquest Bowl was his last.

"Actually, I think it's been more than a college season already," he said. "In practice, I get my reps, and then, I have to do scout-team reps, so that's like another game a week, I would say. So it's real tough on Holmes Walker the body. "You just have to get in the ice tub and hope for the best I never went through anything like this, and I have a whole half-a-season and some left no doubt we'll be in the playoffs." Coach Jeff Fisher talked to the Oilers' rookies early this week about hitting a midseason wall. Their bodies and brains Redskins sign ex-Bears are used to being finished with football about now, and it's a major adjustment for them because there are at least eight more games to be played.

"Their season's over, but we're just getting started," Fisher said. "If their legs are shot, they've got to get them back. That means more rest and eating right, more treatment, more lifting. Whatever it is, we've got to do it because this is the important stretch. "The wall's right here, right at midseason, that's where they hit it Then there's a couple games where they just kind of flounder around until they get their legs back.

We've been emphasizing it and we'll continue to emphasize it We're going demand that they take care of skins Friday before signing. The terms of his contract were not immediately known. Vikings MINNEAPOLIS Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green has promised NFL commissioner in rim learn these plays. "What I'm doing now is using Tuesday as a day off and doing nothing related to football. I just sat in a hot tub, and just relaxed, did nothing, just watched TV and went to sleep.

Actually I came in with a better attitude Wednesday. The three sacks didn't hurt either, though." Two other Oiler rookies cornerback Denard Walker and defensive end Pratt Lyons have seen a lot of action this season. Lyons played 16 games last year at Troy State, including playoffs and the Blue-Gray and the Senior Bowls. He thinks his wall will come a little later. "Last week, I felt spent in practice, but in the game, I felt Zorich Johnston is expected to wear a cervical collar for six weeks, Dossett said.

Johnston, who- began having neck problems a few weeks ago, has missed the last two Cowboys games. The San Francisco 49ers will host the Cowboys Saturday. Chargers SAN DIEGO The attorney for San Diego Chargers defensive tackle Shawn Lee and his girlfriend filed claims against the city and county on Friday, one week after the two were handcuffed and detained in what police have admitted was a case of mistaken identity. The claims do not say how much Lee and Cheryl Freeman are seeking in damages for emotional distress and violation of their civil rights, but attorney Henry Owens of Boston said it will be substantial. If the claims are rejected, Lee and Freeman would consider filing a lawsuit Lee and Freeman were pulled over on Interstate 15 near Qual-comm Stadium on Oct 24 during an investigation by a regional car theft task force.

They were told that Lee's white 1993 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited fit the description of a stolen Jeep, and that Lee fit the description of a suspect, according to the claims. The Associated Press ASHBURN, Va. The Washington Redskins, anxious to bolster a depleted defensive line, signed former Chicago defensive tackle Chris Zorich on Friday and said he would play against his old team this weekend. Defensive coordinator Mike Nolan said Zorich's playing time would depend on how much he's able to absorb in practice. He said Zorich's knowledge of the Bears would help him get ready quicker than against any other oppponent To make room for Zorich, the Redskins released Don Sasa, a defensive lineman who played in one game as a substitute.

With defensive end Jamal Duff (ankle) and tackle Chris Mims (abdominal strain) out for Sunday's game and defensive end Rich Owens fighting a bad back, the Redskins have struggled to put together a starting front four. They likely will go with Ke-nard Lang, back after missing five games due to ear surgery; Marc Boutte, hobbled by a bad knee; William Gaines or Ryan Kuehl, who has never started an NFL game; and Kelvin Kinney, who would be making his first start The Associated Press St. Louis Rams president John Shaw arrives in court at the hearing of the city of St. Louis' lawsuit against the NFL. Marlins cut loose Hoch holds lead in Tour Championship themselves and do the right things." Holmes didn't show much midseason mediocrity last week, recording three sacks against Arizona.

His wall has come more in his head than in his legs, he said. "My mind is probably more beat than anything else, to be honest," he said. "I'm just trying to stay in my playbook and lineman NFL NOTEBOOK Paul Tagliabue he won't try to sue for control of the team. In a letter sent to the commissioner this week, Green said he misjudged reaction to the final chapter of his autobiography. In that chapter, Green threatened to buy at least 30 percent interest in the team, suing two or more of the team's 10 owners for that share if need be.

"I assure you that I have no intention of trying to force my way into the Vikings' ownership or pressuring any owners to sell an interest to me," Green said in his letter. "I intend to focus for the remainder of the season on leading the Vikings to the playoffs and ultimately Super Bowl XXXII." Cowboys DALLAS Dallas Cowboys fullback Daryl Johnston is out for the rest of the season after having neck surgery Friday. Johnston underwent surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas to repair a herniated neck. disk. He could be discharged as early as Saturday, hospital officials said.

