The Pantagraph from Bloomington, Illinois • Page 14

Pantagraph Normal, III. Rams favored to beat Cards today f-r-h1 3 9 i I 4 vrr Cfiudc Knox Los Angeles I -v 'Vf I if 1 I 1 i. I I I I I i 1 I F3altimore takes on Steelers Don Coryell St. Louis Steelers won the Central Division crown. Doughty's "bakers" feature former Penn State star Lydell Mitchell, who ran for 1,193 yards and caught 60 passes during the regular season.

"He does everything well; run, catch, block," says Steeler Coach Chuck Noll. "They want to get the ball to Mitchell. Throw to him short. He's a good screen runner." Mitchell became Baltimore's first rusher this season. Franco Harris, Mitchell's, close friend and former Penn State teammate, surpassed the mark for the third time B-2 Dec.

27, 1975 Young's Yarns HAPPY HUNTING GROUNDS Dee Andros, the young Greek, who gained his start as a football coach under Pete Elliott, and who was named director of athletics at Oregon State recently, picked Craig Fertig, a former USC athlete to try and get the Corvallis, collegians out of the pea patch. Fertig was the assistant coach of the ill-fated Portland Storm of the World Football League in its first season, but learned most of his football from John McKay, who is leaving USC soon to take over the new Tampa club in the NFL-. Andros is smart enough to know that most of the good football talent in the Pacific Coast Conference is in Southern California, where Fertig has his rootSj and recruiting being what it is, he knows that to have a winner in Oregon State, that he must reach into the Southern California area. Paul J. Schissler, a successful state college coach at Lombard college at Galesburg, took Rody Lamb and his key men from the Universalist college ta 1 1 I I I A lorvaiiis wun mm wnen ne movea wesi.

Schissler did very well until his Lombard talent ran out, and he had to select six assistants and you can bet your best dollar he'll rely heavily on men who know the brand of beef in Southern California. NO EASY HILL TO CLIMB Rome wasn't built in a day, and champions aren't built over night. This was never brought home more vividly than this weekend when Norris Hulvey arrived here from Los Angeles to spend the holidays with home folk. Hulvey was the center and a key man on the only Normal high school basketball team to reach the Sweet 16 aj Champaign. He is an executive with the International airport in Los Angeles.

It was 39 years between trips for 3 Normal high team to again become a-member of the fortunate 16 finalists when Mike Wells and his gang attained this goal seven years ago, if you think time doesn't fly. DID YOU KNOW THAT-Scott Pern-berton, who gained his start as a writer with the Pantagraph, is now assistant editor of Kiwanis International in Chicago. Pemberton, a brilliant student, is a son of Jim Pemberton, local business man who was a member of that famed-NCHS five that reached the Sweet 16" when Ralph Arends attained a goal that took more than a half-century. Jim, captained the 1942 Ironmen, whom, Arends took to the state finals at Huff; gymnasium, and a remarkable athlete for a small youth of 136 pounds. B.H.

Bass, successful ISU diamond chief who won the national baseball championship in 1969, and his family are spending the holidays in Florioa, taking in the national clinic for on the Illinois State campus will be sorry to learn that Southwestern- Missouri State's athletic council failed' to renew Don Cross' contract as head football coach at the Springfield, Mo." Gross served as line coach here for five years prior to going to SMS seven years- ago. The red-head took over a losing cause at Springfield and had winning' seasons in 1974 and '75. was a young- sports writer named Frank Cooney who discovered O.J. Simpson, who was then a student at City College in San Francisco. Cooney was high on Simpson, then an unknown, and what happened? The next year Mr.

