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CFB Playoff finale

By: Carson Wilsey

Although this college football season has been crazy and messed up, a national championship is now the only thing left to watch and win. After falling to Northern Illinois, the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are playing for everything after going on a run but the Buckeyes also look to carry on their incredible playoff run by stopping the Irish. Who will win?

The 12-team playoff also makes it clear that ND deserves to be here. They outplayed the formidable SEC Champions, crushed Indiana, and defeated the Big 10 runner-up. Ohio State also went on an incredible run blowing out Tennessee and Oregon but then keeping it close with Texas until pulling away in the end. That’s only the past three weeks. Having said that, many are looking forward to seeing two very hot teams compete for a national champisonship because this season has been a journey to say the least.

Is it impossible to beat Ohio State, no not at all shown by their horiffic lost to Michigan. Are they now playing as well as the top team in the country, yes probably so. Winning the turnover battle is Notre Dame’s greatest chance of winning. The Norte Dame secondary will most likely double team and attempt to lock down Jeremiah Smith but also have to shut down two of the best backs in the country with Treyvon and Quinshon Judkins, neither will be an easy task. Ohio State will also have a tough job in stopping the Norte Dame run game alongside another great back in Jeremiah Love. Osu and Norte Dame contain two of the best defenses in the country so everyone is looking forward to a defensive battle.

Regardless of the outcome, it won’t be their first time, Ohio State is competing for its second championship of the CFP era, while Notre Dame has won 11 national titles, but none since 1988. So who will come out on top will it be Jeremiah Smith along with his amazing freshman season or will Jeremiah Love show why he is truly one of the best running backs in the country.

Rating the Dogs I Have Known

By: Alexis Dawkins

In my lifetime, I really haven’t lived in more than one place for a long period of time. I have grown up in Sumter, but I bounce between grandparents’ houses and visit my mom or my dads sometimes. This leaves many ways for me to encounter many dogs, seeing that everyone I know has at least one. I have always been a dog person so I am going to rate the dogs my family has or has had.

Starting with my childhood dogs. One set of grandparents had a springer spaniel, Katie, and a dachshund, Polly. Katie was the hunting dog and by far one of the best dogs you would ever meet. She was well trained and was my papa’s best friend so I rate her a 9.7/10. Polly on the other hand was mean, especially towards kids. That may have been my fault because I was not the nicest to her but she was never a really nice dog. As I grew up she liked me more so she was nicer but overall I rate her a 7/10. Both of them have passed now and we have two more dogs, both being yorkies. Sadie is the older one and I picked her out. She is sweet but does not like to be picked up. She wants you to lay on the floor and play with her toys. She is a 9.7/10 also. Zoey is the other yorkie and she is the opposite. She loves people and to be held but does not want to play on the floor. She would rather lay down and sleep. She is also a 9.7/10.

At my other grandparents house they have a french bulldog, Conan. He is my best friend and sleeps with me every night. He does not like the car or the boat or when it’s hot or when it’s too cold, but he does love everyone he meets. He loves other dogs and going to daycare. He is definitely my favorite at a 9.9/10.

My dad has three dogs, Willow, Penny, and Ellie. Willow is a boykin spaniel and she is attached to my dads hip but she’s a good dog. Penny and Ellie are both old but sweet. I will rate all of them a 9.5/10.

I have always been a dog person. So much so that I would choose a dog over a person any day. There are many more dogs that have been in my life but I’ll save them for later.

Why Flying Offers an Exciting and Financially Pleasing Job

By: Wyatt Meyers

For people who enjoy flying, being a pilot may be an exciting and financially rewarding job with many benefits. Flying for commercial airlines, passenger service, or even a private plane is just one of the many chances that come with becoming a pilot. Also being cash pleasing, this work offers a sense of adventure and passion that a lot of other jobs cannot match.

For those without a normal four-year college degree, piloting is one of the highest-paying careers in terms of income. The usual yearly pay for commercial pilots is above $80,000, with experienced pilots making a lot more, according to the statistics. The salary for airline pilots can be much greater; senior pilots at large airlines often earn six figures. Pilots are able to travel the world, live comfortably, and possibly save money for the future because of their financial stability. Also, there will likely be a large number of job openings in the upcoming years due to the projected rise in demand for pilots.

