Tampa Bay Times from St. Petersburg, Florida • 75

rnrrr 1 1 8c TIMES SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1996 TTT Sports Don't count Gordon out EXTRA I HIGH SCHOOLS DALLAS (17) McCloud 4-10 1-1 12, Meyer 4-7 04 Drttmg 2-4 34 7, KJd 3-13 1-3 7, Jackson 4-13 2-4 16, Gating 6-111-313, Roberts 04 2. Harper 24 04 5, MHer 24 1-2 5, King 1-2 04 2, Davis 0-1 04 0, Jones 040-2 0, Strickland 1-3 04 3, Peterson 2-2 1-3 5, Webster 1-1 04 2. Totals 3540 10-24 17. Football Charlotte Dallas 20 21 23 20-44 15 21 27 2517 Third perled 4, San Jose, Turcotte 1, h44 (sh). 5, San Jose, Sutter I (Frlesen), 1242 (sh).

Penalties -Dahten, SJ (tripping), Nolan, SJ (roughing), 10:13, Ry-chel, Ana (holding), 13:15. Shels en goal San Jose 14-12-1137. Anaheim 94-1129. Pewer-play eppertunltles San Jose I of Anaheim 0 of 7. Goalies San Jose, Terrerl 1-1-2 (29 shots-21 saves).

Anaheim, Hebert 0-3-3 (37-33). Attendance 17,174 Referee Rob Stick. Linesmen Greg Devorskl, Bob Hodges. Flyers 3, Ceyotes 1 Scott Daniels scored his ftrit two goats of the season and Shkm Podein added an empty-nefier with 2.9 seconds remaining as the Pndadelpnle Flyers beat the Phoenix Coyotes Friday night It was the second consecutive road victory tor the rikry.piagued Flyers, who were pitying their eighth straight game without AJ-Star center Eric Undros (puled groin muscle). JOANNE KORTH AUTO RACING 3oJnt goals Charlotte 7-17 (Rice 5-7, Oefc 1-1, Gold-wire 14, Dlvac 0-1, Curry 0-1, Lohaus 0-1), Dalas 7-14 (McCloud 34, Jackson 2-3, Strickland 1-1, Harper 1-3, Kldd 0-1).

Fouled out-None. Rebounds-Charlotte 49 (Meson 14), Dalai 53 (Gating 12). Asslsts-Chartotte 14 (Mason 5), Dates 22 (Kldd 12). Total louts-Chanotte 26, Dalas 30. A-14413.

Tlmberwetves W4, Grizzlies VANCOUVER (M) Edwards 54 0-2 1 1, Rogers 1-5 1-2 3, Reeves 44 64 14, Anthony 3-7 1-2 Peeler 3-12 04 4, Abdurahlm 4-17 14 16, Moten 6-10 1-5 14, Mayberry 1-5 04 3, Mobtey 04 04 0, Lynch 1-2 2-2 4, Robinson 14 04 2, Atkins 1-2 2-2 4, Lothian 1-1 1-1 3. Totals 3143 22-30 88. MINNESOTA (104) Garnett 44 2-2 10, Gugkotta 5-13 1-1 11, Vrankovtc 44 3-3 11, West 3-5 04 4, Marbury 44 44 13, Mltchel 5-7 6-7 16, Carr 44 2-2 13, Praskevlclu 3-7 2-2 J.Robinson 4-7 1-211, Garrett 0-2 04 0, Heal 14 2-2 5, Shasky 04 04 0. Totals 374 0 23-25 104. Philadelphia Pheenlx 1 1 1-3 I I 11 Vancouver Minnesota 15 22 27 24- 88 27 24 23-104 First period -1, Philadelphia.

Daniels 1 (Klatt, Kordk), 15:09. Penalties Manson, Pho (slashing), Hater, Phi (Interference), 1301. Second perled 2, Philadelphia, Daniels 2 (NHnrnaa, Klatt), 12:11. Penalties-King, Pho, makr (fighting), Korolc, Phi, minor-makr (elbowing, fighting), McCrvrv mon, Pho (Inking stick), Brlnd' Amour, Phi (hooking), 1:02. Third perled -3, Phoenix, FMey 1 (Stapieton), 1144.

4, Ptvtadelphla, Podein 2, 19:54 (en). Penalty Power, Phi (interference), 447. Shots en goal Philadelphia 1244-29. Phoenix 10-7-11-21. Pewer-play eppertunltles Philadelphia 0 of Phoenix 0 of 4.

Goalies PtHedetohla. Hextal 3-2-0 (21 thots-27 saves). Phoenix, Khabtbuln 2-34 (28-26). Attendance 16,027 Referee Mick McGeough. Linesmen Baron Parker, Wayne Bomey.

Point goals Vancouver 4-12 (Moten 1-1, Edwards 1-2, Anthony 1-3, Mayberry 1-3, Peeler 0-1, CRoblnson 0-2), Minnesota 7-15 (Carr 34, J.Robinson 2-2, Marbury 1-2, Heal 14, Guglotta 0-1, West 0-2) Fouled out Vrankovlc. ReboundsVancouver 54 (Abdur-Rahim 13), Minnesota 51 (Guglotta 11). Aislsts-Vancouver 22 (Anthony 5), Minnesota 22 (Marbury 6). Total fouls-Vancouver 21, Minnesota 24. A 5,209.

