The KOH Sports Report
By Jake Ryan
Wolfpack Football Is Back
Football season is back.
And all is right with the world.
The Nevada Wolfpack look to improve upon a 2014 campaign in which they finished 7-6, and lost in the Mercedes-Benz New Orleans Bowl to Louisiana-Lafayette (yeah, who?). They have a lot to prove if they are going to compete for a West Division championship in 2015.
A few weeks ago, Nevada coach Brian Polian named Tyler Stewart as his starting quarterback after a long competition all throughout the Summer. Stewart has some pretty big shoes to fill, considering the fact that the last two Nevada QB’s have been Cody Fajardo and Colin Kaepernick.
No pressure Tyler.
Stewart, entering this season as a Junior, hasn’t thrown a pass in nearly two seasons. The last time he started a game, was in 2013 against Hawaii, when he completed 14 for 20 with 202 yards and three touchdowns.
Polian is confident that Stewart will do the job for the ‘Pack this year. His original plan was for Stewart and Hunter Fralick to both play the opener against UC Davis this Thursday, but he decided against it.
“I know I had said that, but I’m backtracking now,” Polian told the RGJ’s Chris Murray on August 20th. “The more I think about it, the more you want your quarterback to get into a rhythm and get used to each other. We’ll just kind of go as it goes but the more I thought about it, the more I think we just need to let the guy go.”
If the Wolfpack are to have any chance at a division title or a bowl game, they need to protect Stewart, and let Don Jackson run the football.
Jackson had a pretty solid 2014 in which he ran for 957 yards with 7 touchdowns. He’s also a receiving threat as well. He grabbed 95 yards on 3 completions in the Wolfpack’s 42-35 comeback win against BYU on October 18th of last year.
Nevada’s defense also will be expected to contribute big in 2015. ESPN recently rated defensive coordinator Scott Boone as one of the brightest defensive minds in football. He will need the services of Ian Seau, Trevor Taft, Bryan Lane Jr. and Rykeem Yates if they are going to improve the defense even more in 2015.
You can get your tickets to the game by going to the Lawlor Events Center Box Office, calling 775-348-PACK or by going to Nevada Wolfpack.com.
Aces Relying More on Big Bats This Year
The Reno Aces are not having the season they were hoping for.
While their pitching has not been stellar, they are doing great in terms of offensive production. In fact, their team average of .286 is the best in the Pacific Coast League.
And that’s definitely something to build upon.
Reno has amazing run production, led by Jamie Romak, who has been sizzling for the Aces with 25 homers, 95 RBI’s and a .284 average. The 29 year old Canadian has been joined in the run parade by Peter O’Brien, who has almost the same numbers as Romak, leading the team in RBI’s (96), and ranking second with 24 homers. Danny Worth has also had a great year for the Aces, despite the fact he missed some games this July with injury.
The Aces definitely has some nice pieces going into 2016, and if they can get their pitching shored up, there’s no reason why they cannot compete for a division title next year. Going to an Aces game has definitely been a fun show this year, and if you love good offensive baseball, then you need to go check out a game before the season ends.
The Aces will be back in town Friday night for a series with the El Paso Chihuahuas. Should be a pretty fun series, as El Paso is battling Las Vegas for the Southern Division crown this year, and rank third in the PCL behind Reno and Salt Lake in terms of batting average.
Get your tickets at Reno Aces.com.
49ers Look Like a Whole New Unit in 2015
New coach. New offensive line. Added pressure
Sounds like fun for the San Francisco 49ers in 2015!
Last year was one filled with turmoil for the red and gold. The team finished 8-8, and decided to mutually part ways with Jim Harbaugh, who immediately bolted to the University of Michigan. Longtime 49ers assistant Jim Tomsula was installed as coach, and hopes to not miss a beat as the Niners will battle Seattle and Arizona for the NFC West in 2015.
Some fans aren’t so sure.
“Why would we replace the best thing to happen to the Niners since Mooch left? “ said Moss Carrasco, a longtime 49ers supporter. “Because Jed York or Baalke (or both?) didnt get along? Harbaugh brought the Niners out of the cellar and into the Penthouse Suite.”
Andrea Carter is nervous but a little more optimistic.
“With all of the changes I can’t help but feel a little on edge about the season but I think Niner fans are always hopeful. I’m loyal and hopeful and this season is no exception.”
The 49ers are 1-2 this pre-season, including a close loss to Denver on Saturday 19-12. San Francisco was held to just 237 offensive yards, and both Colin Kaepernick and Blaine Gabbert had no passing touchdowns.
If the 49ers are to have any chance at a playoff spot this year, then need to let Kaepernick be Kaepernick. He is a solid passer who can run the football as well. His game mirrors Jeff Garcia, who could get you touchdowns, but also escape the blitz with some lightning-like speed.
Despite the tepid passing production, the 49ers rushing game is looking good.
On Sunday against Denver, the 49ers used a mix of Kaepernick, Carlos Hyde, Mike Davis and Reggie Bush to run for 145 yards. Despite the pre-season not meaning a whole lot, Kaepernick likes what he sees from the running game.
“Even with the different (offensive line) combinations we’ve had out there, we’ve been able to run the ball very well,” Kaepernick told NFL.com on Tuesday. “So I think that will be a strength for us.”
The 49ers finish their pre-season against San Diego tomorrow.
