Gwinnett Daily Post — October 2, 2014

EBOLA IN AMERICA, 5A

SIZZLING START Grayson’s talented Vernetti flourishing in third year with GGC soccer • Sports, 1B

Up to 18 exposed to patient infected with deadly virus

Gwinnett Daily Post THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

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75 cents ©2014 SCNI

Vol. 45, No. 10

Officials talk support of medical marijuana Opinions shared before a study committee at GGC

By Joshua Sharpe joshua.sharpe@gwinnettdailypost.com

Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, among the speakers at this year’s nine-month Suwanee Youth Leaders program, poses for a picture at Suwanee City Hall. (Special Photo)

Learning leadership

Program teaches students about community, government

LAWRENCEVILLE — Law enforcement officials testifying before a medical marijuana study committee Wednesday in Lawrenceville revealed a seemingly evergrowing receptiveness to controlled use of the drug in Georgia — but they still have strong concerns.

Speaking to the committee composed of members of the state House and Senate, Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter said he wanted to make sure whatever law the legislators come up with doesn’t mirror the actions of Colorado.

“Colorado is not the path we want to take,” Porter said during the hearing at Georgia Gwinnett College, referencing the western state’s recently relaxed laws allowing recreational use of the drug.

But he added: “…the prosecutors of this state have no interest in depriving anyone

See MARIJUANA, Page 8A

By Keith Farner

keith.farner @gwinnettdailypost.com

SUWANEE — With a dream to one day become a doctor, Shine Lee didn’t give much thought to how a city works.

That changed about a year ago when she applied for the Suwanee Youth Leaders program. Now she may consider a career within city government, including possibly as a city manager.

“It was a totally new world,” said Lee, a junior at North Gwinnett High.

Lee was one of more than 50 students at North and Peachtree Ridge High who participated in the first Suwanee Youth Leaders program, designed for high school students to develop leadership skills and learn more about city government and the local community.

The students collected more than 700 community volunteer hours, and city leaders said the program helped them develop a deeper relationship with the schools. The program started in January and held its final event on Saturday.

Among the events the students participated in or volunteered for were Suwanee’s August concert, which featured the band Everclear and a wing festival, a Food Truck Friday event, Suwanee Fest and Leadercast, a one-day leadership event at the Gwinnett Center that featured leaders from

Gwinnett County District Attorney Danny Porter testifies during a hearing of the study committee on medical marijuana on Wednesday in Lawrenceville. (Staff Photo: Joshua Sharpe)

Road work to begin soon on Dacula project Gwinnett Chamber President and CEO Dan Kaufman speaks to participants in the Suwanee Youth Leaders program. Kaufman was one of several local leaders who spoke to the students from North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge high schools about leadership, their career path and the local community. (Special Photo)

building exercises and activiMORE ONLINE ties to build leadership skills.

Visit gwinnettdailypost.com One highlight for Denise for more photos.

Brinson, the city’s economic development director who around the world. helped organize it, was that The original idea came from the students quickly shed their the city’s recent strategic plan school loyalties and worked that called for more youth seamlessly with students reinvolvement. And it’s designed gardless of whether they were to model a combination of the from the same school.

Gwinnett Student Leadership Among the city and comTeam and Leadership Gwinmunity and city leaders who nett. led discussions and offered Throughout the program, the advice were Suwanee Mayor students participated in teamJimmy Burnette, Gwinnett

By Kristi Reed kristi.reed@gwinnettdailypost.com

Chamber President and CEO Dan Kaufman, Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant, Suwanee Police Chief Mike Jones, Gwinnett Solicitor General Rosanna Szabo, State Court Chief Judge Pam South and state Rep. Stacey Abrams.

“I think it was a good education for them, a good experience for them,” Burnette said.

“When I was coming through school we didn’t have anything like that, so you learned as you

A permit has been issued for work to begin on a school safety project in the Dacula cluster.

The project, funded through the 2009 SPLOST, will include turn lanes and a signal at the intersection of Dacula Road and Broad Street near Dacula High School.

According to Gwinnett County Communications Director Joe Sorenson, a total of three turn lanes will be added: a right turn lane from Broad Street northbound to Dacula Road eastbound; a right turn lane from Dacula Road eastbound to Broad Street southbound;

See PROGRAM, Page 8A

See DACULA, Page 8A

Suspect in teen’s murder: ‘You got the wrong person locked up’

By Tyler Estep

played for a jury Wednesday — Sillah’s story evolved. He admitted initially planning to rob Sampleton LAWRENCEVILLE — For with two classmates at Grayson hours, Larnell Sillah sat in a small High School, but said they never room at the Gwinnett County went through with it. He admitted Police Department. Accompanied that co-defendants Andrew Murray, by his grandmother and questioned his uncle, and Tavaughn Saylor, his

by Sgt. Cleo Atwater, the then-15- uncle’s friend, picked him up from year-old murder suspect repeatedly school on the day Sampleton was denied having anything to do with killed. He admitted that he was at the death of Paul Sampleton Jr. the Norcross apartment where they Throughout the interview — three-plus hours of which were See TRIAL, Page 9A tyler.estep@gwinnettdailypost.com

Andrew Murray, from left, Tavaughn Saylor and Larnell Sillah are on trial for the Dec. 19, 2012, murder of 14-year-old Paul Sampleton Jr. (Special Photos)

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INSIDE Classified........5B

Horoscope......4A

Nation............ 5A

Perspective.....6A

Comics............7A

Local.............. 2A

Obituaries.......8A

Sports.............1B

Crossword......7A

Lottery............ 4A

People............5A

Weather..........4A

Stay connected with the Daily Post online, where you can submit news tips, browse photo galleries and sign up to receive headlines digitally at gwinnettdailypost.com/newsletter.

Send us engagements, wedding, births or anniversaries under “Submit your news” on the home page.

2A • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

What to do about stinging insects common in this area Many homeowners are being troubled by stinging insects. Frequently, they will come upon their nest unknowingly and are attacked by the insects. Late summer and fall is the time of year that these insects, which can inflict a painful sting, are most prevalent. Several tactics can be utilized to control or eliminate them.

Several types of stinging insects are common to our area. Yellow jackets are roughly one-half inch in length and have yellow and black markings on their bod-

Gardening in Gwinnett

white bodies that are almost an inch long. Their nests are brown to gray in color and are constructed from paper like material that comes from wood they have chewed.

These nests are located above ground, frequently in trees, shrubs or on sides of buildings, are ball shaped, and can be rather large. Paper Tim Daly wasps build smaller combshaped nests in many differies. Often, they build their ent places, but they prefer nests in the ground, although trees, shrubs and the sides of they sometimes will do so in buildings. attics or wall voids in houses.

Yellow jackets, hornets Hornets have black and and wasps have a queen that

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lays eggs that will give rise to the workers. During the winter, the nest is abandoned, and the workers die. The queen seeks protection in tree bark, underground or in other suitable areas. The current year’s nest is not used again the following year. In the spring, they seek new sites for nests to lay their eggs and again start the cycle.