Spurs 97, Bucks 91 SAN ANTONIO (97) EHott 4-19 44 13, Herrera 34 1-2 7, Perdue 64 3-3 15, Del Negro 24 2-2 6, Johnson 7-12 34 17, Maxwel 5-12 4-5 16, Smith 0-1 2-2 2, Alexander 34 14 7, Wliams 4-7 2-2 10, Anderson 2-2 04 4. Totals 34-79 22-32 97. MILWAUKEE (91) Baker 12-2044 28, Robinson 6-170-1 13, Lang 6-12 04 12, Douglas 2-7 34 7, Respert 44 04 Hancock 0-1 04 0, Wolf 1-3 04 2, Perry 2-7 04 4, Newman 2-5 64 10, Wood 1-3 44 7, Haley 0-2 04 0. Totals 3645 17-21 91. Df Jeff Gordon's 31st-place finish two weeks ago at Charlotte, N.C., has fans worried he won't be able to rebound for the final two races of the Winston Cup season, there is no need to fret.

The defending champion has bounced back four times this season from disappointing runs that broke streaks of top-five or top-10 finishes. Holding a one-point lead over Hendrick Motorsports teammate Terry Labonte, Gordon will attempt another comeback in the AC-Delco 400 today at North Carolina Motor Speedway. "The only time we're out of that top-five or top-10 is when we're breaking or getting caught up in a wreck or something," Gordon said. "As long as we're finishing races, we're going to finish up front." Gordon began the season with finishes of 42nd and 40th before winning three of the next four races. Then an accident at Talladega relegated Gordon to a 33rd-place finish, but he came back with six consecutive finishes of sixth or better, including back-to-back victories at Dover and Pocono.

Gordon rallied again after a 34th-place finish at New Hampshire to win at Talladega. And a 37th-place finish at the Brickyard 400 in Indianapolis was followed by a streak of eight top-five finishes, including three consecutive victories, that gave him a Ill-point lead over Labonte. Labonte's win at Charlotte, coupled with Gordon's 31st-place finish, accounted for a 100-point swing. past two races. The decline is attributed in part to the 1994 death of Brazilian Ayrton Senna, easily the most popular driver in Japan.

NO IDLE TIME: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series regulars are making good use of their week off. The Chevrolet drivers tested last week on the IVi-mile oval at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and the Fords and Dodges get their chance this week. Series leaders Ron Hornaday Jr. and Mike Skinner likely will settle their championship battle in the first Las Vegas pickup truck race on Nov. 3.

Last week, Chevrolet truck drivers topped out at about 150 mph on the Las Vegas oval, which officially opened last month. BERNSTEIN HISTORY: When Kenny Bernstein clinched his first Top Fuel championship last weekend, he became the first driver in NHRA history to win Top Fuel and Funny Car titles. Bernstein won consecutive Funny Car titles from 1985 through 1988. Bernstein marked the event with a speed of 318.69 mph, fastest in NHRA history. It won't count as a record, though, because he didn't back it up with another run within 1 percent of the 318.69, as required by NHRA rules.

JOHNSON REPLACEMENT: Gary Scelzi will replace the late Blaine Johnson as driver of the Johnson Racing Top Fuel dragster next season. The team will be sponsored by the J. Reynolds Tobacco Co. Information from other news organizations was used in this report. FOOTBALi NFL schedule San Antenle Milwaukee 39 19 15 24-97 23 27 24 17-91 "As soon as you enjoy the wins for a day or so, you wonder if you can do it again or is it going to be the weekend that something happens," Gordon said.

"You just never know. You just try to continue to do things the same way." NEW CHAMP: Damon Hill proved himself a champion last week by winning the season-ending Japanese Grand Prix to nail down his first Formula One title. Hill, whose late father Graham was a two-time Formula One champion, dominated the series. His Williams-Renault started in the front row of all 16 races this season. He won eight times, finished second twice and scored points in 12 of 16 events.

Rookie teammate Jacques Villeneuve was second in the points after 11 top-three finishes, including four victories. DECLINING INTEREST: It was only two years ago that Formula One was so big in Japan, fans had to enter a national lottery to earn the honor of spending hundreds of dollars on race tickets. Interest, however, has fallen off to the point that there have been empty seats at each of the 3-Polnt goals-San Antonio 3-5 (Maxwel 2-3, EHott 1-2), Milwaukee 2-12 (Wood 1-2, Robinson 14, Baker 0-1, Douglas 0-1, Respert 0-1, Perry 0-1, Newman 0-2) Fouled out-None. Rebounds-San Antonio 42 (EHott 11), Milwaukee 39 Baker 13). Asslsts-San Antonio 16 (Elliott SI, Milwaukee 25 (Douglas 7).

Total louts San Antonio 22, Milwaukee 30. A 3,710. Lakers 113, 76ers 92 PHILADELPHIA (92) Weetherspoon 1-2 2-3 4, Coleman 2-10 24 4, WHiams 3-7 1-2 7, tverson 6-11 04 14, Stackhouse 1-11 64 Harris 54 04 13, Kempton 14 44 6, MacLean 24 1-1 5, Hendrlckson 3-5 04 6, Minor 04 04 0, Overton 04 04 0, Feick 24 04 5, Davis 64 44 16, Walters 1-3 04 2. Totals 3346 20-26 92. LA LAKERS (113) Cebalos 8-14 1-2 18, Campbel 0-2 0-2 0, ONeel 8-15 9-13 25, Jones 2-10 3-5 8, Van Exei 4-7 1-2 12, Rooks 1-2 34 5, Blount 14 04 3, Robinson 1-3 04 2, Bryant 5-11 1-2 11, Scott 54 04 11, Fischer 34 2-3 8, Knight 1-1 04 2, Booth 2-5 04 4, Wilson 1-1 04 2, Hawkins 1-3 04 2.