In addition to the financial rewards, being a pilot is a fun and exciting career. Pilots get to experience new places and cultures by traveling to other cities and even nations. Whether it’s flying to a new place, meeting new people, or flying through difficult weather, there is something new every day. It also keeps the work exciting and keeps it from being boring. Piloting offers a lot of personal enjoyment in addition to a sense of responsibility. It’s satisfying to know you’re in charge of a big airplane and making sure your passengers are safe.

In conclusion, anyone searching for a career that combines a sense of adventure and a paycheck may find that piloting is a great fit. It offers competitive benefits, the chance to learn and develop in a job that is always changing, and the thrill of travel. Being a pilot is definitely a career worth considering for people who have a strong love for flying.

Top Mexican Restaurants

By: Logan Mims

On this week’s blog, I will be ranking Mexican restaurants in Sumter, South Carolina from my favorite to my least favorite. The restaurants I will be ranking are Yucatan, Mariachis, and El Paso.

Coming in at number 3 is Yucatan. Overall, I personally think Yucatan is the worst by far mainly because of how bad it makes you smell after eating there. The food also is not as good as the others because it’s just not as fresh. I do think that Yucatan had the best salsa out of the 3 restaurants but the queso is the worst. It just doesn’t have as much flavor. Lastly, the food at Yucatan is nowhere near as good as the food at Mariachis and El Paso. Overall I would rate this restaurant a 4/10.

Coming in at number 2 of my ranking of Mexican restaurants in Sumter is El Paso. A major negative to El Paso is the price. El Paso is extremely expensive for no reason, but El Paso does have really good food and really good cheese dip. El Paso also does not make you smell really bad after eating there. Everytime I go to El Paso I get the ACP and it is rice and grilled chicken with cheese dip on top and it is so good but it’s just so expensive. Overall I would rate this restaurant a 7/10.

And lastly, number one out of the top 3 Mexican restaurants in Sumter is Mariachis. Not only is Mariachis my favorite Mexican restaurant, I would have to say it is my favorite restaurant overall. I absolutely love Mariachis and since it’s my favorite I will be sharing my top 3 favorite dishes. My number 1 favorite dish is their soft tacos with everything on them, they are just so good. My number 2 favorite dish is their grilled chicken quesadilla dipped in sour cream, it’s simple but delicious. Mg number 3 favorite item off their menu us their enchiladas with a side of rice. Mariachis also has the best cheese dip out of the 3 restaurants as well. Overall I rate this restaurant a 10/10!!!

Ranking Celsius Flavors- Livefit Edition

By: Anna Kate Coker

CELSIUS ESSENTIALS, Sparkling Sunset ...

3. Fruit Burst

This flavor was extremely underwhelming in comparison to the cosmic vibe, claiming the flavor to also be fruit punch. It tasted like a sugar free version which is terrible because it’s not even sugar free. It tastes like a watered down version of Hawaiian Punch. The only thing it has going for it is that it is bigger so it has a larger caffeine amount. Even with that main factor it doesn’t matter because you would not finish it regardless so the caffeine amount will not affect you. The packaging is ugly so it does not even make up for the lame taste. The pattern is not cute and it just makes me miss the original packaging.

2.Orangesicle

This flavor is alright. It tastes more flavorful than the original orange but a little too sweet. It is a weird flavor to make when they already have Fantasy Vibe and Orange, so are they just running out of ideas? This one is more tolerable so it does come in clutch that the packaging is bigger. Ultimately, I would rather just buy the normal orange flavor with the normal can because that is already enough for me. They could have made the cans more appealing with fruits and designs instead of just the color stripe because it no longer stands out.

1.Mango Tango

This drink scores number one out of this pack but would not place high at all in comparison to the other celsius flavors. The only reason I genuinely like it is because it reminds me of two other drinks — Monster Mango Loco and Arizona Mucho Mango. I do enjoy a good mango flavor and they did somewhat get it right. I would not put it over the other flavored mango drinks I listed but it also would not be the worst alternative choice if all else failed. The con is that it is easy to get sick of and I feel like the amount that it comes with really is the main factor of this outcome. Overall it is a decent drink but still never a podium one when it comes to the whole variety.

Why Pregame Lifting is Beneficial for Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To begin, one of the most vital parts for an athlete to perform at their max capabilities is being fully warmed up. This allows an athlete to not be sluggish during their game but fully activated and ready to go. Without preparing your body properly, you are setting yourself back in terms of performance. Many people view warming up as just solely stretching. In some cases, this is true but stretching is not enough stimulus for your body to be game-ready. This is where pregame lifting comes into place.

