The Times Leader from Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania • 25

The Times Leaden Wilkes-Barre, PA. Thursday, November 30, 1 995 7B Civcn PCU pteycrs 7 Ml Wrecking Crew cry: 'Forget the Alamo' Penn State has landed seven players on the All-Big Ten Football Team, headed by senior All-Americans Bobby Engram and Jeff Hartlngs and a it. Junior comerback Brian Miller. 1 v. They stay on you until you hurt.

John Mackovic On Texas AP PHOTO OSC coach John Robinson, left, and Northwestern coach Gary Bamett talk to the media Wednesday in Pasadena. Northwestern, Southern Cal step into spotlight Rose Bowl is no place to Hyde AUSTIN. Texas (AP) Texas quarterback Corey Pulllg may have had an off year and the Helsman hopes of running back Lee land McElroy may have been dashed by injuries. But the No. 16' Aggies' "Wrecking Crew" defense has kept on wrecking.

(8-2, 5-1 Southwest Conference) is tops in the nation in total defense, second in passing defense, third in scoring defense and fifth, in rushing defense. All of this has the ninth-ranked Texas Longhoms (9-1-1. 6-0). who have a gimpy quarterback and must travel to College Station on Saturday, infinitely concerned. The game will determine the 81st and final SWC champion, with the winner going to either the Orange or Sugar bowl and the loser facing Michigan In the Alamo Bowl.

The league is disbanding after this year. "Are they (the defense) vulnerable?" Texas coach John Mackovic asked in response to a question. "You are not No. 1 in the nation in total defense after 10 weeks if you're vulnerable. I'm still looking.

Their defense is a cast of all-stars." With Texas quarterback James Brown still recovering from a sprained left ankle, the Longhoms' ability to handle the Aggies' blitz may be the key to the game. Brown, the SWC leader In total offense and pass efficiency, practiced for the first time Tuesday since injuring his ankle against Texas Christian on Nov. 18. He is still listed as questionable, but indicated he will likely play Saturday. which is favored by four points against Texas, has 40 sacks this season, led by rush linebacker Keith Mitchell (13, which is second best in the nation) and Brandon Mitchell (6).

Blanket man-to-man coverage provided by comerbacks Ray Mickens and Donovan Greer has helped lessen the gamble on blitzes. "They stay on you until you hurt," said Mackovic, who has closed practices this week. Engram, a wide receiver and Hartlngs. a guard become the Nittany Lions' initial three-time first team All-Big Ten selections. Both were named to the first team by the coaches and media.

The 1994 Biletnikoff Award winner, Engram led Penn State with 63 receptions for a school record 1084 yards and 11 touchdowns. Engram led the Big Ten In receptions and was highly-ranked in six conference statistical categories. He owns nine school records. A two-time Walter Camp Ail-American, Hartlngs has started 30 consecutive games and has not allowed a sack and only one quarterback pressure this season. Hartlngs has a 95 percent blocking average and was named to the GTE Academic All-Dlsrtlct Team for the time.

Tailback Curtis Enis was selected Big Ten Freshman of the Year by the media. Michigan defensive back Charles Woodson earned the honor from the coaches. Enis led Penn State in rushing with 683 yards and a 6.0 per carry average, best in the conference. The Nittany Lions' other first team member is Brian Miller, who is a two-time first team honoree. Miller led the conference in pass break-ups (19) for the second straight year and was tied for the league lead with five interceptions.

Miller has 39 tackles (28 solo) and has caused two fumbles. Four Penn Staters were selected second team All-Big Ten. Junior placekicker Brett Conway and senior outside linebacker Terry Killens were chosen by the media and coaches. Senior offensive linemen Keith Conlin and Andre Johnson were named to the coaches second team, along with Miller. Three Lions earned honorable mention: senior defensive end Todd Atkins, Junior safety Kim Herring and senior guard Marco Rivera.

Texas hopes to counter defense with the most balanced offense in the SWC. Running backs Shon Mitchell (1,010 yards) and Ricky Williams (827 yards) have given Texas its best tandem since Earl Campbell (1.744 yards) I and Ham Jones (489 yards) In' 1977. "In the past, if we ranjthe ball and got some yards we considered it a luxury," Mackovic said. "Now we can run and pass." Texas' defense says its ready to meet the challenge of the Wrecking Crew. "For us to win, we have to be better than the Wrecking Crew." said Longhoms linebacker Tyson King.