Totals 43-93 20-37 113. Philadelphia LA Lakers 15 19 24 34- 92 24 19 39 29-113 3-Polnt goals-Philadelphia 6-20 (Coleman 0-1, Iverson 24, Stackhouse 0-5, Harris 3-5, Minor 0-2, Feick 1-1, Walters 0- 2), LA Lakers 7-18 (Cebalos 1-1, Jones 14, Van Exei 34, Blount 1-1, Robinson 0-1, Bryant 0-2, Scott 1-3, Fischer 0-1, Booth 0-1). Fouled out-None. Rebounds-Ptlladebhla 41 (Stackhouse, Kempton 7), LA Lakers 58 (O'Neal 10). AssistsPhiladelphia 22 (Harris, Minor 4), LA Lakers 25 (Jones, Van Exei 5).

Total fouls Philadelphia 32, LA Lakers 24. A 14,149. Nuggets 112, Warriors 109 DENVER (112) D.EHs 7-12 3-3 18, L.Ellis 5-7 1-2 11, Johnson 3-3 04 6, Murdock 2-7 2-2 7, Stlth 10-14 10-11 33, Stokes 04 04 0, Ham 3-5 34 9, Mardulonls 14 44 6, Thompson 1-2 0-3 2, Pierce 14 44 6, Mdnnis 24 1-2 7, Slater 1- 2 1-3 3, Mundt 24 04 4. Totals 38-74 2942 112. GOLDEN STATE (109) MuHn 54 74 17, Smith 7-17 84 22, Fuder 4-10 14 9, Price 3-9 64 12, Sprewel 5-10 2-2 14, DeOerc 1-2 14 3, Armstrong 6-11 3-3 16, Coles 54 2-2 13, Marshal 04 04 0, Rowe 0-3 2-2 2, Owes 04 04 0, Pepiowskl 04 1-2 1.

Totals 36-79 3341 109. I NASCAR WINSTON CUP WHAT: AC-Delco 400. GREEN FLAG: 12:30 p.m. TRACK: North Carolina Motor Speedway. POLE-SITTER: Dale Jarrett.

DEFENDING CHAMP: Ward Burton. TVRADIO: TNN; WOCA-AM 1370, WWJB-AM 1450. KORTH PICK: Dale Earnhardt. NASCAR SP0TU6HT Tony Stewart will be a Winston Cup rookie in 1997, driving for veteran owner Harry Ranier, who makes his return to Winston Cup after a lengthy absence. 31 30 22 29-112 25 26 24 32-109 Denver Golden State STANDINGS CIlU District 1 District Ml Teem PF PA Hlsborough 3 I 5 1 105 64 East Lake 3 1 4 2 115 19 Countryside 1 1 4 1 149 70 Chamberlain 3 3 91 5 Leto 2 1 3 4 71 129 King 2 2 2 5 44 114 Seminole 1 3 2 5 112 225 Gamier I 3 1 5 71 124 Clan 4A, DUtrlct Team PF PA Sera.

Rlvervlew 3 0 7 0 284 64 Brandon 3 0 5 1 134 73 Brad. Manatee 1 2 4 2 121 131 Plant City 1 2 2 4 64 74 Brad. Southeast 1 2 1 4 12 152 Bloomingdale 0 3 3 3 71 101 Class SA, District! Team I PF PA Ocala Vanguard 3 0 4 0 173 52 Galnesvlte 2 1 5 2 121 104 Palatka 2 1 5 2 124 55 Galnesvlte Buchholz 1 2 4 3 137 49 Leesburg 1 2 1 6 40 161 Cltrut 0 3 0 6 64 141 Clan SA, Dlitrlct 7 Team PF PA Sprlngstead 3 0 6 0 157 42 River Ridge 2 1 3 3 137 121 Tarpon Springs 2 1 3 3 107 115 LandOLeket 1 2 2 4 122 154 Golf 1 2 1 6 71 243 Rldgewood 0 3 0 7 12 203 Class SA, District I Team PF PA Lakeland 3 0 6 0 200 65 Armwood 2 0 7 0 193 90 Auburndale 2 0 4 2 156 134 Tampa Bay Tech 1 2 4 3 151 137 Lakeland Jenkins 0 3 1 5 62 155 Lake Gib ton 0 3 0 7 69 219 Class SA, District 9 Team PF PA PtnetasPark 3 0 6 0 179 71 Jefferson 3 0 5 1 149 54 Clearwater 1 1 2 4 105 153 Plant 1 2 1 6 St 112 Largo 0 2 1 5 14 172 Dunedin 0 3 1 5 63 155 Class SA, District 10 Team PF PA Northeast 3 0 7 0 251 41 DixleHoHns 2 1 5 2 112 91 St. Petersburg 2 1 5 2 154 9S Lakewood 1 2 3 3 114 SI Bocadegaili 1 2 2 4 131 71 Gibbs 0 3 0 7 39 236 Class 4A, District 4 Team PF PA Central 3 0 5 1 S3 109 Crystal River 3 0 5 1 161 50 Betevlew 1 1 4 3 161 152 Hernando 1 2 2 4 97 149 Dunneton 0 2 2 3 61 71 Lecanto 0 3 3 3 94 104 Class 4A, District 9 Team PF PA Jesuit 3 0 5 1 163 136 Pasco 2 I 4 2 164 1)2 Zephyrhlis 2 1 4 2 90 17 Hudson 2 1 4 3 164 170 Robinson 0 3 2 5 133 150 Osceola 0 3 1 6 52 111 Class 4A, District 10 Team PF PA Bartow 3 0 6 1 245 64 Lake Wales 3 0 6 1 231 100 Durant 2 1 4 2 91 103 Mulberry 1 2 3 4 130 193 Haines aty 0 3 4 3 124 80 Lakeland Kathleen 0 3 3 3 102 84 Class 3A, District Team PF PA Tampa Cathode 2 0 6 0 282 84 Umatilla 2 0 4 2 117 64 CCCarhoUc 1 1 4 2 130 124 WHdwood I 2 3 4 193 137 SP Cathode 0 3 1 5 102 309 Class 2A, District 4 Team PF PA Northside Or. 4 0 5 2 ltl 49 Fort Meade 3 1 3 3 191 111 Shorecrest 2 1 4 2 234 130 Indian Rocks Chr.