Pre-game lifting is not a typical lift. You are not working out to get faster, stronger, or bigger. You are lifting lightly with lower reps to activate your muscles so they are ready to fire. Pre-game lifts utilize a low rep and set range so you do not fatigue your body before game time. Using resistance bands and light weights are great methods to activate each part of your body. I believe resistance bands are great because I use them before every game to activate my legs, core, and upper body and my body always feels great and ready to perform before game time. Not only are there physical benefits to pregame activation but there are cognitive benefits. Many people feel confident and energized after completing a pregame lift because it wakes their minds up and gives them a dopamine boost like a typical lift does. I also feel that when I pregame lift my mood is boosted and I feel fully ready for the game. I have noticed when I do not pregame lift my mind is not locked in on the game, and I start the game slow and not at full capability.

I am a firm believer in pregame lifts because ever since I began to do them I have noticed a slight boost in my physical capabilities and a major boost in my mental state. I have watched various videos and have seen many collegiate and professional athletes who do pregame lifts. These athletes’s videos have given me lots of insight into some proper exercises and things you can do within the lift. But what I have found is most important in the lift is becoming game-ready. This is different for many people so you should do the exercises you find activate you and make you the most comfortable. You shouldn’t follow a strict strenuous lift you find online but you should follow your tendencies and what gets you ready.

I have been very lucky to have coaches who believe in the same concept and have a pregame lift for my team and me to complete. I find this lift to be extremely beneficial to my performance.

Ultimately, I believe pregame lifts are what many athletes are missing to be able to play at their best. I have found through basketball and football season that activating my body and mind before the game through these lifts has given me the confidence and strength to perform.

NFL playoffs rundown (1\13\25)

By: Benson Elmore

The NFL has been downright crazy this year, and its not cooling off anytime soon. Teams are going crazy like the Detroit Lions and the Kansas City Chiefs. The playoffs are now starting and the pressure is getting high and the excitement for a potential title is rising. Here’s a rundown of the playoffs and my predictions for this week.

Rams vs Vikings

The Rams and Vikings have an exciting matchup going on this week, with Sam Darnold going crazy and the Rams keeping composure. In this matchup I think it is gonna be a good game, but ultimately, I think that the Vikings are going to come away with the dub. The vikings have too many weapons to lose this game, like JJetas and Jordan Addison. I am taking the vikings 28-24.

Commanders vs Buccaneers

The buccaneers have a high seed in this playoff picture, and dominant players like Mike Evans, Bucky Irving, and Baker Mayfield. On the other hand, the Commanders have Jayden Daniels and Terry Mclaurin. In the end, I am gonna take Baker and the Bucs with the win in this one 21-14.

Eagles vs Green Bay

In this one I do not even think I have to give a rundown. The eagles are one of the most dominant teams in the league as of right now, and they are coming into this thing hot. Saquon Barkley almost set the single season rushing yards record for the regular season in his first year with the Eagles. The Eagles are gonna kill the Packers and it is not even gonna be close. When the Eagles win 22-10, remind everyone that Benson told you so.

Texans vs Chargers

In this matchup, I do not really see any team dominating this game, but I love me some CJ Stroud, even though he is not having a career defining season. In an absolute dogfight all night long, I am taking the Texans 14-10

Ravens vs Steelers

In this matchup, I am seriously not even going into depth about this one, because if you really think that the Steelers are even going to come close to winning this one, you are biased and do not know ball. Ravens 31-14.

Broncos vs Bills

In this game, I really want it to be close, because Bo Nix has made a statement that he is ready for the playoffs and he can be a franchise QB. Even though the Bills have Josh Allen and the higher seed and spread on their side, I am going to choose the Denver Broncos, though I would never see myself saying this. The Broncos this year have just surprised me too much not to take them. Give me the Broncos 24-21

Wilson Hall Dances

By: McKenzie Gray Mills

On this week’s blog, I’ll be talking about Wilson Hall dances. This is such a fun time to be a Baron. When school begins in the fall there is usually a dance to start the year off strong. Most times it is after a football game in the Nash center. This is such a special dance after a game you just won and get to celebrate all together.

Then this year we added a homecoming dance. We’ve always had the week where we dress up, decorate the halls, and have a football game. This year we changed it up a little. We did all those normal traditions, but added a dance on Saturday to end with a bang.