When disturbed, these insects will swarm and aggressively defend their nests by stinging the invader. Yellow jackets, hornets and wasps primarily feed on other insects, including pestiferous ones that attack vegetable and ornamental plants. If their nests are not in the way, you should leave them alone so the insects can serve as a form of pest control for your garden.

What should you do if you encounter one of their nests? The best course of action is to use a flying insect

spray for control. Stand back several feet at a safe distance and direct the insecticide spray to the opening of the nest. For the wasps, hit their entire comb-like nest with the spray. Carefully check the nest entrance the following day to see if another application is necessary.

Sometimes the yellow jackets that nest in the ground may be in a place that is difficult for the spray to reach. In this case, apply a dust formulation of an insecticide, such as Sevin, to the ground around the nest. The insects will track the material into the nest. Over a period of a few days, the colony will die. Please remember when using pesticides, to follow all label directions and safety precautions. If the insects are inside wall voids or attics, then you should contact a pest control company for removal due to the risks involved.

When working in the yard

and if you are planning to prune any shrubs, tap the bushes with a rake and see if any of these insects fly out. If you observe their presence, there may be a nest in the shrubs. Also, yellow jackets and hornets like sweet food and drinks, such as sodas.

Avoid spilling drinks onto the ground or on outdoor furniture. Keep the material in closed containers to deter the insects. Open garbage cans also attract these pests, particularly the yellow jackets. Frequently, large numbers of the insects can be observed flying around the cans.

Keep the garbage sealed in the cans with the lids on tightly and empty them on a regular basis.

Timothy Daly, MS is an Agricultural and Natural Resource agent with the Gwinnett County Extension Service. He can be reached at 678-377-4010 or timothy. daly@gwinnettcounty.com.

Congressman calls for repeal of franking privilege

By Kristi Reed kristi.reed @gwinnettdailypost.com

Rep. Rob Woodall said it is time Congress plays by the same rules as the people they represent.

Woodall, along with Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), has introduced legislation to repeal the congressional franking privilege which al-

POLITICAL NOTEBOOK lows members of Congress to send mail with a signature in lieu of postage and Rob Woodall reimburse the Postal Service at a later date.

The bipartisan WoodallDuckworth legislation would require members of Congress to use prepaid postage.

The legislation has earned the support of a coalition of government watchdog groups who, in a letter to the U.S. House of Representatives, claimed making the actual costs of the franking privilege evident “will encourage greater self-restraint by members and more accurate accounting.”

“In an era where trust in government is at an all-time low, we should be able to achieve common sense, bipartisan reforms that make the federal government more accountable,” Woodall said.

“This straightforward bill would simply ensure that congressional offices play by the same rules at the Post Office as the folks they represent. That should not be controversial, and I hope my colleagues will work with me to repeal this antiquated congressional perk.”

Woodall represents the 7th Congressional District which includes portions of Gwinnett and Forsyth counties.

National Rifle Association endorses state representative This week, Rep. Tom Kirby (R-Loganville) announced his endorsement by the National Rifle Association. The endorsement, according to Georgia NRA liaison Daniel Carey, is a reflection of Kirby’s support for Second Amendment issues.

“The National Rifle Association has been one of the leading defenders of the Second Amendment,” Kirby said in an Oct. 1 press release. “I am proud to have earned their ‘A’ rating for my votes relating to Second Amendment issues. I am extremely honored to have received their endorsement.”

Kirby represents District 114, which includes portions of Barrow, Gwinnett, Rock-

dale and Walton counties.

He will face Democratic challenger Grover Thomas in the November election.

More than 2,100 absentee ballots mailed Voters have until Oct. 31 to request absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election.

Absentee ballot applications are available for download at www.gwinnettelections.com and on the Georgia Secretary of State “My Voter Page” at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov.

Completed applications may be faxed, mailed, emailed or hand delivered to the Elections Office. Instructions are listed on the application form.

As of Oct. 1, the Gwinnett County Elections Office had mailed 2,178 absentee ballots and delivered an additional 76 electronic ballots for military personnel and overseas voters. According to Elections Supervisor Lynn Ledford, 534 people have already returned their ballots.

Voter registration deadline is Monday The last day to register to vote in the November election is Monday, Oct. 6. Prospective voters with a Georgia issued personal identification card or a Georgia issued driver’s license may register online at www.mvp.sos.ga.gov or by downloading the “GA Votes” app for smartphones and tablets from the Apple Store or Google Play store.

Voter registration forms may also be submitted by mail.

To obtain a form, visit the Gwinnett County Elections page at gwinnettelections. com or stop by a local library, public assistance office, recruitment office or other government offices.

Coming up The Gwinnett Republican Party will hold its monthly breakfast meeting on Saturday, Oct. 4, at 550 Trackside, located at 550 N. Clayton St. in Lawrenceville.

Doors open at 7:45 a.m., the program — featuring speakers Jody Hice, Linda Herren and David Clark — begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit www. gwinnettrepublicans.com.

Political Notebook appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post.

gwinnettdailypost.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 • 3A

Charging stations coming to Mall of Georgia Electric vehicles to recharge near Nordstrom

By Kristi Reed

The NRG eVgo “Freedom Station” site will include 480-volt direct current In an effort to support (DC) fast chargers which “green” initiatives, the Mall can charge a vehicle in 30 of Georgia will soon add minutes or less. The site will charging stations for electric also feature traditional 240vehicles. volt alternating current (AC) kristi.reed @gwinnettdailypost.com

Students perfect on certification test again

chargers designed to work with virtually all electric vehicles.

The site will become part of mall operator Simon Property Group’s network of more than 170 electric vehicle (EV) charging sta-

tions — including 51 Tesla charging stations — at 55 locations across the country.

Simon began installing EV charging stations at its properties in 2011. In 2012, Lenox Square became the company’s first Georgia location equipped with the stations.

According to the En-

ergy Policy Information Center, more than 220,000 Americans now own electric vehicles. In Georgia, the zero-emission vehicles have gained popularity due to incentives including a tax credit of 20 percent of the vehicle cost up to $5,000 and the ability to take advantage of the High Oc-

cupancy Vehicle (HOV) and Express lanes as a single rider.

The Mall of Georgia charging stations will be added outside of Bebe’s on the rear side of the mall near Nordstrom. Mall management was unable to provide a completion date for the $42,000 project.

About 500 attend Snellville public safety festival

By Joshua Sharpe

joshua.sharpe @gwinnettdailypost.com

An estimated 500 people turned out to the city of Snellville’s Public Safety Night on Tuesday, making

By Keith Farner it one of the most successful keith.farner community outreach events @gwinnettdailypost.com in the police department’s LAWRENCEVILLE — history, according to the city.

Seven Gwinnett Technical “The men and women College students earned a of the Snellville Police perfect pass rate on a national Department were honored horticulture certification test. and humbled by the turnout It’s the second straight of citizens, businesses and year a group of students sister agencies supporting earned the Landscape Inour Public Safety Night,” dustry Certified Lawn Care Police Chief Roy Whitehead Manager designation that’s said in a news release. “The offered through a partnerevent was a tremendous ship with the University of success and we expect it Georgia. to grow and improve every Students pursuing the year. This night provides a national certification were great opportunity for comstudents in instructor Tony munication and interaction Gobert’s Turfgrass Manage- with the citizens we serve.” ment class.