Simpson was at USC and from there he went on to stardom and today is one of the more valuable pieces of brie brack in the National Football League Tech backfield coach Dav tsraine nas resigned 10 accept a more lucrative post at Vern Rapp, onetime Three-eye leaguer who has guided the Indianapolis Indians of the American Association tor the last seven years, has been named manager of the league rival Denver Bears, where Harv Schmidt moved last show that Mike Bonczyk put on at Horton Monday night was one of the greatest performances this correspondent has ever watched in a half-century of writing: The former Thornridge star was all over the place, feeding and shooting phenominally. The way things are now, you're lucky if you can make one end meet. Blackburn named Whalers head coach HARTFORD (AP) Left winger Don; Blackburn was named coach of the New; England Whalers Friday, succeeding Jack Kelley, who will return to Colby College in Maine next season as varsity hockey coach. Ron Ryan, a consultant, scout and former Whalers coach, was named gen eral manager of the World Hockey Association team. HOUR COLOR FILM SERVICE Kodacolor II Vencolor II In by 8:30.

Out by 4:30. DAY SERVICE kLINCOLN COLOR LAB 1015 Lalayene Streel Off Daily 7 30 5 30 Sal 8 30 30 (0) (0) LOS ANGELES (AP) St. Louis won in the East and Los Angeles in the West, and their playoff clash today based on regular season records comes as a classic matchup of offense vs. defense. In this case, the Rams' defense is favored by six points at the 3:05 p.m.

CST kickoff. Riddled by injuries to the offense recently, the Western Division winners of the National Football Conference nevertheless wound up their season 12-2 with an upset 10-3 victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh Steelers. Los Angeles Coach Chuck Knox said he' would not know until game time whether regular James Harris or re serve Ron Jaworski would open at quarterback. Meanwhile, St. Louis, 11-3, arrived in Los Angeles in good physical condition.

Second in scoring During the regular season, St. Louis scored 356 points, second in the NFC, and tied for second in total offense at 353.9 yards per game. Los Angeles gave up only 135 points, fewest in the NFL and second lowest ever in a 14-game league schedule. Opponents of the Rams averaged just 237.3 yards per game, and Los Angeles permitted only 15 touchdowns during the season and just three during their six-game winning string at the end of the season. The defenders also sacked opposing quarterbacks 43 times, second in the NFC, while St.

Louis protected quarterback Jim Hart stoutly and only eight sacks were recorded against the Cardinals. Tough defensive "This will be our toughest game of the year from the offensive standpoint because the Rams are so tough defensively," said Coach Don Coryell of St. Louis. So came the rejoinder from Knox, "This will be the biggest challenge for our defense because the Cardinals have such a potent offense with so many all-pros on the team. They've got to have a great offensive line when their fullback gains over 1,000 yards and the quarterback was sacked only eight times." Los Angeles gets fullback Lawrence McCutcheon back for the playoffs after a pulled thigh muscle kept the team's leading rusher out of the Pittsburgh game.

McCutcheon, who surpassed the mark in 1973 and 1974, rushed for 911 during the regular season. Leading rusher Jim Otis, the Cardinals' fullback, gained 1,076 yards to head the NFC. And Terry Metcalf set an NFL record for the combination of rushing, pass catching and kick returns with 2,464 yards. A crowd of 75,000 is expected for the game. The weather forecast is for clear skies and warm temperatures.

The game will be televised nationally but the Los Angeles area will be blacked out. There was some additional good news from the medical front for the Rams. Offensive tackle Charlie Cowan reported his injured ankle felt much beter although he hasn't worked out this week, and reserve fullback John Cappelletti, who suffered from mononucleosis, has been given clearance to play. Wenona gains title game berth at Spring Valley GAMES TONIGHT 6:00 Putnam County vs. LaMoille (Consolation) 7:30 DePue vs.

Spring Valley Hall (Third Place) 9:00 Buda Western vs. Wenona (Championship) SPRING VALLEY (PNS) Wenona High School advanced to the championship game of the Spring Valley Hall Basketball Tournament by defeating the host school, 66-63, in the semifinals Friday night. Wenona will play Buda Western for the tourney title tonight. In Friday's other game, LaMoille moved into the consolation bracket title game with a 6040 victory over Mid-County of Varna. Kurt Scheuer led Wenona in its victory with 22 points.

