What If?

By: Carson Wilsey

Super Bowl XLIX, February 1, 2015, is well-known for its miraculous ending in the final seconds of play. With only 26 seconds remaining, the Seattle Seahawks were behind 28–24 and on the verge of losing. The Seahawks were positioned on the New England Patriots,1-yard line and it appeared as though they would win the game with a last-minute touchdown. With so much at risk, the play calling became crucial needing close examination and discussion.

Unexpectedly, Darrell Bevell, the offensive coordinator for Seattle, decided to call a pass play rather than running the ball. Considering how effectively running back Marshawn Lynch performs in situations involving short yardage, the selection was controversial. On the play, Malcolm Butler, the rookie cornerback for the Patriots who was about to make a name for himself, was covering wide receiver Ricardo Lockette, quarterback Russell Wilson dropped back to attempt a pass to Lockette. Butler, who had a terrific read on the play, jumped the route and made a huge interception to put the Patriots ahead for good. This play, which significantly changed the game’s outcome and gained the Patriots’ a 28-24 victory, was a turning point in both Super Bowl history and the game itself.

Considering Lynch’s strong presence on the field, many have questioned the decision to pass rather than run on the closing play of Super Bowl XLIX. In addition to demonstrating Butler’s defensive greatness, the interception highlighted the intense nature of the game and how any play or decision may result in history. The game’s storyline may be impacted by a single moment in sports, as seen by this play, which makes Super Bowl XLIX one of the most famous and controversial Super Bowls in NFL history.

Importance of Supplements

By: Andrew Howle

To begin with, athletes worldwide are empowered by the pursuit of a healthier, stronger version of themselves. This lifestyle may be a challenging goal, but conquering it will lead to great success in your sport. Generally, many athletes take FDA-approved supplements that are proven to increase muscle growth and feed the body with more necessary nutrients. These supplements are a leading factor in creating a gap between the athletes in their desired sports field.

Whey protein powder is the first supplement vital to an athlete’s performance in the off-season. It provides your body with the necessary carbohydrates and protein to build up that dense, torn muscle. It is a staple for any athlete looking to grow in size for a sport. There are many flavors to choose from, including vanilla, chocolate, banana foster, and strawberry. It can be bought at any local vitamin store.

Another huge supplement that has become popular is creatine. This supplement has grown in popularity recently, being the most researched supplement ever. Creatine helps stimulate a constant energy supply in your body during intense exercise. The supplement is also known for filling your body up, giving you a more full-looking physique. Although many people should be careful taking creatine, an immense amount of water is needed. It is a great way to unlock your full athletic ability.

The last important supplement all athletes should take while training is pre-workout. This supplement is filled with hundreds of milligrams of caffeine to stimulate the body during an intense workout. It can increase athletes’ performance massively by improving personal records such as one-rep maxes. It is also a method of losing weight faster. 

In conclusion, the world of supplements for athletes is a journey of achievement and continuous improvement. Supplements are a staple in enhancing an athlete’s career, serving as a testament to their dedication and hard work.

Does Green Bay Need to Worry WIthout Jordan Love

By: Stirling Tindal

On the second to last play of Green Bay’s week one loss, Jordan Love went down with what looked like a pretty gruesome injury. Many fans were scared that he would be out for the rest of the season, however Love is now reported to make a recovery in 3-6 weeks. Matt Lafuer assures fans that Love will be back on the sooner side of that expectation. 

Taking Love’s place will be Malik Willis who is now preparing for his first NFL start for the Packers. Willis should be a solid quarterback since he started some for the Titans his rookie season. If he has to start the entire 6 weeks or more, I believe Green Bay can win most of those games with a couple of losses. In their first game with the Colts at home, they should be able to come out with a win. The Colts run defense was very weak in week one with the Texans, allowing 213 rushing yards. If the Packers rely on Josh Jacobs it will be a good first game for Willis to get ready for the rest of his time as starter.