Dr. Drew Dossett said the procedure went as expected. "I didn't miss a fairway today and I made a million miles worth of putts," he said. "And it's the best I've driven the ball all year." Volvo Masters JEREZ, Spain Colin Mont-gomerie fumed over a triple-bogey 8 and an angry Bernhard Langer uncharacteristically threw a club away as the two leading contenders for the European money-winning title fell four strokes off the lead Friday at the tour-ending Volvo Masters. While England's Lee West-wood and Patrik Sjoland of Sweden led the field at 132 after 36 holes, Montgomerie shot a 1-under-par 71 and Langer had a 70.

"Whether I shot 64 or whatever I could not have won it today," said Montgomerie, whose 8 came at the 517-yard 16th and followed a heated debate with tournament officials over whether he was out of bounds. got to gut it up and you cant even think about how many games you played so far. This is a job now. You've just got to go out and try to push through it "It's nothing I haven't expected, it's no surprise. I'm trying to sleep as much as possible, stay off my feet watch my diet and things like that" to deal Lee and Freeman, who was driving at the time, were told on Monday by San Diego Police Capt Larry Moratto that the stolen vehicle that was the subject of the investigation was a Honda, not a Jeep, the claims say.

Rams ST. LOUIS Each side is accusing the other of greed in St Louis' $130 million antitrust lawsuit against the NFL, and they believe they have the charts to prove it NFL attorney Frank Rothman began his cross-examination of St Louis Rams president John Shaw on Friday by detailing the riches the team received when it moved from Anaheim, in 1995. Calling his list "Rams Greed," Rothman pointed out that the team stands to collect up to $164 million if the city wins a judgment against the league. That figure is based on a $150 million value on a year-to-year basis for the Rams' St Louis lease, plus $14 million the city's Convention and Visitors Commission owes the team. The total amount of his list was $292.5 million.

Damage awards are automatically tripled in antitrust cases, so St Louis could win as much as $390 million. BASEBALL NOTEBOOK cities and Calgary's chilly weather. The travel problems often made it impossible for recalled players to join the Pirates on the day they were needed. Nashville has been affiliated with the White Sox since 1993 and posted a 74-69 record this season. Calgary finished 1997 with a 60-78 record.

White Sox CHICAGO The Chicago White Sox on Friday exercised the club's 1998 option on third baseman Robin Ventura's contract for $6.1 million. But the team declined to exercise options for shortstop Ozzie Guillen ($4 million) and catcher Ron Karkovice ($1.5 million), moves that were evident at the end of the season. Ventura, 30, a four-time Gold Glove returned early from a broken ankle sustained in spring training, playing the last lVfc months of the season. "Robin's comeback was an amazing story last season," general manager Ron Schueler said. "He certainly was an inspiration in our clubhouse, in our organization and to our fans.

We are looking forward to having our 3-4-5 hitters Frank Thomas, Albert Belle and Robin together for a full season." Ventura, a career .276 hitter, batted .262 with six homers and 26 RBI in 54 games. Several reports have said the team has been interested in extending Ventura's contract Angels ANAHEIM, Calif. Mike Bell, son of Detroit Tigers' manager Buddy Bell, was acquired by the Anaheim Angels on Friday in one of two trades with the Texas Rangers. Anaheim sent left-hander Matt Perisho to the Rangers for Bell, a 23-year-old third baseman the position that his father! played. The Angels also com-'; pleted the July 31 trade that brought them right-hander Ken Hill from the Rangers for catcher Jim Leyritz and minor-league infielder Robert Sasser.

.........1.1. wiiLini imuuuu.iwn im ipmaBanTCfananMnnanMian ft i Jp Mii4-M 1 I I a nt lis 4 PAR 4 ly WTM I VI -w-Ofc Li.t....?r vr Zorich, known as much for his forays into poor neighborhoods to deliver Thanksgiving turkeys as he was for his football prowess, was waived by the Bears earlier this week in a cost-cutting move. He worked out for the Red Reebok drops golfer Daly The Associated Press HOUSTON John Daly's lucrative endorsement deal with Reebok, first negotiated after he won the PGA Championship in 1991, will not be renewed, leaving Daly with Callaway Golf as his only major sponsor. The decision by Reebok was strictly a business matter and had nothing to do with Daly's two trips to alcohol rehabilitation, sources told The Associated Press. "In no way should this be interpreted to mean that John has lapsed in his rehab program," according to one source familiar with the situation, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

to get to 5-under-par 137, four strokes behind Hoch. The only two players who could overtake Woods on the money list are Davis Love III, who was at 136, and Justin Leonard, who was at 139. Furyk, who has won nearly $1.2 million this year without a victory, finished both nines with birdies and shot 34 on both sides as he put together a 68. Ralphs Senior Classic LOS ANGELES Hale Irwin, seeking his 10th win on the Seniors Tour this year, fired a course-record 63 Friday to take a one-shot lead after the opening round of the $1 million Ralphs Senior Classic. Irwin, 52, has won his last two tournaments and five of the last eight he has entered by going 77-under-par for the 15 rounds involved to increase his official earnings to $2,131,364.