1 2 2 4 105 175 Temple Heights 1 2 1 4 19 169 Lakeland Santa Fe 0 2 2 4 41 102 Admiral Farragut 0 3 0 31 211 Independents PF PA Berkeley Prep 6 1 250 106 East Bay 3 3 124 104 floca Oega forfeited game vs. Seminole. FRIDAY'S RESULTS Hernando 27, North Marlon 13 Fort Meade 24, Shorecrest 24 Northeast 31, Clearwater 10 St. Petersburg 21, Dunedin 0 Boca Oega 27, Largo 7 Tampa Catholic CC Cathode 6 Jesuit 16, Dixie HoKns 15 Berkeley Prep 55, St. Petersburg Cathode II Galther 27, Seminole 22 Armwood 29, Tampa Bay Tech 27 Chamberlain 20, Countryside 17 Northside Or.

33, Lakeland Santa Fe 6 kte: Attn Ftrrtgut, BkmUngdele, Brandon, Central dlrus, Dumm Ourent, Men Rocks Or. Ltkewuxt Pixies Part Plant aty, River Ridge, SpringsteaA Ttrpon Springs, Temple Heights, ZephyrMs. OTHER STATE GAMES Altamonte Springs Lake Brantley 34, Orange Park 14 Apopka 24, Orlando Boone 21 Auburndale 23, Lakeland Jenkins 0 Bartow 35, Arcadia OeSoto 0 Bete Glade Glades Central 35, Parn Beach Gardens 0 Bete Glade Glades Day 35, Lake Placid 14 Betevlew 23, Leesburg 9 Br on son 42. Branford 0 dewliton 27, Fort Myers Bishop Verot 7 Coconut Creek 19, Coral Springs Taravela 0 Fort Lauderdale 35, Pembroke Pines Flanagan 14 Fort Laud. Card Gibbons 21, Oakland Park hreast 0 Fort Lauderdale St.

Thomas 35, South Plantation 13 Fort Myers 35, Fort Myers Riverdale Frostproof 32, Mutberry 7 Garnet vide 24, Starke Bradford 12 Galnesvlte Eastslde 25, titertachen 6 Haines aty 43, Palmetto 4 Hamilton County 13, WHWon 12 Hawthorne 49, Daytona Beach Father Lopei 0 Homestead S. Dade 21, Hotywood S. Broward 20 (OT) Keystone Heights 31, Chlenand 4 Klssrnmee Osceola 25, Klssrnmee Potndama 7 LaBele 20, Moore Haven 14 (OT) Lake Howel 33, DeLand 13 Lake Region 17, Lake Gibson 7 Lake Wales 41, Naples Barron Coier 21 Lakeland 41, Winter Haven 7 Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson 41, Coral Springs 14 Madison County 21, Talahassee Rlckards 14 Mayo Lafayette 19, Greensboro II Miami KHian 15, Miami Palmetto 0 Monttceto Jefferson Co. 21, Talahassee Florida High I Newberry 20, Cross aty Dixie County 6 Ocala Vanguard 32, Ocala Lake Weir 13 Orlando Lake Highland 14, JacksonvHe Episcopal 0 Ovledo 49, Deltona 24 Pace 16, Wakula 14 Palatka 10, Mktdteburg 0 Perry Taylor County 14, Talahassee FAMU High 7 Pompano Beach Ely 36, Parkland Douglas 7 Punta Gorda Charlotte 55, Venice 0 Rock ledge 17, Alachua Santa Fe 0 Sarasota 27, Cape Coral Mariner 12 Sarasota Cardinal Mooney 7, Fort Pierce John Carrol 0 Sarasota Rlvervlew 35, Uve Oak Suwannee 0 South Miami 15, Miami Sunset 3 Sunrise Piper 34, Deerfleid Beach 0 West Parn Beach Weington 7, Parn Beach Atlantic 0 WHdwood 35, Galnesvlte P.K. Yonge 21 THURSDAY'S RESULTS Crystal River 13, South Sumter 0 Jefferson 14, East Bay 13 Osceola 21, Gibbs 16 Land Crakes 31, Hudson 30 Pasco 31, Rldgewood 21 Leto 6, King 0 Robinson 24, Plant 7 HHsborough 3, East Lake 0 Lecanto 21, Gulf 0 THURSDAY'S OTHER STATE RESULT Galnesvlte Buchholz 7, Lake aty Columbia 0 3-Polnt goals-Denver 7-13 (D.EKs 1-2, Murdock 1-2, Stlth 34, Mclnnls 2-3), Golden State 4-1 1 (Sprewel 2-3, Muin 0-1, Price 0-2, Armstrong 1-1, Coles 14).

Fouled out-None. Rebounds-Denver 40 (Johnson 7), Golden Stete 34 (Fuder, (MuHn 9). Total fouls-Denver 33, Golden Stete 31 Technicals O.EHs, Denver delay of game, Coles, Golden State delay of game. Blazers 105, Bulls 92 PORTLAND (105) Robinson 240-1 4, Walace24 54 10, Sabonls 54 4-5 16, Anderson 6-10 44 16, McKle 34 1-1 7, M.Brown 1-3 04 3, J.ONeal 3-7 04 7, Butter 04 04 0, Wlngfield 7-11 04 14, OUkt-ess 04 04 0, Dmtey 1-3 34 5, R.Jordan 0-1 04 0, Trent 4-7 1-2 9, Rider 3-10 54 1 1, Sykes 04 34 3. Totals 374 2 26-35 105.