Mike Flahaven poured in 21, and Dave Scheuer had 12. Mark Lucas led the losers with 30 points. Spring Valley Hall took a 33-30 lead into the second half, but by the end of the third quarter, Wenona led 4745, and held on to win. Wenona Spring 16 30 47 66 9 33 45 63 WENONA Flahaven 8-5-21, Hatton 2-3-7, Ralph 1-0-2, K. Scheuer 10-2-22, Matern 0-2-2, D.

Scheuer 4-4-12. Total- 25-1646. SPRING VALLEY-HALL Balkouskl 2-0-4, Giacometti 3-2-8, Lucas 10-10-30, Jeppson 2-6-10, Jaskowiak 3-0-6, Lehn 2-1-5. Totals 22-19-63. San Francisco nips Niagara, 60-57 PROVIDENCE, R.I.

(AP) Jim Hardy sunk two foul shots with two seconds left Friday night, and the 14th-ranked University of San Francisco Dons edged Niagara 60-57 in the opening game of the Ocean State Basketball Classic. AutoFireLife INSURANCE Like good nrigtibor. Stacr Firm thm Dick Nolan fired "'r ft' Ted Marchibroda Baltimore this year in his four-year career with Pittsburgh. Mitchell, meanwhile, is well aware of the Steeler front four, which has a habit of playing best when it counts the most. "We'll have to know what we're doing on every play," he said.

"We can't go into the game with a lot of fancy plans reverses and options. We've got to do what got us here." Pittsburgh's defense has had 43 quarterback sacks this season. Baltimore's defensive line, known as the "Looney Tunes," leads the league with 59. "They're well-peopled. They have ex- mnrh V-4 I I candidates in mind as replacements," but he mentioned no names.

He said he hopes to sign a replacement for Nolan "as soon as practicably possible." There was no immediate comment from Nolan, who was a his home in suburban Atherton, Calif. He had come under criticism of fans and some of the media during the recently-ended season because of the 49ers' uncertain quarterback situation and inability to develop a running attack from what appeared to be an abundance of young talent. Nolan came to the 49ers in 1968 and piloted the club to division championships in 1970-71-72. In all three years the 49ers lost to Dallas in the playoffs, the first time in the opening round and the last two times for the National Conference championship. A native of Pittsburgh, the 43-year-old Nolan was a defensive back with the New York Giants from 1954-57 and a safety from 1959 through 1961.

He spent 1958 with the Chicago Cardinals. He was a player-coach at Dallas under Tom Landry in 1962 before becoming a full-time defensive coach with the Cowboys. Spadia declined to elaborate on his announcement, other than to say he "felt a change was needed." He said he had notified nolan earlier Friday afternoon. Nolan had concentrated most of his efforts on the defense, letting his assistants do most of the work on the offense. Last season the defense ranked fifth among the 14 National Conference teams; the offense was sixth.

The 49ers acquired veteran Norm Snead in a trade with the New York Giants midway in the 1974 season in an effort to find a No. 1 quarterback to succeed John Brodie who retired in 1973. Snead began last season as starting quarterback but yielded the job to Steve Spurrier midway in the season. Second-year pro Tom Owen got a trial in the final three games, going all the way in the season finale, a 26-23 loss to the New York Giants. X-rays negative on Haywood's wrist NEW YORK (AP) X-rays of Spencer Haywood's left wrist were negative, the New York Knicks said Friday.

Doctors said Haywood had suffered a sprained wrist in Thursday night's game against Philadelphia. The wrist will be wrapped and Haywood will play in tonight's National Basketball Association game against the New Orleans Jazz. I vt Chucc No Pittsburgh ceptional personnel. A physical team," Noll said. "Trying to stay on top is the true test," he continued.