The next week on the road at the Titans, I see a close game. It’s Willis’s old team and this is his time to make a statement for the league but I don’t see the Packers pulling it away. Because it’s a road game and I don’t think Green Bay’s defense will be able to contain Tony Pollard, I have them losing this one and falling to 1-2.

In week 4 the Packers will stay home for their first divisional game and host the Vikings. This is Willis’s first divisional game as a Packer and I have Green Bay walking away with a win. I believe Green Bay’s secondary will be able to stop Justin Jefferson. I think the Packers offense will also have a decent game with some sloppy turnovers but the team will end up with the win.

Week 5 the Packers will go to the rams. Because of Green Vays great secondary and good offense, even with Malik Willis, I have them coming back home with a win and being 3-2

Green Bay hosts the Cardinals in week 6. The Packers are now getting into their stride and I am taking Green Bay again in this one. Matt Lafuer will have figured out how to work with WIllis at this point and the offense will look good enough to get another win

However in week 7 the Packers stay home once again and host the Texans. Because of the Texans hot offense I have Green Bay losing this one and falling to 4-3. I don’t see the Green Bay defense being able to control CJ Stroud. 

Green Bay still needs to be careful in all of these games because without Love, all of these games could go to anyone. I believe Malik Willis can keep the Packers satisfied and give Love a good record to work with once he returns.

NFL Report

By: Owen Meyers

Breaking News! Just hours before the Cowboys opener against the Browns, Cowboys agree to extend quarterback Dak Prescott’s contract, 4 years, 240 million dollars. This makes Dak Prescott the highest paid quarterback in the league, and the highest paid player in NFL history.

Also on Sunday, September 8, Grammy winner Kendrick Lamar was announced Super Bowl LIX, halftime performer. This is the second time that Kendrick Lamar will perform at a Super Bowl. He performed back in 2022 at Super Bowl LVI alongside Dr. Dre, Snoop Dog, and other California artists. Some people don’t agree with the choice of Kendrick Lamar and wish that Lil Wayne was the headliner instead.  

Injury reports! Christian Mcaffrey sat out week 1 against the Jets with calf, achilles injury. He managed to stay healthy through 2023 ,but dealt with calf, achilles injury throughout training camp and preseason games. 

The Green Bay Packers will not put Jordan Love on IR, since he suffered with a knee injury Friday night against the Eagles. Green Bay plans to have Jordan Love back on the field in 3 to 4 weeks. They will start Malik Willis, a recent addition to the team, since Green Bay traded a seventh round draft pick to the Tennessee Titans for Willis.

Rams star wide receiver Puka Nacua is placed on IR (injury reserved) from the game on Sunday night against the Lions. Sean McVay, head coach of the Rams, states on Monday that Puka has a PCL sprain. Puka is expected to be out for at least the next 4 games. 

Dallas Cowboys TE, Jake Ferguson sprained his MCL on Sunday in the game against the Cleveland Browns. His injury is not season ending, and he will only miss a few weeks. “Tests revealed an MCL sprain for Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson, which means he’ll miss time, but overall good news and not season-ending,” Ian Rapoport wrote on Twitter, an NFL network reporter. 

Dabo Swinney- Good or Bad coach

By: Braelen Lewis

There has been a recent debate over if coach Dabo Swinney is a good coach or not and that the only reason he has won any national championships is because of the great quarterbacks and weapons that he had. I think however that although he did have awesome players on his team, they also won all those games due to his incredible coaching skills. Another reason why people think he is a bad coach is because they think he is an old head and can’t adapt to the transfer portal, but in my eyes it makes me respect him all the more because if it ain’t broke then don’t fix it. I think that Dabo doesn’t deserve all the hate he gets because he really is just a good guy, he just likes the old ways in highschool recruiting. I also think that the highschool recruiting he does works. I mean the team has been getting some hate recently due to Cade Klubnik not doing so well, but I think that he’s taken all the hate and turned it into a drive to work harder and be a better player and I think that it showed last week in the game against Appalachian state. This year’s defense is the best we’ve seen in recent years, and it also wasn’t his fault when we had Dj because it looked like he was going to be a good pick because of how good he was in high school but he just couldn’t compete at the college level. Also Dj just sucks I mean he is completely destroying Florida State’s football program, and it really proves that when he was at Clemson the losses weren’t coaches fault they were Dj’s because he sucks. In all, I believe that coach Dabo is a good football coach and doesn’t deserve any of the hate he gets.