CHICAGO (92) Stekjenga 44 1-2 9, Slmpklns 54 3-5 13, Longley 4-10 1-2 9, Brown 1-5 04 2, M.Jordan 4-16 7-9 15, Parish 1-5 2-2 4, Kukoc 24 8-10 12, Herzog 04 04 0, Beck 24 34 7, Kerr 2-5 2-2 7, Harlan 04 04 0, Buedler 14 04 I Wellington 0-1 04 0, Caffey 34 64 12 Totals 29-77334292. Martin makes it six BGIM victories in AC Delco 200 21 28 20 34-105 19 24 21 28- 92 Portland Chicago Associated Press 3-Polnt goals-Portland 5-17 (Sabonis 2-2, Walece 1-1, M.Brown 1-2, O'Neal 1-3, Anderson 0-1, McKle 0-1, Robinson 0-2, Rider 0-2, Wlngfield 0-3), Chicago 1-12 (Kerr 1-2, R. Brown 0-1, Buechler 0-1, Beck 0-2, M. Jordan 0-3, kukoc 0-3). Fouled out Stekjenga.

Rebounds-Portland 47 (Dudley 7), Chicago 53 (Sirnpkins 10). Assiits-Portland 19 (McKle, Anderson 4), Chicago 16 (M Jordan, Kukoc 3). Total fouls-Portland 30, Chicago 24. A 20,142. Suns 104, Bullets 102 WASHINGTON (102) Howard 3-15 24 Webber 6-13 2-3 14, Petruska 1-2 04 2, Oieaney 5-7 04 10, Strickland 6-12 4-5 16, Murray 10-185-526, Walace 1-3143, Amaya 14 04 2, Grant 24 04 4, Whitney 7-16 1-1 17, Morton 0-1 04, Jackson 0404 0.

Totals 42-97 15-22 102. PHOENIX (104) Frtey 44 1-2 10, A. Green 2-2 5-7 9, Manrxng 5-12 44 14, Cassel 5-10 9-10 20, Person 5-17 5-5 16, Chapman 44 1-2 10, Brown 1-3 04 3, Ttsdete 4-5 04 1, Horry 1-15. Totals 35-79 31-37 106. 0: Much like Jeff Gordon, you made a name for yourself in open-wheel racing.

How different is it driving a stock car? It's definitely not a 900-pound midget. The biggest adjustment will be the weight and radial tires. With a stock car being as heavy as it is, if it got bent out of shape, I lost it. In a 900-pound midget you can get all bent out of shape but get it back underneath you. I'll have to learn the whole different feel of the car and the warning signs.

0: You spent one year driving in the Grand National Series. Is that enough? I think I could have had a little more experience in the Busch series. But it's been a lifelong dream to be in Winston Cup racing, and now I have that opportunity. 0: Did the emergence of the IRL make you think twice about switching to stock cars? There are definitely more opportunities in stock cars and not enough races in the IRL right now. Opportunities were shut down to Indy-cars until this year, and I'd already started a plan to get to Winston Cup.

Those plans were already in motion when the IRL came along, and I wasn't going to deviate from those plans. I felt like the opportunities were better in stock cars right now. 0: Does having your name linked with Gordon 's put pressure on you? If anything, it's probably been a big help. Any time you can be compared to someone with the success Jeff has had, it can't hurt your career. I've always kept in my mind that I didn't want to be the next Jeff Gordon, I just wanted to be the only Tony Stewart.

That's the attitude I'm going to keep. Jeff's made a name for himself, and I want to keep a name for myself. JOANNE KORTH WEEK Open date: New Orleans, Oakland Sunday, Oct. 27 Caroma at Phladebhia, 1 Mlanapots at Washington, 1 JacksonvHe at Cincinnati, 1 New York Giants at Detroit, 1 Pittsburgh at Atlanta, 1 St. Louis at Baltimore, I San Francisco at Houston, 1 Tampa Bay at Green Bay, 1 Dates at Miami, 4 Kansas City at Denver, 4 New York Jets at Arizona, 4 San Diego at Seattle, 4 Buffalo at New England, I Monday, Oct.

21 Chicago at Minnesota, 9 WEEK II Open date: Jacksonvle, New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 3 Arizona at New York Giants, 1 Carolina at Atlanta, 1 Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 Detroit at Green Bay, I Kansas City at Minnesota, 1 Philadelphia at Dales, 1 St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 1 San Diego at mdlanapols, 1 Tampa Bay at Chicago, 1 Houston at Seattle, 4 Miami at New England, 4 Washington at Buffalo, 4 San Francisco at New Orleans, I Monday, Nov. 4 Denver at Oakland, 9 WEEK 11 Sunday, Nov. 10 Arizona at Washington, 1 Atlanta at St.

Louts, 1 Buffalo at Philadelphia, 1 Green Bay at Kansas aty, 1 Houston at New Orleans, 1 mdlanapols at Miami, 1 New England at New York Jets, 1 Oakland at Tampa Bay, 1 Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 Dales at San Francisco, 4 Baltimore at JacksonvHe, 4 Chicago at Denver, 4 Minnesota at Seattle, 4 New York Giants at Caroana, I Monday, Nev. 11 Detroit at San Diego, 9 WEEK 12 Sunday, Nev. 17 Carolina at St. Louis, 1 Chicago at Kansas Oty, 1 Ondnnatl at Buffalo, I Denver at New England, 1 JacksonvHe et Pittsburgh, 1 New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 New York Jets at Indianapolis, 1 Seattle at Detroit, I Washington at Philadelphia, I Baltimore at San Francisco, 4 Miami at Houston, 4 New York Giants at Arizona, 4 Tampa Bay at San Diego, 4 Minnesota at Oakland, I Monday, Nev. II Green Bay at Dales, 9 WEEK 13 Sunday, Nov.