The annual event offered Gwinnett Tech offers residents an opportunity to an associate degree and a meet and ask questions of diploma program in Environmental Horticulture, and certificate options for Landscape Design Technician, Horticulture Installation Technician From Staff Reports and Floral Designer.

Landscape Industry Certifications are awarded Advance voting begins by the Professional Landcare Oct. 13 at the Gwinnett Network, or PLANET, and County Elections Office, but, designate individuals in the for those who prefer not to landscaping industry who travel to Lawrenceville, six are qualified, confident and other voting locations will be recognized, according to a available beginning Saturday, school press release.

Oct. 25.

Snellville police officer Scott Hermel, left, mans the department’s booth with officer Philip Poole during Public Safety Night on Tuesday. (Special Photo)

local officers, get safety tips and information from various emergency service agencies and vendors. They also got a look at first-

responder equipment.

Displays were set-up by the Snellville Police Special Response Team, the AirEvac Lifeteam, the Gwin-

nett County fire department, Gwinnett Animal Control, the Gwinnett Bomb Squad, emergency medical service technicians, first responders

and others.

Snellville police K-9 officers gave several demonstrations throughout the evening.

New satellite voting locations added for Nov. election For the November election, the county added two new satellite voting locations: Bogan Park Community Recreation Center located at 2723 North Bogan Road in Buford and Lenora Park Activity Room at 4515 Lenora Church Road in Snellville. Existing satellite

voting locations include Centerville Community Center, 3025 Bethany Church Road, Snellville; Dacula Park Activity Building, 2735 Auburn Ave., Dacula; George Pierce Park Community Recreation Center, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee; and Lucky Shoals Park Community Recreation

Center, 4651 Britt Road, Norcross.

Satellite locations will be open from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Oct. 25 and from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, Oct. 27-31.

Advance voting will take place at the Elections Office, located at 455 Grayson

Highway, Suite 200, in Lawrenceville, from Oct. 1331, Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. and on Saturday, Oct. 18, and Saturday, Oct. 25, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettelections. com.

4A • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 To Your Good Health

gwinnettdailypost.com

TODAY

0%

Keith Roach

Ruptured spleen due to trauma DEAR DR. ROACH: Very recently, my husband was admitted to the hospital with a ruptured spleen that bled into his belly. His surgeon repaired it with a coil. He was not in an accident and had no injuries or any kind of bruising anywhere on his body. His doctor had never seen this; he says a ruptured spleen usually is sustained from some sort of accident. My husband is almost 59, and in good health otherwise.

How could this happen, and could this happen again?

— J.C. ANSWER: The spleen removes defective red blood cells from the circulation, and it also destroys bacteria and infected cells.

In fact, it is in many ways like a big lymph node, responding to infections by activating and enlarging.

Although a ruptured spleen is well-described in the literature, I’ve never seen a case like your husband’s either. The last ruptured spleen I saw was a college football player who was simultaneously hit by two opposing players, one on either side, both much larger than he was.

Most people with spleen rupture had an enlarged spleen to begin with, from cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma, infection such as EBV (the virus that causes mononucleosis), inflammatory conditions such as pancreatitis or mechanical causes such as pregnancy. A few cases are related to medications, and a few have no identifiable cause for rupture.

As far as risk of it happening again, there you have me. I found one paper that says the prognosis is “excellent.” I would have to refer you back to his surgeon. People who have had their spleens removed are at risk for certain infections, and should have a vaccine for pneumococcus, a major cause of pneumonia. The vaccine is normally given at age 65. Your husband should speak with his doctor about getting it now (since I don’t know whether his spleen is now considered normal).

Dr. Roach regrets that he is unable to answer individual letters, but will incorporate them in the column whenever possible. Readers may email questions to ToYourGoodHealth@med.cornell.edu or request an order form of available health newsletters at P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL 32853-6475.

Health newsletters may be ordered from www.rbmamall.com.

HOROSCOPES

WEATHER WATCH

84

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

90%

10%

0%

20%

50%

10%

81

68

71

78

77

82

54

66

43

48

53

LAKE LEVELS

SOLUNAR TABLES The Gwinnett Daily Post (UPSP 921-980, ISSN 10860096) is published Wednesday through Friday and Sunday by SCNI, 725 Old Norcross Road, Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Periodical postage paid at Lawrenceville, GA 30044. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Gwinnett Daily Post, P.O. Box 603, Lawrenceville, GA 30046-0603.

The solunar tables for lakes are based on studies that show fish and game are more active at certain times during the lunar period.

MAJOR

8:08-10:08 a.m......... 8:36-10:36 p.m.

MINOR

1:01-2:01 a.m............. 3:10-4:10 p.m.

POLLEN COUNTS Trees: Low Weeds: High Grass: Low

Lake

54

53

Full Yesterday

Lake

Full Yesterday

Allatoona (840.0) ......... 837.50

Lanier

(1071.0) ....... 1067.95

Blackshear (237.0) ........ 236.97

Nottely

(1779.0) .......1766.48

Blue Ridge (1690.0) ....... 1675.74

Oconee

(435.0) ........ 434.58

Burton

(1865.0) .......1864.78

Seminole (77.50)............76.76

Carters

(1072.0) .......1069.81

Sinclair

Chatuge

(1927.0) ....... 1919.01

Thurmond (330.0) ........ 325.22

(339.8) ........ 338.60

Harding

(521.0) .........520.18

Tugalo

Hartwell

(660.0) ........ 656.26

Walter F. George (190)....... 187.16

(891.5) .........889.13

Jackson

(530.0) ........ 528.50

West Point (635.0) ......... 631.07

TODAY IN HISTORY

LOTTERY Wednesday Cash 3 Midday: 9-1-2 Cash 4 Midday: 5-0-1-9 Ga. 5 Midday: 1-9-0-6-7 Tuesday Cash 3 Midday: 1-2-4 Cash 3 Evening: 5-7-0 Cash 4 Midday: 4-7-8-6 Cash 4 Evening: 1-3-9-2 Ga. 5 Midday: 3-8-0-2-9 Ga. 5 Evening: 0-4-2-6-6 Fantasy 5: 2-11-27-31-35 Mega Millions: 3-16-52-5461, Mega Ball: 6

TODAY’S HISTORY: In 1835, the Texas Revolution began as American settlers battled Mexican troops near the Guadalupe River.

In 1919, President Woodrow Wilson suffered a stroke that left him partially paralyzed.

In 1950, the comic strip “Peanuts” (starring Charlie Brown and Snoopy) debuted in newspapers.

In 1967, Thurgood Marshall was sworn in as the first black Supreme Court justice.

In 2002, the first two “Beltway sniper” attacks left one person dead in Montgomery County, Md. TODAY’S BIRTHDAYS: Nat Turner (1800-1831), slave rebellion leader; Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948), political/spiritual leader; Cordell Hull (1871-1955), statesman; Groucho Marx (1890-1977), comedian/actor;

Bud Abbott (1895-1974), comedian/ actor; Graham Greene (1904-1991), novelist; Rex Reed (1938- ), movie critic; Steve Sabol (1942-2012), director/producer; Don McLean (1945- ), singer-songwriter; Sting (1951- ), singer-songwriter; Lorraine Bracco (1954- ), actress; Kelly Ripa (1970- ), actress/TV personality.

