Sports

Sports coverage from the Orlando Sentinel:

• High school scores and top performers from Saturday, Oct. 23 October 24, 2021
  Conference cross country meets taking place on Saturday with a close race for the Metro East boys title between Timber Creek, Orlando University and Boone, and 0.07 seconds separating the top two boys in the Metro West race.
  Steve Gorches, Correspondent
• Hurricanes safety Avantae Williams makes college debut against N.C. State October 24, 2021
  Twenty months after originally signing with the Miami Hurricanes as part of their 2020 recruiting class, second-year safety Avantae Williams finally made his long-awaited college debut during UM’s matchup with N.C. State on Saturday at Hard Rock Stadium.
  Khobi Price
• Out of the way! NASCAR contenders want traffic to pull aside as Kansas looms October 24, 2021
  A conversation on driver code and on-track etiquette is raging in NASCAR, and with it comes debate about the expectations of non-playoff drivers.
  JENNA FRYER
• FSU’s confidence grows as Seminoles move toward bowl eligibility with blowout of UMass October 23, 2021
  Florida State scored five rushing touchdowns as the Seminoles ran past visiting UMass, 59-3, on Saturday.
  Matt Murschel
• Dolphins waive quarterback, promote WR Isaiah Ford October 23, 2021
  The Miami Dolphins waive quarterback Reid Sinnett to create a spot on the 53-man roster for much-needed wide receiver depth.
  Omar Kelly
• Dolphins finding more problems than solutions, heading into Falcons matchup on five-game skid October 23, 2021
  The Miami Dolphins' Week 7 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons would've been an afterthought in the preseason, but with so much going wrong for the Dolphins, Miami enters as a home underdog.
  David Furones
• Orlando City faces top-ranked New England Revolution amid playoff push October 23, 2021
  Lions captain Luis Nani hasn’t scored a goal since August, but to compete with the Revolution they'll need more production.
  Julia Poe
• UCF football lands commitment from top RB target Jordan McDonald October 23, 2021
  UCF was chosen over South Carolina, but the commitment isn't binding until the running back signs his letter of intent in December.
  Jason Beede
• Olympic sprinter Álex Quiñónez, 32, is fatally shot in Ecuador October 23, 2021
  Ecuadorian sprinter Álex Quiñónez was fatally shot in the port city of Guayaquil, police said early Saturday.
  Associated Press staff
• Hyde: Drafts? Play-calling? Here’s the unspoken area the Dolphins are a decade-long disaster | Commentary October 23, 2021
  For a past decade, one region's decisions have doomed the Dolphins.
  Dave Hyde
• Game time: Fast facts, odds, injury report and key info for Miami Dolphins (1-5) vs. Atlanta Falcons (2-3) October 23, 2021
  Key info, odds, series history and other noteworthy items for the Miami Dolphins' matchup with the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 of the 2021 season.
  David Furones
• Shaquille O’Neal’s Isleworth huge mansion finally sells but only for $11 million October 23, 2021
  The mansion owned by Shaquille O'Neal in the Isleworth community of Windermere has reportedly sold for $11 million to an undisclosed buyer.
  Trevor Fraser
• Franz Wagner seizes spotlight while Magic struggle out of the gate October 23, 2021
  With the starting guard play from Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs sub-par (7-for-31), Franz Wagner made half of his 12 shots vs. the Knicks.
  Matt Murschel
• 3 things we learned from UCF’s 24-7 win vs. Memphis October 23, 2021
  Here are 3 things we learned from UCF's 24-7 win over Memphis.
  Jason Beede
• Magic need Jalen Suggs to save franchise | Commentary October 23, 2021
  Can Magic rookie Jalen Suggs become the superstar the Magic haven't had since Dwight Howard?
  Mike Bianchi
• Orlando Magic drop home opener to New York Knicks, 121-96 October 23, 2021
  Orlando had hoped for a home-court advantage when the Magic took to the floor of the Amway Center for the first time this season against the New York Friday night. But it was the Knicks who capitalized on the energy brought by a large contingent of New York fans as they cruised to a 121-96 blowout win.
  Matt Murschel
• UCF’s defense leads the way with 3 INTs in win over Memphis October 23, 2021
  UCF came up with three interceptions in the fourth quarter as the Knights won 24-7 over Memphis.
  Jason Beede
• FSU set to host UMass, hoping to make it 3 straight wins for the first time since 2017 October 23, 2021
  Fresh off a bye week, Florida State returns to action hosting UMass Saturday with a chance for the Seminoles to earn their first three-game winning streak since 2017.
  Matt Murschel
• SEC, Big 12 showdowns highlight busy Week 8 in college football October 23, 2021
  Several key matchups in the SEC and Big12 highlight a busy Week 8 in college football.