24 Atlanta at Ondnnatl, 1 Carotna at Houston, 1 Denver at Minnesota, 1 Detroit at Chicago, 1 rrienapols at New England, 1 JacksonvHe at Baltimore, I New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 New York Jets at Buffalo, 1 San Diego at Kansas Oty, 1 San Francisco at Washington, 1 Dates at New York Giants, 4 Oakland at Seethe, 4 Ptiladebhla at Arizona, 4 Green Bay at St. Louts, I Monday, Nev. 25 Pittsburgh at Miami, 9 WEEK 14 Thursday, Nev. 21 Kansas Oty at Detroit, 12:30 Washington at Dalas, 4 Sunday, Dec 1 Arizona at Minnesota, 1 Buffalo at Indianapolis, 1 Chicago at Green Bay, 1 Cincinnati at JacksonvHe, 1 New York Giants at Ptxsadetohia, 1 Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 1 Tampa Bay at Caroana, 1 Seattle at Denver, 4 Houston at New York Jets, 4 Miami at Oakland, 4 St. Louis at New Orleans, 4 New England at San Diego, I Monday, Dec 2 San Francisco at Atlanta, 9 WEEK IS Thursday, Dec.

5 Philadelphia at Mianapols, I Sunday, Dec I Atlanta at New Orleans, I Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 Denver at Green Bay, 1 JacksonvHe at Houston, 1 New York Giants at Miami, 1 St. Louts at Chicago, 1 San Diego at Washington at Tampa Bay, 1 New York Jets at New England, 4 Buffalo at Seattle, 4 Carolina at San Francisco, 4 Dallas at Arizona, 4 Minnesota at Detroit, I Monday, Dec 9 Kansas Oty at Oakland, 9 WEEK 14 Saturday, Dec 14 Philadelphia at New York Jets, 12:30 San Diego at Chicago, 4 Sunday, Dec 15 Baltimore at Caroana, 1 Cincinnati at Houston, I Green Bay at Detroit, 1 mdlanapols at Kansas Oty, 1 New England at Dalas, 1 New Orleans at New York Giants, 1 St. Louis at Atlanta, I San Francisco at Pittsburgh, 1 Tampa Bay at Minnesota, 1 Oakland at Denver, 4 Washington at Arizona, 4 Seattle at JacksonvHe, I Monday, Dec 16 Buffalo at Miami 9 WEEK 17 Saturday, Dec 21 New England at New York Giants, 12:30 New Orleans at St. Louis, 4 Sunday, Dec 22 Arizona at Philadelphia, 1 Atlanta at JacksonvHe, I Chicago at Tampa Bay, 1 Houston at Baltimore, 1 mdlanapols at Ondnnatl, 1 Kansas Oty at Buffalo, 1 Miami at New York Jets, 1 Minnesota at Green Bey, 1 Pittsburgh at Caroana, 1 Dalas at Washington, 4 Seattle at Oakland, 4 Denver at San Diego, I Monday, Dec 23 Detroit at San Frandsco, 9 Playoffs Saturday, Dec 21 AFC and NFC Wld Cards Sunday, Dec 29 AFC and NFC Wld Cards Saturday, Jan. 4 AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs Sunday, Jan.

AFC and NFC Divisional Playoffs Sunday, Jan. 12 AFC and NFC Championships Sunday, Jan. 26 Super Bowl at New Orleans Sunday, Feb. 2 Pro Bowl at Honolulu 24 24 27 27-102 29 25 30 22-104 Washington Phoenix ROCKINGHAM, N.C. Mark Martin, who has not won a Winston Cup race in more than a year, earned his sixth Busch Grand National victory of the season, and his second in a row Saturday.

AIITYiC Passe a'e Jarrett fr the lead AUIU5 with 15 laps remaining in the AC-Delco 200 at the North Carolina Motor Speedway for his 26th Busch victory. "I thought Dale had us there for a while," said Martin, who held off Jarrett, the pole-sitter for today's AC-Delco 400, by about 2 car-lengths. "But I got a chance to get by him, and I took it." Martin averaged a track-record 124.397 mph. The record of 120.753 was set in February 1995 by Chad Little. Pole-winner Roy "Buckshot" Jones, 26, came away from a crash on Lap 110 with neck pain and a sore foot.

PIT CREW CHAMPIONSHIP Terry Labonte's crew, headed by chief Gary DeHart, won the 30th annual event, changing four tires and pouring in two cans of gasoline in 22.056 seconds. MOTORCYCLES: Matt Wait won the first of two races at Daytona International Speedway that will determine the Harley-Davidson Twin Sports world motorcycle champion. But he has no chance of retaining the crown he won last year after being stripped of the points he earned after his bike was found to have more horsepower than allowed by the rules. 3-Polnt goats-Washington 3-18 (Whitney 24, Murray 1-5, Howard 0-1, Webber 0-1, Strickland 0-1, Walace 0-1, Morton 0-1), Phoenix 5-16 (Brown 1-1, Cassel 1-2, Chapman 1-2, Person 1-3, Finley 1-3, Nesh 0-2, Horry 0-3). Fouled out Murray.