TODAY’S FACT: After translating Leo Tolstoy’s “Letter to a Hindu,” Mohandas Gandhi began a regular correspondence with the novelist that lasted from October 1909 until Tolstoy’s death in November 1910.

TODAY’S SPORTS: In 2005, the Arizona Cardinals beat the San Francisco 49ers 31-14 in Mexico City.

It was the first regular-season NFL game to take place outside the United States.

READER’S GUIDE

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Who To Call

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Remarriage brings out bad feelings DEAR AMY: I was recently married to a wonderful man. This is a second marriage for both of us. Our first marriages were difficult and lasted more than 20 years.

I now find myself hurt by the fact that no one in my immediate family gave us a gift. I know my sister feels that gifts are inappropriate for second weddings and likely shared that opinion with other family members.

Talking with her is not an option; she is staunchly opinionated and it would be unpleasant.

In the future I am tempted to avoid family gatherings, as her bullying is exhausting, but I don’t want to punish my father by not hosting Thanksgiving, etc.

I know I should just rise above it and move on, but our feelings are hurt and I think it is a terrible “welcome to the family” statement for my new husband.

Am I being petty?

— Upset Wife DEAR UPSET: Like everything else involving etiquette for weddings, the

your family. But are you really going to start your married life fretting over this drama? Does any of this remind you of issues you dealt with in your previous marriage? If so, promise to do everything differently this time.

DEAR AMY: As much as I love my grandmother, Amy Dickinson she always comments on the photos I’m tagged in on old rule about not giving a Facebook. She thanks the gift for a second wedding is poster, saying how happy not set in stone. Simply put, she is to see my picture. guests can (and should) give I talk to her often and send a gift if they want to, and her photos whenever I can, especially guests who did but sometimes I just don’t not attend your first wedding want Grandma commentwill want to. ing on the photos from last But many middle-aged night’s party. couples tying the knot for I’ve adjusted my privacy the second time request that settings, but she still comguests not give them gifts ments on anything that she because their material needs can. are already fulfilled — and Is there a kind way to ask also because with maturity her to connect in another comes the knowledge that it way? is a mistake to start a newly — Violet married life keeping the DEAR VIOLET: Sit same old score card. down with Gran and show I assume that there are her how Facebook works. other reasons you don’t Tell her that instead of comfeel your husband has been menting it’s better to simply appropriately embraced by press the “like” button if the

Ask Amy

photo is posted by someone she doesn’t know personally.

I posed this question on my own Facebook page, and include a representative sample of the responses below.

“I’m 35 years old and all of my grandparents are dead.

I would love to have that horrifying experience again of my grandparents being involved in my life. My advice would be to be humble, and reach out to connect with your loved ones while you have the chance — no matter how embarrassing or out of touch they seem.”

“I’m 23 years old and I love it when my grandmother posts on my page. I love my family and have nothing to be ashamed of.”

“When I told my adult son that his grandma was on FB, he said, ‘I have nothing to hide. If she has a problem it is hers, not mine.’ He said it with a smile.”

“I hesitate to comment when it’s my 16-year-old grandson.”

“Oops, I think I might be that Grandma. I didn’t know it was a problem.”

Avoid making rash decisions. Don’t commit your time or services to anyone without first finding out what the job entails.

Estimates and guesswork will derail your plans. Get all the facts and work out the costs before you decide to make a change.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Don’t allow anyone to manipulate you or blame you for their shortcomings.

Jealousy and frustration will lead to hard feelings among your peers. Stand up for yourself and your achievements.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Let the voice of experience be your guide.

If you are feeling uneasy regarding your direction, talk with someone you trust. You will gain insight if you ask questions.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Travel and fraught communications are likely. Don’t let personal problems interfere with your productivity at work. Keeping everything in perspective will be fundamental if you want to get ahead.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Focus on making money and/or strategic enhancements to your financial portfolio.

Avoid excessive displays of emotion. Maintain a calm demeanor in order to discourage anyone trying to make you look or feel inferior.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20Feb. 19) — A little selfindulgence can be a good thing if you don’t bust your budget. An outing to a theatrical, sporting or musical event will lift your spirits and provide some healthy recreation.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) — Decide what will bring you closer to your goal. Furthering your education, increasing your contacts or improving your networking methods will help raise your profile.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) — Keep your composure. Some awkward situations are bound to unfold.

Handle whatever comes your way with grace and good humor. Losing your temper will only make matters worse.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) — Love, laughter and romance will fill your day.

Take someone special on a day trip so you can relax, rejuvenate and get to know each other better.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) — An effective way to increase your networking prospects is to participate in worthy organizations or humanitarian events. You’ll improve your odds of meeting someone interesting and influential.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) — Money matters will surface. Collect an old debt and make financial changes that will protect your assets and help your bank account grow. Document your plans and put them in motion.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) — Don’t brood over past events. Share some laughs with close friends or relatives, and move forward.

Life is a series of changes; some good, some bad.

Make the most of today.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept.

22) — With self-discipline, you will be able to check off a lot of items on your to-do list. Listen to other people’s points of view. You can expect opposition if you try to dominate.

Thursday, October 2, 2014 • 5A

gwinnettdailypost.com

world Turkey vows to fight ISIS MURSITPINAR, Turkey/BEIRUT — Turkey signaled it may send troops into Syria or Iraq and let allies use Turkish bases to fight Islamic State, as coalition jets launched air strikes on Wednesday on insurgents besieging a town on its southern border with Syria.

The government sent a proposal to parliament late on Tuesday which would broaden existing powers and allow Ankara to order military action to “defeat attacks directed towards our country from all terrorist groups in Iraq and Syria.”

The proposal would also mean Turkey, until now reluctant to take a frontline role against Islamic State, could allow foreign forces to use its territory for crossborder incursions.

But President Tayyip Erdogan said the removal of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad remained a Turkish priority and stressed Ankara’s fears that U.S.-led air strikes without a broader political strategy would only prolong the instability.

world&nation Up to 18 exposed to Ebola patient

By Lisa Maria Garza and Marice Richter Reuters

DALLAS — Health experts were observing up to 18 people, including children, who had contact with the first person to be diagnosed with the deadly Ebola virus in the United States, officials said on Wednesday.

Confirmation that a man who flew to Texas from Liberia later fell ill with the hemorrhagic fever prompted U.S. health officials to take steps to contain the virus, which has killed at least 3,338 people in Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea, the World Health Organization said.

The patient was evaluated initially last Friday and sent home from Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital with antibiotics, a critical missed opportunity that could result in others being exposed to the virus, infectious disease experts said.

The man was admitted to the same hospital on Sunday, where he was in serious condition, a spokeswoman said. The hospital cited the man’s privacy as the reason for not identifyEbola deaths ing him, but the Associated reach 3,338 Press gave his name as Thomas Eric Duncan.

