Gridiron notes (Football)
Zack Bowman of Anchorage got his first NFL start with the Chicago Bears, collecting 7 tackles in a 17-14 overtime victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Bowman held his own, although many people wonder why Big Ben didn’t test the second-year cornerback more often.
Nonetheless, he didn’t get burned, and he helped the Bears bagel the Steelers in the fourth quarter and OT.
North Pole’s Daryn Colledge of the Green Bay Packers is on the move. The left guard, who is nursing a foot injury, replaced an injured teammate at left tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals. The switch wasn’t pretty, with the Pack losing and Colledge getting beat for a few sacks.
“It was a lot tougher than it should’ve been,” Colledge told the Associated Press. “I needed to play my technique. I had some very good drives; I did a good job on a couple. And then I had some complete meltdowns. That’s just unacceptable.”
Anchorage’s Chris Kuper is helping the rushing game flourish with the unbeaten Denver Broncos. Thanks to offensive linemen like Kuper, Denver racked up 186 yards and two touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns, including 68 yards on a decisive fourth-quarter drive that put the game away.
“It starts out like that a lot — with guys flying to the ball, flying around, and we kind of get a shot to see what they’re going to do,” Kuper told the AP. “But as long as we’re persistent and stick with it we can run the ball.”
Anchorage’s Daniel Hardy is having a career year at the University of Idaho. The receiver-turned-tight-end is tied for the team lead in receptions with 12 in three games. The junior is averaging 16.4 yards per catch and has hauled in one touchdown, giving him three for his career.
“I’m very happy with the way he has started this season,” his coach Robb Akey told the Idaho Statesman.
Cory Macon of Anchorage continues his strong play with Colorado State University. The defensive lineman has registered 11 tackles this year, including 4 unassisted. He also has 1½ tackles for loss and half a sack.
Palmer’s Jake Heun earned his first start at linebacker for the University of Hawaii. He has six solo tackles and eight tackles on the season. He also has a sack.
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