"We will have to be the Demolition Crew, or something. If. they hold us to three points, we are going to have to shut them out." The Longhoms' effort will be, compounded by home field advantage. The Aggies have the nation's longest home winning streak at 3 1 games. Pulllg has been criticized, even by coach R.C.

Slocum, for failing to ignite an offense that ranks in the middle of the pack in the SWC. "Corey's caught a lot of flak," said Texas defensive tackle Shane Rink. "But you can count the number of games he's lost (5) on. one hand since he's been there. He's a solid player." McElroy has struggled with nagging injuries and even sat out one game this year, but still averages 108.6 yards on the ground and 164.4 all-purpose yards.

"We've got to stop Leeland. He is so much of their offense," Rink said. "But we've got to go straight to the heart of their offense and that's Corey Pulllg." couple of tickets on the 50-yard line. "There are a lot of people coming out of the woodwork, and that's OK, because there's room on our bandwagon," he said. "There are no tickets, but there's room." Northwestern, ranked third nationally, will bring a 10-1 record into the Rose Bowl on Jan.

1. USC, ranked 18th. is 8-2-1. Robinson spoke of Northwestem's emergence and said, "We, on the other hand, have not had a magical season. From mldseason on, we have been wildly inconsistent, very much a Jekyll and Hyde type of team." The Rose Bowl win be only the second postseason appearance ever by Northwestern.

The Wildcats beat California in the 1949 game. USC's Trojans, meanwhile, will be making their 28th trip to the Rose Bowl, where they are 19-8. but their first in six years. Robinson, now in the third year of his second stint as the Trojans' coach, took them to the Rose Bowl in 1977. 1979 and 1980.

and won all three. Robinson noted that his first trip to the Rose Bowl was when he was a scrub on the football team at Oregon. PASADENA. Calif. (AP) Northwestern coach Gary Bamett is happy for the Wildcats to meet Ker-mit the Frog.

But throwing Jekyll and Hyde into the mix confuses him. Kermit will toady up as grand marshal of the 1996 Rose Parade. Jekyll and Hyde is the description USC coach John Robinson applies to his own team. Welcome to Hollywood, Wildcats. "I'm going to go watch the Jekyll and Hyde movie because I don't know which one I want showing up," Bamett Joked Wednesday as Northwestern was represented at the Rose Bowl coaches' press conference for the first time in 46 years.

"Are Jekyll and Hyde their quarterbacks?" Bamett, considered something of a miracle worker for turning perennial loser Northwestern into the Big Ten champion, said the upcoming trip to the Rose Bowl is causing quite a stir back home. "Evanston. the entire Chicago area has gone crazy over what's happened." he said. "It didn't happen all of a sudden. It happened over the course of the year.

It's changed the whole atmosphere on campus." And Bamett suddenly Is hearing from long lost friends inquiring about the possibility of getting a Manheim- guardsman plus I TrollHondler IT pi5vaosi3 tD.J3 Lj VSrGLJU I mLJ 1 i VL 1 1 AS LOW AS A A GQ P16SS0SI13 S3199 9 P1957SK140WI HH.JJJJ P17580SD13 34 99 jf I P1S5SOSD13 36 99 'iWI I P1957M150WI $48 99 37 99 1 II I lf2S I P20575W5OWL 5199 P1957SMM4 3699 3 I LI II I I I P21575K150WL 52.99 VmrA 42 99 3 UaUU VafiT I P2257S150Wl 54.99 P21V75SB 44 99 3 'If Vk P23575H150WI 69.99 P22V7SSRS 4S99 1 ll I ft IT 1 9575 140WI 63 99 mVTSslis 47 99 I I I 1 CT LT21575P150WI 67.9 17570SBI38W 39 99 VV 1 1 1 IT2357SH1 50WI 74.99 18570W13SW 42.99 4 JNV 1 1 LT235BSR16BW 81 99 99 Ir-O if m-, I i-f trSf MX9150W T4M KMXuBW 49 99 NtMtLJ mA I. 1 1 1 11 1 1 1 rr I CI 31X10 50R15OWI 77.99 P2I570SK150W 52.99 1 I CLOSfOUT-WHItE OUANTtTIf LAST internal problems. From the Solanco game, a 44-0 Manheim Central victory, it has been smooth sailing. "We were all being selfish and worried about our own stats." Nagy said. "The captains got the team together and set down the rules.