GENEVA — The death Five Dallas-area students toll from the world’s worst were being monitored for Ebola outbreak on record possible exposure to Ebola reached 3,338 people out of after coming into contact 7,178 cases in West Africa as of Sept. 28, the World Health Organization said on Wednesday.

It said the total number of new cases had fallen for Fla. jury finds a second week, but warned Dunn guilty of against reading any good murder in loud news into the figures as they were almost certainly music shooting under-reported and there JACKSONVILLE, Fla. were few signs of the epidemic being brought under — A Florida jury found a control. white software engineer “Transmission remains guilty on Wednesday of persistent and widespread first degree murder in in Guinea, Liberia and the shooting death of an Sierra Leone, with strong unarmed black teenager evidence of increasing case during a dispute over loud incidence in several disrap music. tricts,” the WHO’s update Michael Dunn, 47, a said. software engineer, testiAlthough the spread of fied that he was defending the disease appears to have himself when he fired 10 stabilized in Guinea, where rounds at an SUV carrying the epidemic originated, “it four black teens listening must be emphasized that to music at a Jacksonville in the context of an outgas station parking lot in break of EVD (Ebola virus November 2012, killing disease), a stable pattern of 17-year-old Jordan Davis. transmission is still of grave In a February trial, a jury concern, and could change deadlocked on the murder quickly,” it said. charge but convicted Dunn on three counts of attemptCar bomb kills 11 ed murder for firing at the three surviving teens in the in Shi’ite vehicle. neighborhood Under Florida’s mandatory minimum sentencBAGHDAD — A car ing guidelines for crimes bomb exploded in a mostly committed with a gun, Shi’ite Muslim neighDunn could face at least 60 borhood of southeastern years in jail for his February Baghdad on Wednesday, convictions. Sentencing for killing 11 people, police those convictions was postand hospital sources said. poned until after his retrial.

The violence came a day after Baghdad witnessed Secret Service one of its bloodiest days director Pierson since U.S.-led air strikes against Islamic State resigns under fire insurgents in Iraq began in WASHINGTON — SeAugust.

The sources said the cret Service Director Julia explosion, which also Pierson resigned under wounded 27 people, ocfire on Wednesday after curred near a local market. a series of security lapses Eight of those killed were came to light involving the civilians and three were protection for President policemen.

Barack Obama.

— From wire reports Homeland Security

Dallas Independent School District Superintendent Mike Miles speaks as at a media conference at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, Texas, on Wednesday. U.S. health experts in Dallas on Wednesday were examining how many people may have been exposed to Ebola, just one day after the first case of the deadly virus was diagnosed in the United States, the nation’s top public health official said. The patient, who was not identified for privacy reasons, arrived in Texas on Sept. 20, and sought treatment six days later at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, according to the CDC. (Reuters/Mike Stone)

with the man over the weekend, Dallas officials said. A Dallas County health official said 12-18 people were being monitored because of possible contact with the patient.

“The students did not have any symptoms and so the odds of them passing on any sort of virus is very low,” Mike Miles, Dallas Independent School District superintendent, told a news conference.

Miles said the five had been in school since then

but were now at home.

He said schools would be staffed with additional health professionals and classes would remain in session.

Texas officials said health workers who took care of the patient had so far tested negative for the virus and there were no other suspected cases in the state. Texas Governor Rick Perry told a news conference he was confident the virus would be contained, as did other officials.

nation

Secret Service Director Julia Pierson testifies at the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on “White House Perimeter Breach: New Concerns about the Secret Service” on Capitol Hill on Tuesday. Pierson resigned under fire on Wednesday after a series of security lapses came to light involving the protection for President Barack Obama. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

“People can be confident here in this country that we have the medical infrastructure in place to prevent the broad spread of Ebola,” White House spokesman Josh Earnest said on CNN. U.S. stocks fell sharply.

Airline and hotel company shares dropped over concerns that Ebola’s spread outside Africa might curtail travel. Drugmakers with experimental Ebola treatments in the pipeline saw their shares rise.

United States, police said on Wednesday.

Sabrina Allen was four years old when she was taken from Austin, Texas, in April 2002 by her father’s estranged wife, Dara Llorens, according to the Austin Police Department.

U.S. and Mexican authorities found the girl in Mexico and took Llorens into custody on Tuesday, according to authorities.

Both the teenager and Llorens are being transported back to the United States.

“I am overjoyed that Sabrina has been found alive and is safe,” Greg Allen, Sabrina’s father, said in a statement. “Our entire family would like to thank the investigators that made this happen. They never gave up. We look forward to being reunited very soon.”

people Ben Affleck gets into dark, tough mind-set in ‘Gone Girl’

NEW YORK — Ben Affleck is not interested in playing nice guys and would choose an interesting, complicated character over a likable one, which is what drew him to “Gone Girl,” a dark thriller about marriage, intimacy and the roles people play.

It was that and working with Academy Award nominee David Fincher, who directed the film adaptation of Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel, which opens in U.S. theaters on Friday.

The 42-year-old actor plays Nick Dunne, a charming writer in New York who loses his job and returns to his recession-hit hometown in Missouri, with his beautiful wife in tow.

When Amy, played by British actress Rosamund Pike, goes missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, Nick becomes the prime suspect and center of a media circus.

Some critics have called it the best performance yet by Affleck, who has won Oscars as producer of best picture “Argo” and screenwriter of “Good Will Hunting.”

“It’s about role playing.

It’s about what women ask of men and men ask of women, and in the way we kind of show one another half of ourselves and not the whole self,” Affleck said in an interview.

“He feels like he is unfulfilled and he is being asked to do more than he should, and he is frustrated and he resents his wife. She resents him,” he added. “It was trying to get into that mind-set of recrimination and resentment, which was dark and tough and ugly.”

Geraldine Mock, first woman to fly solo around the world, dies at 88

CLEVELAND — Geraldine “Jerrie” Mock, the first woman to fly solo The court ordered a Secretary Jeh Johnson around the world, has died mental competency review announced Pierson’s resat the age of 88, a family for Omar Gonzalez, who ignation and said Joseph friend said on Wednesday. suffers from post-traumatic Clancy, a veteran of the Mock, a Newark, Ohio, agency, was named acting stress disorder, but defense native known as “the flying lawyers opposed the evaludirector. housewife,” died in her ation.

White House spokesSandy Hook Florida home on Tuesday, Gonzalez’s lawyer, Daman Josh Earnest said said the friend, Mary KelObama had called Pierson vid Bos, said his client was school emptied to express his appreciation mentally competent and after bomb threat ley.

Mock was 38 on March to her for her long years of did not need an evaluation.

A telephoned bomb 19, 1964, when she took He said he has become service. threat on Wednesday emp- off from Columbus, Ohio, increasingly confident in He said Obama had tied Connecticut’s Sandy in a 1953 Cessna 180 concluded that new leader- his client’s competency.