Can the Arizona Cardinals Compete in the the NFC West?

by: Henry Jones

Since the beginning of the National Football League, the Arizona Cardinals have existed, and ever since then, they have been disappointing to their fans. Though many others are willing to give up on the team, I am not. This looks as if it is finally our year. We have our dual threat QB back and healthy, we have a capable head coach, and our first draft pick, Marvin Harrison Jr. is looking to be the next coming of Jerry Rice and Randy Moss put together. This being said, our defense is probably, if not the worst thing I have ever laid my eyes on. It just isn’t physical enough to compete with the rest of the NFC West (the Cardinal’s division). 

Another thing, people love to go on and on complaining about how difficult they have it in their division, but nobody wants to talk about how hard the Cardinals opponents are. They have the 2022 superbowl champions, the 2024 superbowl runner-ups, and the Seahawks who have one of the best young rosters in the league. This being said, it will definitely be a challenge this year for the Cardinals. 

Last but not least, I would like to speak about the quarterback. I have been a Kyler Murray fan since he was playing Oklahoma football in college, and whenever the Cardinals drafted him with the first overall pick of the 2019 NFL draft, then I knew we were about to go on a run. Kyler started his career winning Rookie of the Year and putting up great numbers for it being his first year in the league. However, I got my hopes up too soon. Ever since his early run for MVP in 2022, Kyler has been plagued with injuries. I thing due to this, people forget about what an amazing quarterback he is. 

To wrap it up, I think I need to answer the original question: can the Arzona Cardinals compete in such a tough division? While it is a hard question to answer I will go with my own biased opinion (which is usually right) and say that we are good enough to compete this year and will go on a sneaky playoff run.

Why Protein is so Vital to Athletes

By: Ford Wilder

To start off, many athletes are great within the mental and physical aspects of their sport,but they lack what most might say matters most: nutrition. Nutrition is very important for not just athletes but everyone in general because it fuels your body day in and day out.The main sources of nutrients you need to consume everyday are carbs,fats,proteins,water,minerals, and vitamins. These are all essential nutrients but ,in my opinion, protein is most important to athletes.I believe this because protein is vital for numerous aspects which I will dive into.

The first of reasons is because protein is essential for muscle building and recovery.In long and strenuous weight training sessions,practices,and games.Without protein, your body is unable to give your muscles the amino acids it needs to repair and rebuild. If you do not intake the amount of protein you need then your body will become sore, you will lose muscle mass, and your metabolism will be slowed.

Next off, protein is vital because it balances your diet by ensuring you stay full and satiated throughout workouts and the day in general. By keeping your protein intake at a stable level; it will allow you to limit cravings and keep your diet in check. If your diet is unstable; it will cause you to feel lethargic,sore, and weak.

How one should get their protein intake is a question many ask. This can be answered in pretty simple means. A person should aim for at least one gram of protein per pound you weigh ,so if someone weighs 165 pounds; they should aim for at least 165 grams of protein per day. Athletes should consume their protein through sources of chicken, beef, fish, dairy, protein bars, protein shakes,etc. Also, athletes should aim to get 30 grams of protein within an hour after their workout to ensure muscle recovery.

In all, protein is very essential in the everyday life of athletes and should be a vocal point in their diets. Without the correct amount of protein taken in everyday, a number of consequences will be followed.

Study Tips

Grayce Osgood

Studying is something that no one particularly enjoys. It can seem like a lot, especially if work piles up and classes seem to get harder, but creating a system for studying can help. It can help organize your workload and take some stress off of you. This blog will hopefully help give you some tips on how to make a study system for you, one that you can find from someone else or tailor for yourself. 