He has added $415,000 in unofficial money along the way. "There's never been a time in my life when I have played so well for so long," he said. "Yet as good as it has been, I am looking forward to the end of the The Associated Press HOUSTON Scott Hoch might be short off the tee but he's long on accuracy and long on cash. Another day of pinpoint iron play gave Hoch a 65 on Friday to be at 9-under-par 133 for the midway lead of the Tour Championship by one stroke over Jim Furyk and two better than Mark Calcavacchia and David Duval. Hoch, a rock-solid player with a great short game who made the cut in all 21 tour events he played this year, might be one of the most under-appreciated players in professional golf by fans.

"They like the long hitters," Hoch, who ranks 163rd in driving distance, said. "I played with Duval yesterday and he was four clubs longer than me." Hoch, considered by his peers to be one of the best players in the world from 100 yards in, has won nearly $7.8 million in his career, lOth-best on the career list He proved once again at the Champions Golf Club that good scores are made by good play close to the green with a great display of golf when he made four consecutive birdies and five in six holes beginning on No. 8. "I left it in some good spots where I was going uphill," he said about his approach shots to those greens. "The key was that on the holes I made good reads, I made good putts." The only blemish on Hoch's round was a bogey on the final hole when he drove into the rough.

"I let one shot get away from me a little bit" Hoch said, "and I had a terrible lie in the rough." Hoch would finish the year with $2,002,988 if he picked up the $720,000 first prize and still not win the money title. The $64,000 last-place check means the worst Tiger Woods could end the year with was $2,03333. Tom Lehman set the season earnings record last year with $1.7 million. Woods would break Lehman's record by nearly $1 million if he won here and he made that a possibility Friday when he moved into contention with a 68 The Associated Press MIAMI The Florida Marlins decided Friday not to exercise their $5 million option on Darren Daulton or their $3 million option on Jeff Conine. Daulton, who gets a $500,000 buyout, becomes eligible for free agency.

Conine, the last of the original Marlins' starters, becomes eligible for salary arbitration. Florida, however, is expected to either sign Conine before the Dec. 20 deadline to offer contracts to unsigned players or to allow him to become a free agent then. Conine, 31, is the team's career leader in several offensive categories, including games played (718), hits (737) and RBIs (422). He hit .242 with 17 home runs Daulton and 61 RBIs dur ing the regular season.

He hit .214 with three RBI in 15 postseason games. Daulton, 35, was acquired by the Marlins from the Philadelphia Phillies on July 21 for outfielder Billy McMillion. He hit .262 in 52 games with three homers and 21 RBIs during the regular season. During the World Series, Daulton hit .389 with one homer with two RBIs. He scored seven runs while playing in all seven World Series games.

ESPN reported earlier this week that Daulton was considering retirement Pirates PITTSBURGH The Pitts- burgh Pirates agreement with the Nashville Sounds to replace Calgary as their Class AAA affiliate was approved Friday by the commissioner's office. The Pirates already have signed a working agreement with Nashville, but the Chicago White Sox protested because Calgary was left as the White Sox's only option for a Triple-A affiliate. Calgary had been Pittsburgh's top farm club for three years, but the Pirates disliked the long travel distance between the two V. The Associated Press Jim Furyk tees off in Friday's round at the PGA Tour Championship. Furyk trails leader Scott Hoch by one shot.

season and the coming holidays. "I putted great today. Not to say I didn't hit the ball well, but these greens are as fast as any we play all year." Irwin three-putted the second hole for the only bogey of his 8-under round. He sank a pair of 30-foot birdie putts while recording eight of his nine birdies between the fourth and 13th holes. "I missed a few opportunities, too," he said.

"But those three long putts made up for a couple of misses within 10 feet" Irwin set the Wilshire Country Club course record with a 64 in the final round of the 1995 tournament Dave Stockton equaled the previous record, putting him one shot behind Irwin entering Saturday's second round of the 54-hole event Two-time defending senior player of the year Jim Colbert had a 65. Stockton's 70-foot birdie putt on the fourth hole, his third birdie to that stage, highlighted his bogey-free round..