Hook Elementary School, single-engine monoplane Gonzalez was captured ship was needed at the named the “Spirit of Coinside the White House on the replacement for the agency after a number of lumbus,” according to the security lapses, including a Sept. 19 with a knife after school where 26 people Smithsonian Institution’s White House fence-jumper he jumped the fence at the were massacred in 2012, National Air and Space presidential mansion, burst officials said. who managed to enter the The school in Monroe, Museum Archives. through the front door and front door of the mansion Twenty-nine days and ran about 130 feet into the Conn., received a telephoned on Sept. 19 and get into 23,103 miles later, the fivethe ceremonial East Room East Room, used for events bomb threat at 9:39 a.m. police spokesman Lieutenant foot, 100-pound mother of and receptions. before off-duty agents Brian McCauley said. three landed safely back in stopped him.

Students were evacuColumbus, 27 years after Kidnapped Texas ated to a nearby school and Amelia Earhart’s much White House girl found after dismissed. A check of the more famous — albeit fence jumper Sandy Hook school and unsuccessful — attempt to 12-year search grounds turned up nothing circle the globe. pleads not guilty AUSTIN, Texas — A and the threat is being inPresident Lyndon B. WASHINGTON — The girl kidnapped in Texas vestigated, McCauley said. Johnson presented Mock Iraq war veteran accused in 2002 by her father’s The school district said with the Federal Aviation in the Sept. 19 breach of estranged wife when she in a telephone voice mesAdministration’s Excepthe White House pleaded was 4 years old has been sage to parents that all stu- tional Service decoration not guilty on Wednesday in found alive in Mexico and dents and staff were safe. in 1964.

— From wire reports federal court. is being returned to the — From wire reports

Loss of smell may be predictor of death in older adults

By Bill Berkrot Reuters

Being unable to smell bacon frying may be far more dire than simply missing out on one of life’s pleasures. In older adults, it could be a predictor of increased risk of death within five years.

In a study of more than 3,000 people aged 57 to 85, 39 percent of subjects who failed a simple smelling test died within five

Must read years, according to results published on Wednesday in the science journal PLOS ONE. That compared with a 19 percent death rate within five years for those with moderate smell loss and 10 percent for those deemed to have a healthy sense of smell.

“Compared to a person with a normal sense of smell, a person

with an absent sense of smell has three times greater risk of dying within a five-year span,” Dr. Jayant Pinto, the study’s lead author, said in a telephone interview.

“What this tells us is your sense of smell is a great indicator of your overall health,” said Pinto, an associate professor at the University of Chicago who specializes in genetics and treatment of olfactory and sinus disease.

He likened the loss of smell to a canary in a coal mine. “It doesn’t cause death, but it’s an early warning that something has gone badly wrong.”

The smell test was conducted in 2005 using “Sniffin’ Sticks,” which resemble felt-tip pens, that were loaded with five different odors subjects were asked to identify: peppermint, fish, orange, rose or leather.

Nearly 78 percent of those tested were able to identify at

least four of the five scents and so classified as having normal sense of smell. Almost 20 percent got two or three of the scents right, while the remaining 3.5 percent could correctly identify one or none of the five, researchers said.

In 2010 and 2011, the survey team confirmed which participants were still alive. During the five years, 430 of the 3,005 subjects, or 12.5 percent, had died.

perspectives

J.K. Murphy, Vice President, SCNI jk.murphy@gwinnettdailypost.com

gwinnettdailypost.com

Todd Cline, Editor

todd.cline@gwinnettdailypost.com

PAGE 6 A • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

More random thoughts on random topics Random thoughts on the passing scene: What a non-judgmental society amounts to is that common decency is optional — which means that decency is likely to become less common.

The biggest issue in this fall’s election is whether the Obama administration will end when Barack Obama leaves the White House or whether it will continue on, by appointing federal judges with Thomas lifetime appointSowell ments who share President Obama’s contempt for the Constitution. Whether such judges will be confirmed by the Senate depends on whether the Senate continues to be controlled by Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid.

Why in the world would any sane American go to North Korea and put themselves at the mercy of a crackpot dictator?

Since Illinois enacted a law permitting more people to carry concealed firearms, more than 65,000 people got permits to do so. Rates of robbery, burglary and motor vehicle thefts have dropped significantly, and the murder rate has fallen to a level not seen in more than half a century. If only the gun control fanatics would pay some attention to facts, a lot of lives could be saved.

If you took all the mumbo-jumbo out of our educational institutions, how much would be left? Students could finish their education years earlier and end up knowing a lot more than they know now.

Why are Americans — and the Western world in general — falling all over ourselves stifling our own self-expression to appease people who chose to immigrate here, and are now demanding the suppression of anything they don’t like, such as public expressions of Christianity or displays of the American flag?

Someone should write a history of political rhetoric, if only to put us on our guard against being deceived into disasters. The first World War, for example, was said to be a war “to make the world safe for democracy.”

What it actually led to was the replacement of despotic dynasties by totalitarian dictatorships that were far worse, including far more murderous.

Professor Sterling Brown remains as much a hero to me in my old age as he was when I was a freshman at Howard University. He wrote bitterly eloquent attacks on racism — and yet, when I was preparing to go off to Harvard, he said to me, “Don’t come back here and tell me you didn’t make it ’cause white folks were mean.”

The fatal weakness of most clever people is that they don’t know when to stop being clever. The past cleverness of President Obama is finally starting to catch up with him.

Why Republicans would bring up the subject of immigration during an election year is beyond me. Yet Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner seems drawn to the subject like a moth to a flame.

Who says the Obama administration is not transparent? They are constantly telling our enemies overseas when it will pull out our troops and where we will not put boots on the ground.

Heartening as it has been to see Derek Jeter get farewell honors during his last season, as with Mariano Rivera last season, it is also a melancholy thought that we may not see their like again — in their personal dignity and class, as well as their performance on the field. They are throwbacks to an earlier time, in a sports world of spoiled brat showoffs today.

I must have heard the word “diversity” proclaimed in ringing tones as a great benefit to society at least a thousand times — and probably closer to a million — without even once hearing a speck of evidence provided, or even suggested, as a way to test whether that is true or false.

Attorney General Eric Holder has picked the perfect time to resign, in terms of his own self-interest. He will have two years in which to cash in with lucrative fees on the lecture circuit and to make a big-bucks book deal. If he waited until the end of the Obama administration, a former Attorney General would be eclipsed in both respects by a former President of the United States, thereby reducing the demand for Holder.

With the momentous consequences of control of the Senate at stake in this fall’s election, anyone who risks the outcome by running as a third party candidate should not only be voted against this year but remembered for such irresponsibility in future years.

Thomas Sowell is a senior fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University. His website is www.tsowell.com.

Affirmative action’s token assessment CHICAGO — The inevitable result of affirmative action is contempt for those it is supposed to benefit.

After institutions have been begged, cajoled or scolded into diversifying their ranks, minorities who get the opportunity to bring their unique views to a previously homogenous organization are immediately seen as tokens — not good enough to get in on merit alone.

This situation awaits the next minority journalist to be hired as an arts or culture critic at The New York Times or the next Hispanic to be a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors.

But first, a primer on last week’s Shonda Rhimes controversy.

New York Times television critic Alessandra Stanley wrote a long article about Rhimes, the screenwriter, director and producer of hit TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal,” in which Stanley made a few noteworthy points that made my heart sing.

“Even when her heroine is the only nonwhite person in the room, it is the last thing she or anyone around her notices or cares about,” Stanley wrote.