Things have been much better since." The key to the Barons' tremendous offensive success has been the diversity. "Last year against Berwick, we tried a lot of different formations." Nagy said. "We passed the ball a lot We went to the plays and formations that worked. That's what we're going to have to do again this year." The other obvious point of emphasis for Nagy and the Manheim offense is turnovers. Nagy threw for 1 18 yards and one touchdown in Manheim Central's 38-14 victory over Shamokin in the Eastern semis last Friday night.

However, the Barons committed two turnovers and allowed the Indians to hang around until the fourth quarter. "We almost have to play a perfect game." the senior quarterback said. "We can't make mistakes and expect to win." Nagy and his teammates are confident enough that they expect to win. Coming so close last year has only heightened that confidence. "We think we have a pretty good team." he said.

"We know what we have to do to win. WeVe all been looking forward to getting back to this point" If Nagy has his way. hell be dancing in the dark after Saturday's game. (Continued from Page IB) clock. "They were in a prevent defense, so the middle was left open.

We took advantage. On the last play, we ran a trips formation to the left. I rolled out left and was looking for Tyler Harris, who was sliding into an open area in the middle of the field. "I Just led him too much. As soon as I threw It I knew it was going to be picked off." After picking up the pieces last December, Nagy has waited for a second chance.

His chance comes Saturday afternoon at Wilkes-Barre Memorial Stadium when Manheim Central (13-0) and Berwick (13-0) collide in the PIAA Class AAA Eastern final. Game time is 1 p.m. The winner advances to the state final Friday, Dec. 8 at Altoona's Mansion Park. Nagy has orchestrated another dominant offensive explosion by the Barons, throwing for 1,928 yards and 21 touchdowns.

He's also run for 358 yards and six scores as the Barons have racked up 5,698 yards total offense. "Early in the year, we were winning but we weren't playing up to our capabilities," Nagy admitted. "We were playing down to the competition. Once we got things straightened out, we've played much better." Coach Mike Williams' team has outscored foes. 533-90.

in their 13 victories. The Barons have scored 48.3 points per game in the seven games since a team meeting worked out some prior SuperOuord GT wmtouI warranty 46.99 AS LOW AS P1857SSS14 TrollHondler AT ASLOWAS RAQQ LT1 957501 4 3H.JJ IT21575R15 S82 99 LT23575R15 64.99 LT23585016RBI 8499 30X8 5015 71 99 31X10 50R15 74.99 32X11.5015 84 99 9.5016 5RBI 91.99 CtOSEOUT-WMU OUANTTTIES LAST Sokoloski (Continued from Page 1 B) list after aggravating one of his wrist injuries, and bad-mouthed the Phillies for mistreating his injuries. They were all special to a Phillies team that plummeted without them, finishing well behind the' Braves in the revamped National League East last year. Looks like they still are. Now Thomas keeps seeing the ghosts of glory past He keeps talking about bringing back guys from the glory days to take their swings at Veterans Stadium this year.

Hollins would like to come back to Philadelphia, and Thomas said he'd welcome the return of the city's most intense player since Pete Rose. Incaviglia had a miserable time in Japan, and Thomas wouldn't mind having him back at the Vet again, too. This happens to general managers who sit around a deserted office in November waiting for the cheers to come again. If he keeps looking through that black book. Thomas can probably find the phone numbers of Kruk and Williams, too.

And 1996 can turn into one long reunion at Veterans Stadium. That 1993 team did not have the best talent in the National League, but over-achieved because its pieces who wene mainly castoffs from other organizations fit so nicely together it puzzled all of baseball. They were a fun bunch who bonded In an all-for-one attitude that never let Philadelphia quit no matter how high the odds piled up against the Phillies. They were all looking to prove their worth to a city that wondered if it was ever going to watch another winner pop out of the home dugout and to their former teams who threw the towel in on them. It's doubtful the Phillies can find that same chemistry, or camaraderie, by digging Into their past Love affairs are never quite the same the second time around.