"Some people have a strange picture. They think you reach a level and just stay there. They don't realize it's a heck of a job, week after week, season after season." "I know we're playing a team that's favored to repeat as Super Bowl champions," Baltimore Coach Ted Marchibroda says. "But I also know that if we're going to be in the Super Bowl, we have to beat the champions." Sherrill named head grid coach at Wash. State.

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) Jackie Sherrill, who in three years has helped Coach Johnny Majors mold Pittsburgh into a college football power, was named head football coach at Washington State University Friday. The 32-year-old former University of Alabama star succeeds Jim Sweeney, who resigned last month after eight seasons at the Pacific-8 Conference school. Sherrill's appointment was announced by WSU President Glenn Terrell on the recommendation of Athletic Director Ray Nagel. Sherrill played on three bowl teams under Bryant at Alabama.

He was a fullback and captain of the 1966 Orange Bowl team that defeated Nebraska 39-28. 76ers outlast Braves, 96-95 PHILADELPHIA (AP) -Philadelphia's George McGinnis flipped in a delayed action layup with 42 seconds left and the 76ers held on in a wild finish to defeat the Buffalo Braves 96-95 Friday night in a National Basketball Association game. Buffalo's Bob Weiss tightened it up six seconds later with a layup. Then McGinnis fouled out after being tagged with an offensive foul as he drove for another score. Three times Buffalo missed easy rebound tap-ins.

With four seconds left Philadelphia lost the ball and Brave Coach Jack Ramsey called a time out to regroup. Weiss tossed the inbound pass to Jim McMillian, whose shot missed from the right corner as the game ended. Buffalo's Randy Smith, who fouled out with three minutes left, was high scorer with 32 points as the Braves saw their four-game winning streak ended. BUFFALO (95) McMillian 7 3-3 17, Heard 6 2-4 14, Schlueter 4 0-0 8, Charles 3 0-1 6, Smith 9 14-20 32, Weiss 2 0-0 4, McMillen 0 1-2 1, Adams 0 0-0 0, Gibbs 5 3-3 13. Totals 36 23-33 PHILADELPHIA (96) McGinnis 11 9-11 31, Mix 4 5-8 13, Catchings 1 0-0 2, Collins 9 6-7 24, Carter 7 3-7 17, Lee 1 1-2 3, Free 1 0-2 2, Bryant 0 0-0, Norman 2 0-0 4, Baskerville 0 0-0 0.

Totals 36 24-37. Buffalo Philadelphia 25 J4 26 20-M 26 It 26 2S 6 Fouled out: Smith, McGinnis, Catchings. Total fouls: Buffalo 31, Philadelphia 31. Technical: Smith. 14,3.

STEAKS at oawyjj PITTSBURGH (AP) The Baltimore Colts plan to serve up their "shake and 'bake" offense for Saturday' American Football Conference playoff menu with Pittsburgh, but the Steelers are aiming to keep the Colts on the back burner. "Man, when our offense is cookin', we're shaking' and We call ourselves the Shake-and-Bake Squad," says Colt wide receiver Glenn Doughty. The Colts lost four of their first five games this season but made the National Football League's most abrupt turnaround with nine straight victories and the AFC East Division title. The Idle McAcoo, Braves still disagreeing BUFFALO (AP) WTiile the Buffalo Braves journeyed to Philadelphia for a National Basketball Association game against the 76ers Friday night. Braves' star Bob McAdoo sat out a suspension at home.

Braves owner Paul Snyder suspended McAdoo indefinitely on Wednesday after the NBA's leading scorer complained of an aching back that kept him out of a Tuesday night game and then refused a second physical examination. Although McAdoo said Friday he now feels fine, he and Snyder were still at loggerheads. "I think I deserve an apology or something before I play," said McAdoo. "They sort of made me feel foolish. They said I wouldn't play, but I couldn't play." And Snyder said, "The suspension is lifted as soon as he shows up to play.