“And what is most admirable about Ms. Rhimes’ achievement is that in a business that is still run by note-giving, nitpicking, compromise-seeking

to Get Away With Being an Angry Black Woman.’”

Based on the enormous outcry and subsequent ongoing media attention that followed publication of the article, it’s clear that Rhimes has not succeeded in single-handedly eliminating stereotypically Esther racialized perceptions of black Cepeda women.

And reactions to the Stanley network executives, her work article have spotlighted the is mercifully free of upliftuncomfortable realities of how ing role models, parables and some whites view the struggle moral teachings.” for parity.

I love this because it stands My favorite takedown came for everything I hope and from Margaret Lyons on Vulwish for minorities in this ture.com. country — both on small and Regarding Stanley’s menbig screens and in very real of- tion of a new black cast memfices, boardrooms, classrooms ber on “Saturday Night Live,” and laboratories: multicultural Lyons noted: “‘A diversity jag’ diversity based on merit, creis one person? Michael Che ativity, intelligence and hard was not hired because ‘SNL’ work rather than on optics, is ‘on a diversity jag,’ and sugpolitically correct expectations gestions like that help perpetuor quotas. ate the damaging, unfair idea But though Stanley’s article that the only people who get was supposed to be an admir- hired in a normal, ordinary, ing review of Rhimes’ impact talent-driven ways are white on Hollywood and how her — and if people of color get trailblazing may change how hired, it’s for special reasons.” we view minority women in Bingo. society, it was couched in a In the aftermath of Shondaveritable hall of shame of ofgate, it has come out that fensive stereotypes about black among the Times’ 20 cultural women. critics, there are only two perTo give you a flavor, the sons of color and no black critarticle’s lead paragraph was ics. Perhaps even worse, the this chestnut: “When Shonda diversity of the corps of editors Rhimes writes her autobiogra- is in question since the Times’ phy, it should be called ‘How executive editor, Dean Baquet,

is the only person of color on the news-side masthead.

So the assumption becomes that if minority hires are made, they will forever be seen as tokens who were hired for “diversity’s sake,” not because they’re awesome journalists.

Even if they are awesome journalists.

The same reaction could happen in the arts as well.

After years of being criticized for not including more Hispanics for the Kennedy Center Honors, the cultural center in Washington revised its selection process and honored Carlos Santana and opera singer Martina Arroyo in 2013.

This year brought more outcry because no 2014 honorees are Hispanic.

But is this the worst thing in the world? Should there really be a designated Hispanic honoree each year?

Some might say yes. But others might get the idea that the artist was an appeasement who might not have made it otherwise, unfairly denigrating the honoree.

Those of us who care greatly about diversity must continue to insist on it — and hardily strenuously advocate for it to be based on merit and talent above all else.

Esther J. Cepeda is a nationally syndicated columnist.

Email her at estherjcepeda@ washpost.com.

Who’s really waging a war on women?

WASHINGTON — It has long been accepted by the conventionally wise that the Republican Party is waging a “war on women.”

Let’s be clear. The war on women is based on just one thing — abortion rights.

While it is true that access to abortion has been restricted in several states owing to Republican efforts, it is not true that women as a whole care only or mostly about abortion.

I promise, this isn’t another abortion column, not that the horrific number of abortions performed each year shouldn’t make one’s stomach turn. Instead, extremists on the pro-choice left celebrate the “right” to terminate a 20-week-old fetus. Google an image of this stage of fetal development and try to comprehend the glee we witnessed when state Sen. Wendy Davis, now running for governor, became the belle du jour upon her successful filibuster to protect that “right” in Texas.

OK, sorry, so I digressed just a little. But it isn’t possible to dissect the alleged war on women without mentioning abortion, since this is the entire content of the war as defined by savvy Democratic operatives. It was an effective strategy in 2012, aided quite a bit by some of the GOP’s lesser lights and looser tongues, not to mention good ol’ slut-talking Rush.

On the latter’s offense, and

dra Fluke, whose appeal for insurance coverage of birth control prompted Limbaugh to call her a “slut,” was elevated to martyr status and perhaps a political career.

A more recent example of a war-on-women event occurred in Virginia’s closely Kathleen watched congressional Parker race between Democrat John Foust and Republican the silliness of the so-called Barbara Comstock. This war in general, I defer to time it was a Democratic Bill Maher, who recently man attacking a Republican chastised liberals for their woman in, shall we say, the selective outrage regarding most clueless terms. Lacking women’s rights. facts or finesse, Foust mused “We hear a lot about the to an audience that Comstock Republican ‘war on women.’ hadn’t ever held a “real job.”

It’s not cool Rush LimMeaning, what, that she’s baugh called somebody a just a mom? slut. OK,” Maher said. “But Even if this were so, and it Saudi women can’t vote, or is not, why should Foust get drive, or hold a job or leave a pass for such an ignorant, the house without a man. sexist remark? Is any DemoOverwhelming majorities in cratic man — even one who every Muslim country say manages to insult while a wife is always obliged to pandering — better than any obey her husband. That all Republican woman? In my seems like a bigger issue than experience, a woman who evangelical Christian bakercan manage a household and ies refusing to make gay juggle the needs of three wedding cakes.” children while obtaining a Indeed. law degree from Georgetown This selective tendency is University, as Comstock did, also apparent when only cer- can run a corporation or a tain women are deserving of nation. defense in the public arena.

Like many working Sarah Palin, whose vice women, Comstock did stay presidency I politely opposed home in the early years to for legitimate reasons that are raise her children. She is also now widely embraced, has whip smart, funny, irreverbeen outrageously abused in ent and fierce. Her resume the vilest terms — by Maher includes such non-cookieamong others — and left to baking activities as serving twist in the wind. Yet Sanas a senior aide to Rep. Frank

Wolf, whose congressional seat she is pursuing. She is serving her third term in the Virginia House of Delegates, where she has advanced legislation to thwart human trafficking and supported several conservative positions related to health care and tax reform.

Yes, she’s conservative.

And, yes, she also opposes abortion. Which is to say, she doesn’t quite count in the national movement to elect more women to public office.

When a Comstock ad recently called Foust’s comments “sexist, bizarre, insensitive, ignorant,” the 10th district’s Democratic Party tweeted, “If @barbaracomstock were a man, she’d be down 20 pts w women. Her record & policies are horrible for women.”

No, if Comstock were a man, she wouldn’t have to counter such slander.

Virginia voters who oppose Comstock’s legislative record have a clear alternative. But if they cast their ballots for Foust, they’ll be electing a man whose disrespect toward women and the single job only women can do — mothering — is at least as offensive as Limbaugh’s name-calling.

On the other hand, maybe Foust and Limbaugh cancel each other out — neutralizing the war that never was.

Email nationally syndicated columnist Kathleen Parker at kathleenparker@ washpost.com.

8A • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

Program

•From Page 1A went. Having experiences like that would certainly be a positive from a leadership exposure perspective. This is the best way to get some leadership and training for it.”

Peachtree Ridge senior Zac Adams helped develop interest in the program at his school, and he said one selling point about it was it went above the school’s leadership offerings with a new perspective.

“It’s something outside of school that focuses on leadership; they take the extra step,” Adams said.