But general managers can always dream. Paul Sokoloski is a Times Leader sports writer. S49 99 153 56 99 46 99 62 99 WW MM 60 99 62 62 99 65 99 P19575S814 P20575S14 P20575SS15 P17570S138W P185V70SB14 P19V70SR148W P2O570S14 P20S70SB1S P21570S81S P20VSS1S6W P21565SR15 1 RoodHandler SCR I A Weattierwtse 1 man wununtf 75 99 SPECIAL OttDf SMALLER STORES Twn lie ass, 29.99 1 i i S32 99 DUELER APT XCIT4 )j 141TV1WW I 1MT11MW I 165HIM I USttMiW 50.000-mtH $54 99 99 1 62 99 66 99 MM M9 699 72 99 P18V7M14 P19SV75KI4 P2057SR14 P20V7M15 P21575II1S P21670914 P2OS70R15 P21S.70R1S 1 WSffVIKIJGW 1S570TH1MW 17V70TH14BW 74.99 AS LOW AS P215V7S915 37 44 9 52 53 99 57 59M 1 6499 7 99 72 99 71 99 AltOWAI IT1M7S4I40M 74.99 19V70n)14W 2OV70T'BW UV45TK1WW 195W3THI4IW SS4 92 99 131 99 11299 P23S758150WL LT2575I60WI 3im0.5OltOWl 7 76 99 76 99 73 99 P20S7SM1S P21V66R19 Thm 122 acri.i none, tun I tm nnMI XCAT P235515 579 99 P22570R14 69 99 P25570RI5 64 99 IT19375C14 70 99 17215515 (2 99 LT23V7501S 69 99 LT2rV75BK 104 99 LT2V7516 107 99 LT235m5l( II 103 99 30X9 5015 89 99 31X105013 9999 52X11 5015 107 99 9 5011.5 125 99 TTKU 1 89.99 Army- IT23575D1SOWL S97 99 30X9 50l5OWl 1 )04 99 31X105OR15OWI 10999 (Continued from Page IB) M601 94501 DIUUO Mugs Our lowest Savo 10-30 on ALL wh4l chrgrl 1 priced WRh (rod Thru 1224 installed instal ikmi j. 1br4 ttWlacPhi 1 MacPherson rr-r Tl Immt mimH1i yo'M btavl Avoob mot mini'SiniiH minl-s C7-OD 12J I jvs MO 1 are Just Standard Muz2lf muffler with Ufstlmo FREE replacement! up, was to go out there and re-establish the importance of Army football. I think the class has laid the foundation for a great season next year.

We may finish .500. and people may say that 5-5-1 isn't good, but behind the scenes there are a lot of things that were a benefit to our season." The Navy game is pivotal for Army in more ways than one. A victory will allow the Black Knights to avoid a losing season. A loss could cost coach Bob Sutton his Job. if the Air Force game didn't already.

He's in the final year of a five-year contract "There's going to be ups and downs." Sutton said. "It happens in every game to every team. We've got one more swing now. "Our biggest game Is going to be a close game. They're going to come In with a lot of moment dm." W6 DioHatdGold on the game's final play.

Washington walked off with a 21-13 victory when the clock ran out with Army at the Huskies 1. And only a great tackle by Notre Dame's Ivory Covington on a 2-polnt conversion try in the final minute prevented the Black Knights from upsetting the Irish. Instead, they lost 28-27. "That's never going to go away," guard Joel Davis said. "I know there's going to be times when I wake up in the middle of the night and say, "Damn.

I wish we beat Notre Dame and Air Force and But I'm never going to get that back. "But there are a lot of good things that have come out of this season," Davis said. "One thing we set out to do as seniors, regardless how this season ends; Mfan to at lana at vou own votff vtmcm (nvworvnr4a an MM fUWOA MO TO VttWCU WU (HOf MV04U7 TO ovodoM toy kmkk otOv onv GOLF BALL SALE Of ANY SItOUtMUG 717 470 47? WATI9T0W JI5 144 4O00 WIIKIS AOf III 429 077 KWITUHt W'll 711 1744 SCAMI0 711 J44 7754 IHOVIXNrJOWN UAH J15 445 3W5 UIICT WW MM MOM JI5 7J 90 45 06 ITHACA 07 751 4774 jotmso CITY 101 IM O0 J15 IM 3541 UHIT0WIt 4K 11 7774 JUWUM J1J 1V 3711 111 Ml 2H2 315 IMI Cl 115 57 WOO fATITTrvilll 315 437 1174 1 1 Li it MM PACK ri Mnurv Alp Center foglGolf anup to? im.