  Matt Murschel
• Sanford Seminole claims football district title in convincing win vs. Lake Mary October 23, 2021
  Seminole forced Lake Mary into 4 turnovers during its Homecoming win Friday night.
  J.C. Carnahan
• Jones crushes Lake Minneola for football district title October 23, 2021
  Jones High scored on five of its first six possessions on their way to a victory against Lake Minneola that clinched another district title for the Tigers.
  Jeff Gardenour, Correspondent
• Jayden Gibson’s INT helps West Orange edge Osceola for title October 23, 2021
  West Orange stopped a 12-year district winning streak by Kissimmee Osceola and captured a district football championship on Friday night.
  J. Daniel Pearson III, Correspondent
• Lake Brantley runs to rally past Ocoee for district lead October 23, 2021
  Lake Brantley junior quarterback Braxton Woodson carried a big load as the Patriots came from behind against Ocoee in a wild Class 8A District 3 high school football game that went back and forth on Friday night.
  Jonathan Alfano, Correspondent
• Tavares celebrates first district football title in 17 years | High School Roundup October 23, 2021
  Tavares celebrated its first high school football district championship in 17 years with a win against Lake County rival Eustis. Edgewater and Boone also wrapped up district crown while a lot of the races continue.
  Buddy Collings
• Girls volleyball finals include DeLand upset of Lake Brantley October 23, 2021
  DeLand’s promising girls volleyball squad, with ninth graders playing key roles, put it all together just in time and scored a stunning district championship victory over top seed Lake Brantley on Thursday night. There were other surprises and some dramatic finishes in other tournaments that included Timber Creek, Windermere, Lake Nona, Bishop Moore, Harmony […]
  Buddy Collings
• Florida assumes defensive posture as Gators strive to make steps in basketball October 23, 2021
  The Florida Gators added four transfers to improve the roster and prompt a defense-first mentality for coach Mike White's squad.
  Edgar Thompson
• Magic youth photos: Do you know who’s who? October 23, 2021
  Magic youth photos. How many can you figure out.
  Chris Hays
• The Houston Astros advance to the World Series for the 2nd times in 3 years, eliminating the Boston Red Sox 5-0 in Game 6 of the ALCS October 23, 2021
  Rookie Luis García showed the poise of an October ace, Yordan Alvarez stayed hot at the plate and the Houston Astros earned yet another trip to the World Series, beating the Boston Red Sox 5-0 on Friday night in Game 6 of the AL Championship Series.
  Kristie Rieken
• Orlando area Week 9 high school football scores and schedule October 23, 2021
  High school football game schedule for Week 9, which is loaded with key district matchups. None bigger than No. 1 Lake Mary at reigning state champ Sanford Seminole on Friday night.
  J.C. Carnahan, Buddy Collings
• Phoenix Suns release a statement denying workplace racism and sexism in response to upcoming media report October 23, 2021
  The Phoenix Suns released a statement regarding a potential media investigation into the workplace culture of the franchise, denying that the organization or owner Robert Sarver has a history of racism or sexism.
  DAVID BRANDT
• Ex-Patriot Martellus Bennett rips QB Jimmy Garoppolo, credits Dolphins’ Jacoby Brissett’s toughness on podcast | Video October 22, 2021
  On podcast with Dolphins defensive back Jason McCourty, Bennett also savaged Dolphins for losing to Jaguars.
  Steve Svekis
• Magic return home to welcome a familiar face in Evan Fournier October 22, 2021
  The Orlando Magic hosted the New York Knicks in the home opener Friday night. Former Magic guard Evan Fournier returned to Orlando for the first time since last season.
  Matt Murschel
• Oft-injured Dolphins receiver Preston Williams optimistic he’s close to a breakthrough game October 22, 2021
  Both DeVante Parker and Preston Williams participated in a full week’s worth of practices.
  Omar Kelly
• Hurricanes confident against N.C. State’s dominant defense: ‘I don’t think they can really stop us’ October 22, 2021
  Tyler Van Dyke and the Miami Hurricanes remain confident despite poor start heading into Saturday's home game against No. 18 N.C. State.
  Khobi Price
• Miami-N.C. State predictions: Will Hurricanes silence their critics against 18th-ranked Wolfpack? October 22, 2021
  Will the reeling Miami Hurricanes silence their critics against No. 18 North Carolina State?
  Keven Lerner
• Former UCF president John Hitt believes USF should be in Big 12, but Knights ‘got the prize this time around’ October 22, 2021
  Former UCF president John Hitt spoke exclusively with the Orlando Sentinel as the Knights head to the Big 12 Conference.