Our next dance is the winter chill. After exam week, we usually have this dance. Except this year because a Friday night basketball game landed on this night….and you can miss one of those. So this year we are having it on January 11th. It is just a fun night to dress up with your friends, and not have to worry about having a date. What is also special about these nights is that we always do something after. I feel like our grade is especially close. So it’s a good time to get all together while not being at school.

Next is prom. This is the big dance of the year. The one everyone looks forward to. Once winter chill is over, it is full of chatter of who’s taking who to prom. Our prom takes place after spring break. The Friday right after we get back. This week at school practically doesn’t even count since nobody can pay an ounce of attention. The day starts off with a full day of school…then the rush of getting ready. Next is our dinner. The juniors go to a kinda chill dinner. Then the seniors get a nice sit down dinner. Pictures are taken. Then off to prom. After that, we have breakfast. This is such a fun tradition.

Dances will always be special in my heart. When I’m off at college and at a dance. I’ll remember dancing in the cafeteria and smile.

My take On Gossip Girl

By Milling Galloway

After spending my time the past two months on the infamous show Gossip Girl, it is clear that this is one of the best shows I have ever truly seen. The characters are what stick out the most. On the Upper East Side of New York is where the untouchable elite lives. Serena Vanderwoodsen or Blake Lively plays her role to the exact. Going off the deep end and running away from her problems give depression-like emphasis. Blair is controlling, selfish, and devious. Her only true love is Chuck Bass, the heir to the Bass industry fortune. His young childhood tragedies caused him to be on and off horrible acts, but he has a great heart. Young Nate Archibald is a fine young man who does get into some trouble. He has great intentions, but it seems like his grandpa controls his destiny. Big and well-known families seem to control everywhere in the city. Chuck is the richest and most powerful by far, but money is not a problem. Over in Brooklyn, The Humphreys live peacefully and happily but money can be a problem. Dan is a very talented up-and-coming writer. His father Rufus is a very gifted musician. Well was. Jenny Dan’s sister is a well-known queen of Constants school- she is also very good at fashion and later leaves to pursue it. All seemingly good people don’t always do what’s right. No matter where you are from or the amount of money you have. Lieng, cheating, and scandals rule this action-packed series. Friends seem to leave and always come back. I personally really loved watching all six seasons of this show. It always seemed to be very intriguing and I always wanted to watch more and more. What was it that brought me in? To be honest besides the beautiful girls, such as Blake lively. I don’t know. Possibly the constant drama that a person could only dream of in some far far away land. Money like that has never really been seen. I also wonder if people like that even exist. Kids go to school and do whatever they want and the second they get into real trouble their parents bail them out with their endless amounts of money. Overall this show was a wonder to watch and I loved watching it.

EPIC: the New Hamilton

By: Lottie Bynum

Casual musical enjoyers of musicals often say Hamilton was their introduction into theater and the performing arts. Due to its catchy songs and historical plot retold in a modern way through theater and rap, it caught many people’s attention. Now there is a new playwright looking to tell the story of The Odyssey in musical form. Jeorge Rivera-Herrans started writing EPIC: The Musical In 2019 as part of a project for college. Over the past two years, he has since finished it and finished the recordings of the songs which have gone up on Spotify and other music platforms.

The true work of completing such a task as this is aided by TikTok and YouTube where Rivera-Herrans posted his progress on the musical and did casting calls to find his voice actors and singers for his recordings. EPIC is very similar to Hamilton, but it’s a much more modern and pop-culture way of writing, casting, and producing unlike Hamilton which Lin Manuel Meranda had more professional casting and producing processes. Because of the casting calls for singers and voice actors as well as Rivera-Herrans posting updates, snippets, and easter eggs of the musical while in progress and opening up about how he wrote it and what inspired him, EPIC has gained a large following on TikTok supporting the creator and his musical; A modern way to get his audience involved in the musical. While EPIC isn’t yet at the same fame of Hamilton it isn’t a stage musical where they perform it on stage, rather it’s the collection of songs other creators can build upon with their own visuals such as animation or creating their own stage performance for the songs. These two plays have many similarities in that they are both historical events/stories turned into musicals for the modern day audience and push each other forward with their growing followings. Overall, EPIC has a larger relation with young adults because of the experience of the making of the musical being so public on TikTok and the original content it’s based on being more well known as well as the sheer musicality in the production.