Rebounds Washington 52 (Murray 13), Phoenix 36 (Person 7). A-MA. Heat 119, Raptors 19 MIAMI (119) Majerle 2-7 1-2 6, Thomas 10-16 6-13 26, Austin 54 34 13, Dantovtc 5-7 04 10, Hardaway 44 84 17, Brown 24 1-2 5, Lenard 6-9 04 15, Farmer 0-1 64 6, Scott 24 1-2 5, Strickland 44 14 9, Plnckney 04 1-2 Muursepp 3-3 04 4. Totals 43-73 2847 119. TORONTO (19) WIKams 14 0-1 2, Tabak 4-7 04 Wright 6-1 1 1-2 13, Christie 8-13 44 20, Stoudamre 5-14 04 1 1, Benlsmm 1-1 04 2, Earl 2-5 1-2 5, Jones 0-2 1-2 I.

Devil 4-10 04 1, Gaines 2-2 1-1 5, Camby 1-1 04 2. Writes 24 74 12. Hughes 0-3 04 0, Tyler 04 04 0, Smrek 04 04 0. Totals 36-77 15-22 89. 35 25 25 34-119 22 13 24 28- 89 Miami Toronto 3-Point goals-Miami 5-11 (Lenard 3-5, Malerte 1-3, Hardaway 1-3), Toronto 2-11 (Stoudarrerel-lvvhlteside 1-2, WHiams 0-1, Jones 0-1, Hughes 0-1, Devti 0-2, Orttbe 0-2).

Fouled out WIHami, Tabak. Rebounds Miami 53 (Thomas 8), Toronto 44 (Tabak, Stoudarnre, Jones 5). Assists Miami 32 (Hardaway 15), Toronto 9 (Christie 5). Total fouls Miami 23, Toronto 34. A 12,741.

Magic 95, Rockets 13 HOUSTON (83) Berkley 8-12 64 23, Ee 44 1-2 12, Olakiwon 5-11 64 16, Drexler 6-13 2-2 17, Maloney 2-7 1-2 7, Davis 0-1 CM) 0, Mack 24 0-0 5, Jones 0-0 0-0 0, Her nngton 0-2 34 3, Stephens 04 04 0. Total! 2740 19-27 83. ORLANDO (95) Scott 34 04 6, Grant 1-3 04 2, Spencer 2-3 04 4, Anderson 6-11 04 14, Hardaway 7-23 4-5 19, McCaskH 2-5 1-2 5, Royal 1-1 04 2, Wflklns 3-7 2-3 9, Armstrong 4-11 5-5 14, Vaughn 24 44 Strong 44 04 Gray 14 2-2 4. Totals 3644 11-21 95. Mutiny coach, players honored 26 13 24 20-83 18 24 25 26-95 Houston Orlando 3-Polnt goals-Houston 10-25 Drexler 34, Elle 34, Maloney 2-7, Meek 1-3, Berkley 14, Davis 0-1), Orlando 5-18 (Anderson 2-5, Wlklns 1-1, Armstrong 1-3, Hardaway 14, Scott 0-1).

Fouled out Spencer. ReboundsHouston 40 (Barkley 10), Orlando 52 (Vaughn, Anderson 8). Assists Houston 17 (Drexler 6), Orlando 24 (Hvdaway 9). Total fouls Houston 19, Orlando 23. Technicals Barkley 2, Drexler.

Elections Berkley. A 17,248. List, 17C By RODNEY PAGE Timet Staff Writer NBA schedule Volleyball Lake Gibson Tournament SATURDAY'S RESULTS Lakeland George Jenkins d. Clearwater 15-12, 15-11 Seminole d. Flagler 154, 15-2 Lakeland d.

Lake Mary 15-13, 9-15, 15-3 Fletcher Santa Fe 154, 15-5 Lake Gibson d. East Bay 15-5, 15-10 Clearwater Galther 15-4, 15-11 Lakeland George Jenkins Durant 15-7, 9-15, 15-10 East Lake Douglas 154, 15-2 Dr. Philips d. Hernando 15-11, 11-15, 15-7 East Lake Dr. Philips 16-14, 15-9 Durant Galther 13-15, 154, 154 Lakeland Seminole 15-10, 154 Flagler Lake Mary 15-13, 15-11 Fletcher Lake Gibson 1-15, 154, 15-5 East Bay Santa Fe 154, 15-7 MLS championship WHO: Los Angeles Galaxy (23-14) vs.

Washington D.C. United (20-17). WHENWHERE: 3:30 p.m. today, Foxboro Stadium. TV: Chs.28,40.

COACHES: Los Angeles Lothar Osiander. Washington Bruce Arena. PLAYERS TO WATCH: Los Angeles Eduardo Hurtado, Cobi Jones, Mauricio Cienfuegos, Robin Fraser, Mark Semioli, Jorge Campos, GK. Washington Raul Diaz Arce, jaime Moreno, Marco Etcheverry, John Harkes, Jeff Agoos, Mark Simpson, GK. HOW LOS ANGELES GOT HERE: The Galaxy began the season with 12 consecutive wins, only to swoon in the summer before righting itself to win the Western Conference title with a 19-1 3 record.

It beat the San Jose Clash in the opening best-of-three playoff series, then the swept the high-powered Kansas Cfty Wiz. HOW WASHINGTON GOT HERE: The United struggled to a 2-8 record, but buoyed by the return of defenders Eddie Pope and Clint Peay, both U.S. Olympians, and the late addition of Moreno, it finished 16-16 and second in the Eastern Conference. D.C. beat the New YorkNew Jersey MetroStars and swept the league's top team, the Tampa Bay Mutiny.