Until he comes back he will be fined the same as any other player." McAdoo, averaging 31.3 points a game, was suspended just as the Braves appeared to be making a run for the lead in the NBA Atlantic Division. The Braves won their last four games, including a victory over the Boston Celtics Tuesday night, and going into riday night's game were 32 games behind the Celtics for the division lead. More important at the moment, the Braves are only 2li games behind Philadelphia with back-to-back games scheduled with the 76ers Friday night in Philadelphia and Saturday night in Buffalo. Corzine ignites DePaul to 73-57 win DETROIT (LTD Sophomore center Dave Corzine sank four free throws in a 10-point scoring burst late in the first half Friday night to give DePaul a lead it never lost in defeating George Washington, 73-57, in the opening round of the Motor City Tournament. Host University of Detroit, led by sophomore center Terry Tyler's career-high 27 points, knocked off Wyoming, 74-66, in the second game, and will play DePaul today.

DePaul, 7-1, never trailed during the game, but was severely tested when the Colonials pulled to within one point, 19-18, at the 13-minute mark of the first half. The Blue Demons rallied, scoring the last 10 points of the period to roll up a halftime lead of 44-30. Wins at Calder MIAMI (AP) Run to the Bank won i.iie feature race Friday at Calder. AQczrCL' VO V- I SAN FRANCISCO (AP) Dick Nolan was fired Friday as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. The announcement was made by Louis G.

Spadia, president and general manager of the National Football League club. Nolan had served eight seasons as 49ers' head coach longer than any previous San Francisco coach except the first one, Buck Shaw, who served nine years. Nolan's over-all record was 54-53-5, but the 49ers were 5-9 in 1975 and 16-26 in the last three years. Spadia said he has "a number of Mackinaw gains 68-64 victory at Princeville GAMES TONIGHT 7:00 Knoxville vs. Wyoming 8:45 Deer Creek-Mackinaw vs.

Ouniap PRINCEVILLE (PNS) Deer Creek-Mackinaw battled back from a halftime deficit to defeat Knoxville, 68-64, in a first-round game of the Princeville High School Holiday Basketball Tournament Friday afternoon. In other first-round action, Dunlap beat Wyoming, 67-56; Bradford tripped Elmwood, 65-54, and host Princeville lost to Toulon, 7(V68. Deer Creek-Mackinaw overcame a 35-34 halftime deficit and an 18-17 rebounding deficit to defeat Knoxville. The Chiefs shot 50 per cent from the field to 42 per cent for Knoxville. Jeff Miller led the winners with 20 points, while Randy Smith had 19.

Miller and Smith each scored eight points in the decisive fourth quarter. AFTERNOON GAME Deer Knoxville 21 34 49 68 16 35 48 64 DEER CREEK-MACKINAW Jacobs 4 3-11, Miller 8-4-20, N. SchmidqaM 4-0-8. S. Schmidgall 2-1-5, Smith 8-3-19, Magarity 0-0-0, Cornwell 0-0-0, Thurmond 1-3-5.

Totals 27-14 68 KNOXVILLE-Albright 5 5-15, Fleisner 2-1-5, Shenaut4-10, Moore 2-1-5, Luf kin 7-0-14, Clark 4-0 8, Lockwood 1-0-2, Reynolds 1-3-5, Hangehah 0-0-0, Johnson 0-0-0, Bailey 0-0-0. Totals 25-14-64. Basketball today LOCAL Idaho State at Illinois State (7:30 p.m.) HIGH SCHOOL Area teams Involved in tournaments at Chatsworth, Eureka (Woodford County Invitational), Havana, Mason City, Monticello, Ottawa (Marquette), Princeville, Rockford, Spring Valley. COLLEGE STATE DePaul In Motor City Tournament Western Illinois at St. Joseph's BIG 10 Minnesota In Pillsbury Classic Iowa in Rainbow Classic Indiana In New York Holiday Festival Northwestern in Far West Classic MISSOURI VALLEY Kent State at Bradley Roosevelt at Southern Illinois ph.

129-3051.