The first thing to make sure you have is notes. Make sure you are taking notes during class when you need them. You could use a computer, if allowed, or write them down, which helps more with memorization. Once you finish the notes, if they aren’t organized, you could make them more organized at a different time, and while you do that, take more time to try and understand the topic you were taking notes on. You could organize them with flashcards, or do whole detailed lists, whatever works for you.

A useful source to use when making a study system on the Internet. You can find youtube, tiktok, instagram, etc videos online that can give you some inspiration for ways to study. There’s plenty of accounts out there that are dedicated to helping with schoolwork. The Internet would be an easy source to use because it is also very accessible, everyone can use it and it has almost everything you need on it. Another online study tip is to use Quizlets. Quizlets can help you organize your notes, study, and memorize things for tests and quizzes. These things can help you organize and come up with study plans, and they’re sources you can use outside of school while you have free time.  

Here are some starting tips on how to create a study system for yourself. Make sure to keep your notes organized, and organize them based on what works best for you to memorize them. You can also use, outside of school, the internet. It can be a very helpful tool when you can’t understand something or you just need some pointer or motivation. Hopefully these tips will help you and your studies!

Vacation Spots: Exuma

By Logan Mims

Number 1 out of the top 5 places I have vacationed is Exuma, Bahamas. I went during April 2022 and it was absolutely beautiful. The water was so clear and the weather was just perfect. There was always such a nice breeze. We stayed in a house on the beach that had a pool. I could not have asked for the house to be at a better spot! 

There were so many different activities you could choose from. We swam with sharks and sea turtles, snorkeled, ate at so many delicious restaurants, and chartered a boat. My top 3 favorites were swimming with sharks, chartering a boat, and snorkeling. 

Swimming with sharks was just so thrilling! The sharks we swam with were sand sharks, so they are not known to bite, so it was pretty safe. Even though it was said to be safe, it was still very nerve racking. 

The next activity is the boat. Our guides were Captain Sugar and his first mate Kenny. They just make the experience so much better. They were locals so they knew where all the hot spots were. They would take us to this place called the Chat and Chill. It had a beach volleyball court, hammocks, picnic tables, and a place to get food and it was also on the beach. We went there almost everyday with Kenny and Sugar. They also took us to caves we could swim in and really tall rocks to jump off of into the water. It was just such an amazing experience overall! 

The last activity was snorkeling. We could snorkel outside of our house because there was a reef which was really cool! Kenny and Sugar also took us to some really awesome spots. I found so many big shells and multi-colored fish. It was nothing like I had ever seen before. Overall I would rate Exuma a 10/10!!

Rating Golf Courses: Lakewood

By: Milling Galloway

The Links at Lakewood is a golf course located in Sumter, South Carolina. I will be giving my full opinion and rating of this course. Many people play this golf course. I have played this golf course many times as well. It stands out to me with its beautiful scenery. Even though it has great views, the courses does not stay in great condition. The greens at Lakewood are very friendly toward the golfers and have a nice calm tempo. The fairways are where this course does not shine. The grass most of the time is not cut and many times there are obstacles in the fairways. The hole that I want to highlight is the 13th. This in my opinion is the hardest hole in the course, you have to hit a good shot over the lake. The distance is around 100 to 150 yards, depending on what Tee Box you play from. The thing that stands out about this whole is the scenery. When you first step on the Tee Box, you see the vast Lake all around you. When you step onto the green, you also only see the vast Lake around you. When you play at this course it is clear to see that this is a beginner’s course, for people who enjoy playing golf. I am new to golf,  so playing this course is a great way to get better. If you are an advanced player, then this course is not for you. On a scale, I will rate this course a 6.5 out of 10. To me, Lakewood is not a top-tier golf course. Yes, I would play this course for fun, but if I could go to another golf course I would. To conclude, I like the golf course, but its just not a high value golf course.