  Jason Beede
• Game time: Fast facts, odds, keys to Miami Hurricanes vs. N.C. State October 22, 2021
  Everything you need to know for the Miami Hurricanes' game against N.C. State.
  Khobi Price
• Brian Flores praises Tua Tagovailoa, but won’t distance Dolphins from Deshaun Watson rumors October 22, 2021
  Dolphins coach Brian Flores praised Tua Tagoavailoa, but still wouldn't distance the Dolphins from the Deshaun Watson trade rumors.
  Omar Kelly
• Girls volleyball district tournament scores and pairings for Orlando area teams October 22, 2021
  Top seeds for girls volleyball district tournaments include Lake Brantley, Windermere, Timber Creek, Lake Nona, Harmony, Bishop Moore, Trinity Prep and Orangewood Christian.
  Buddy Collings
• Hyde5: ‘Deck stacked against Tua?’ Has ESPN’s Riddick paid full attention? October 22, 2021
  ESPN’s Louis Riddick had a good rant against the Miami Dolphins like many of us have in recent days (and weeks and months and years). But his comments that the “deck was stacked against Tua” is off base.
  Dave Hyde
• After 1 win, Urban Meyer tells Jags ‘get used to doing this a bunch’ October 22, 2021
  Urban Meyer has pushed owner Shad Khan to commit to facility upgrades before leaving his role as a college football analyst.
  Mark Long
• UCF football’s space-themed uniforms and the university’s connection to the cosmos October 22, 2021
  The space-themed football uniforms may be front and center for UCF's game against the Memphis Tigers, but did you know these interesting facts about the Knights' history with space exploration?
  Rich Pope
• Chris Taylor hits 3 home runs, leading the Los Angeles Dodgers to an 11-2 rout of the Atlanta Braves in Game 5 of the NLCS October 22, 2021
  Chris Taylor hit three homers and drove in six runs as the Los Angeles Dodgers broke loose at the plate to beat the Atlanta Braves 11-2 on Thursday night, cutting the Braves’ lead to 3-2 in the best-of-seven NL Championship Series.
  Beth Harris
• Case Keenum, 3rd-string back D’Ernest Johnson lead host Browns past Broncos October 22, 2021
  Case Keenum stepped in for Baker Mayfield and made the most of his first start in two years, leading Cleveland’s injury-ravaged offense and the Browns to a 17-14 win over the Denver Broncos
  TOM WITHERS
• Taylor hits 3 HRs, Dodgers beat Braves 11-2 to extend NLCS October 22, 2021
  The NLCS is headed back to Atlanta.
  The Associated Press
• Panthers keep getting goals and goaltending to open 4-0 for first time October 22, 2021
  Panthers' 18 goals in first four games break previous club mark by two, and Sergei Bobrovsky becomes third Russian goaltender to win at least 300 NHL games.
  paul gereffi
• High school scores and top performers from Thursday, Oct. 21 October 22, 2021
  There were 3 local football games on Thursday with CFCA, Orangewood Christian, Celebration and Windermere in action, while Caroline Wells of Winter Springs shined again in the Seminole Athletic Conference cross country championship meet.
  Steve Gorches, Correspondent
• UCF hosts Memphis for annual ‘Space Game’ with both teams eager to turn around their seasons October 21, 2021
  Here are 3 things to watch as UCF hosts the Memphis Tigers on Friday night.
  Jason Beede
• Matt Rhule talks like a Giants coach but landed with Carolina Panthers October 21, 2021
  What if Giants co-owner John Mara had shown up in Rhule’s Texas driveway in January 2020 instead of Panthers owner David Tepper?
  Pat Leonard
• Orlando area Week 9 football preview and predictions feature intriguing Super 16 matchups October 21, 2021
  District champions could be crowned and career records broken Friday in Week 9 of the high school football season.
  J.C. Carnahan
• Dolphins-Falcons predictions: Will Dolphins finally get back in win column and silence critics? October 21, 2021
  Dolphins-Falcons predictions: Will Dolphins, 2 1/2-point underdogs, snap their five-game losing streak against the 2-3 Falcons?
  Keven Lerner
• Seminole County football communities clash this week as Seminoles host Lake Mary October 21, 2021
  Defending state champion Sanford Seminole (7-1) hosts unbeaten Lake Mary (7-0) in a pivotal matchup in Class 8A District 2.
  J.C. Carnahan
• Ocoee, Apopka, Lake Brantley rub elbows in FHSAA RPI football playoff rankings October 21, 2021
  Winning the district outright is of utmost importance for Ocoee, Apopka and Lake Brantley over final three weeks.
  J.C. Carnahan