SERIES HISTORY: Los Angeles leads 2-1, but both its wins were in the first month of the season. NOTES: Los Angeles' strength has been the power of Hurtado, nicknamed 'The Tank," up front and its defense, anchored by the flamboyant, risk-taking Campos, who has moved to a forward position if the team needs a spark. Los Angeles allowed just 1 .53 goals per game during the regular season and 0.6 in the playoffs. But central defender and captain Dan Calichman, named by USA Today as the league's top defender, is suspended for the game after receiving his third yellow card in the finale against Kansas City The United has been the most dominant team in the post-season, scoring 1 1 goals in four games. Arce, Moreno and reserve Steve Rammel are virtually unstoppable if Etcheverry, the playmaker, has time.

Arce has six goals in the playoffs. Yet it better win this game in regulation. It's 1 -4 in shootouts; Los Angeles is 5-4. PREDICTION: Washington 2-1. BRIAN LANDMAN HOCKEY Friday, Nov.

I Chicago at Boston, 7 Cleveland at New Jersey, 7:30 Milwaukee at Philadelphia, 7:30 Washington at Orlando, 7:30 Atlanta at Miami, 7:30 Indiana at Detroit, 7:30 New York et Toronto, 8 San Antonio at Minnesota, 8 Sacramento at Houston, 8:30 Dalas at Denver, 9 Seattle at Utah, 9 Phoenix at LA. Lakers, 10 30 A. Clippers at Golden State, 10:30 Portland at Vancouver, 10:30 Saturday, Nev. 2 Cleveland at Washington, 7:30 Toronto at Charlotte, 7:30 Detroit at Atlanta, 7 30 Miami at Indiana, 7:30 Phlladebhla et Chicago, 130 Boston at Milwaukee, 8:30 Sacramento at Dalles, 1:30 Houston at Phoenix, 9 Portland at Seattle, 10 Utah et LA. dippers, 10:30 Sunday, Nev.

3 Charlotte at New York, 4 Denver et San Antonio, 7 Golden State at Vancouver, 9 Minnesota at L.A. Lakers, 9:30 Mendey, Nev. 4 Houston at Utah 9 Atlanta at Portland, 10 Tueiday, Nev. Dalai at Toronto, 7 San Antonio at Cleveland, 7:30 Detroit at Philadelphia, 7:30 LA. Lakers et New York, I Vancouver at Chicago, 8:30 LA Cappers et Denver, 9 Minnesota at Phoenix, 9 Atlanta at Seattle, 10 Portland at Golden Stete, 10:30 Houston at Sacramento, 1O.30 Wednesday, Nev.

4 Indiana at Boston, 7 San Antonio at Washington, 7:30 A Lakers et Charlotte, 7:30 Dalas at Detroit, 7:30 Chicago at Miami, I Vancouver at Milwaukee, 1:30 Major League Soccer announced its inaugural post-season awards on Saturday, and the Tampa Bay Mutiny was well-represented. Three Mutiny players won awards, which were announced at a banquet in Foxboro, SOCCER Mass- on the eve of the first MLS Cup Championship. Thomas Rongen was named Coach of the Year, midfielder Carlos Valderrama was Most Valuable Player and midfielder Steve Ralston was named Rookie of the Year. Forward Roy Lassiter, who was in the running for MVP, was named to the First 11 team, the equivalent of first-team honors. Lassiter also will be recognized as the league's top scorer.

He had 27 goals during the regular season. Rongen was not a surprising choice. He led the Mutiny to a league-best 20-12 record. Tampa Bay led the Eastern Conference since the first day. Other members of the First 11: goalkeeper Mark Dodd of Dallas; forward Eduardo Hertado of Los Angeles; defenders Robin Fraser of L.A., John Doyle of San Jose and Leonel Alvarez of Dallas; midfielders Preki of Kansas City, Roberto Donadoni of New YorkNew Jersey, Marco Etcheverry of D.C.

United, Mauricio Cienfuegos of L.A. and Valderrama. Doyle beat out Tampa Bay's Cle Kooiman as the Defender of the Year. National Hockey League LATE FRIDAY SUMMARIES Sharks 4, Mighty Ducks 1 Jeff Frtessen, Darren Turcotte and Ron Sutler dHfused Anahertrs Istless power play with shorthanded goeh Friday night as the San Jose Sharks opened a six-game road trip with the victory over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. Oris Terrert made 21 saves for the Sharks, who entered the game with a league-leading 26 goats-against through ther flrsl six games and had the NHL's highest goats-against average last season at 4.37.

I 2 0 1 San Jest Anaheim 1-1 BASKETBALL First period None. Penalties Granato, SJ (hooking), Karpa, Ana (interference), Kerpa, Ana (holding), Sykora, SJ (slashing), 14:17. Second period 1, San Jose, Nolan 1 (Gi, Bodger), 5:34 (pp). 2, San Jose, Frlesen 4, (Nkjnts), 12:54 (sh). 3, Anaheim, Drury 2, 14:21.

Penalties Granato, SJ (high-sticking), Karpa, Ana, double minor (roughing, high-sticking), Granato, SJ (tripping), 11:23, Satei, Ana (boarding), Hawgood, SJ, double minor-maor (roughing, high-sticking, fighting), 19:10, Satei, Ana, makr (fighting), Otausson, Ana (holding), 19:51 NBA Preseason LATf FRIDAY SUMMARIES Mavericks 17, Hermit CHARLOTTE (14) Mason 34 44 10, Getger 1-110-41 Dlvac 5-10 44 3-14 3-3 10, Rice 11-11 54 32, Dek 1-2 3, Rose 2-7 2-2 6, Zldek 1-4042, Curry 24 1-2 5, Lohaus 0-2 040. Totals 2942 19-3114. I 4)i. id ltl irli ift i A 1 i 1 r. r.

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