Two other North Gwinnett students said in a press release that through the program, they developed a deeper understanding of their own community, and learned about themselves.

“SYL has given me a chance to work deeper within my community on

Denise Brinson, the city’s economic development director who helped organize the Suwanee Youth Leaders program, speaks to the students in City Hall. Brinson said a highlight for her was the students quickly shedding their More than 50 students at North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge high schools partici- school loyalties and working seamlessly with students pated in the first Suwanee Youth Leaders program, which is designed for high school they didn’t know from their school. students to develop leadership skills and learn more about city government and the local community. The students collected more than 700 community volunteer hours, The program is open to the works in Sugar Hill and and city leaders said the program helped them develop a deeper relationship with the current sophomores and the Hamilton Mill areas. schools. The program started in January and held its final event on Saturday. (Special juniors who attend public, Brinson said the value Photos)

a level I had never experienced before,” said Mimi Zhang, a senior. “With SYL, students work with a whole new level of leaders in our community. I have a

Marijuana

•From Page 1A

with a legitimate condition.”

The longtime Gwinnett prosecutor also made it clear that the discussion in Georgia isn’t about recreational use of the drug, or even smoking it for medicinal purposes. Instead, it’s about allowing an oil form of the drug that doesn’t intoxicate the user, which Porter said he and other prosecutors would be open to if it were done carefully.

The oil was at the center of a passionate campaign earlier this year for Georgia legislators to give relief to children who suffer from chronic seizure disorders that stall their development and rule their lives. Though the legislature balked at the last minute and did not pass the law, the children’s plight still appears to weigh on some officials.

“There isn’t a person in this room that has a heart that would say no to medical marijuana when it could help children,” said Frank Rotondo, executive director of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police.

But, like Porter, Rotondo said his organization wants

to ensure that the right controls are in place. He suggested that only a few growers are authorized to cultivate the drug and that their products and facilities are subject to scrutiny.

State Rep. Allen Peake, a Macon Republican who co-chairs the committee with Buford Republican Renee Unterman, assured that only a handful of producers would be allowed and that they would be carefully regulated.

Decatur County Sheriff Wiley Griffin, president of the Georgia Sheriff’s Association, was also concerned about moving toward a more lax stance on marijuana in general and stressed his worries of “recreational, social or industrial” use repeatedly.

But he said his organization was generally receptive to the idea of allowing the oil in Georgia, with proper regulations.

State Sen. Butch Miller, a Gainesville Republican, made the committee’s intentions clear: “The vast majority would agree with you wholeheartedly. I don’t want you to take anything we say out of context. No one wants to create a Trojan horse.”

better understanding of how complicated and structured our city really is.”

July Choi, a junior, said, “I was able to find out who I was as a leader.”

Adams enjoyed the program enough that he plans to work with the next installment, scheduled to run from March through September.

private, and home-based schools in the North Gwinnett and Peachtree Ridge clusters. Applications will be available at suwanee.com beginning in November.

Similar programs are in

for the city was that the students’ understanding of how a city is run would help them get involved in their local community as an adult, be it Suwanee or another community.

Dacula

•From Page 1A and a left turn lane from Dacula Road westbound to Broad Street southbound.

“The project will also signalize and fully pedestrianize the intersection,” he added. “Sidewalks, curb and gutter will be constructed through the limits of the project.”

The project is in the right-of-way acquisition phase. Construction on the $1.1-million project is expected to begin in mid2015 and should take approximately nine months to complete.

“The project is too large to complete during the June through July summer break, but the work will be staged to result in as little disruption to school traffic as possible at Dacula High School and Dacula Middle School,” Sorenson said.

Proceeds from the 2009 SPLOST program have been allocated to approximately 150 projects including school safety projects, resurfacing, sidewalks, unpaved road improvements and more.

Top, the Dacula intersection improvements will include new turn lanes and a signal. Left, construction on the project is expected to begin in mid-2015. (Images: Gwinnett County)

obituaries LAWRENCEVILLE

Christian Cangeopol Christian Cangeopol, age 21, of Lawrenceville, GA, passed away on September 29, 2014.

Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA 770-932-1133 www. flaniganfuneralhome.com

LOGANVILLE

Helen Chamblee Helen Parham Chamblee, age 76, of Loganville, GA passed away on September 30, 2014 at her home.

Funeral service will be held at 2 PM, Saturday, October 4, 2014 in the Snellville Chapel of Tim Stewart Funeral Home, with visitation from 12-2 PM. Pastor Mickey Oliver will officiate. Burial will be held at 2 PM, Sunday, October 5, 2014 at Elmwood Cemetery, Oxford, North Carolina. Rev. Johnny Richards will officiate. She is survived by her beloved and devoted husband of almost 59 years: Michael S. Chamblee; cousin: Richard Parham of Houston, Texas.

Helen was born in Oxford, N.C. to Raymond & Fran-

ces Parham. She graduated from Oxford High in 1955 where she excelled in academics and played in the marching band from the 4th through 12th grade.

She spent most of her working life with the Bell Telephone System and was employed by AT&T following the breakup of Bell System. Helen was an animal lover, her dogs played a tremendous role in her life. She was a lifetime member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta and a member of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America.

She enjoyed showing her dogs and had several champions. She also had a number of therapy dogs registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc., and competed in obedience trials & herding. She worked very hard for the German Shepherd Dog Club of Atlanta where she held a variety of positions within the club. Helen had a heart for cats as well as her dogs, she gave several stray kittens forever homes and they became cherished members of the family.

Helen was a bubbly and enthusiastic member of the Georgia Red Hots chapter of the Red Hat Society.

She was a good, loyal friend with a tender heart.

She helped a number of people and never wanted to receive credit for her good deeds. Her sense of humor made her good

company and she will be greatly missed. Arrangements handled by Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 2246 Wisteria Drive, Snellville, Georgia 30078.

770-979-5010. Please leave a condolence online at www.stewartfh.com

LAWRENCEVILLE

Sutrena Clemons Sutrena Clemons, age 50, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away September 28, 2014. Tim Stewart Funeral Home, 300 Simonton Road SW, Lawrenceville GA, 30046. 770-9623100. www.stewartfh.com

SUGAR HILL

Stanley Gill, Jr. Stanley H. Gill, Jr., age 86 of Sugar Hill, died September 27, 2014. Bill Head Funeral Homes and Crematory Duluth Chapel, 770-476-2535.

$15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

Daphne Gravely Daphne Davis Gravely born January 26, 1923 in Creedmore. NC passed away on September 29, 2014. Mrs. Gravely was the daughter of the late Lester and Cornelia Davis.

She was preceded in death by her husband John O.W.(Jack) Gravely.

Visitation will be from 12:30-2:00 on October 3, 2014 at Smith Memory Chapel in Winder Ga. with the service to follow at 2:00 in the chapel.

Survivors include children; John & Rhonda Gravely , Davis and Janis Gravely, and Karen G and David Bush; sisters Florence Burns and Alene Clayton and grandchildren; Adria G & Chris Whitworth, Caleb and Kaedy Gravely; Kevin Bush, Ryan and Katie Bush; great grandchildren Hollis and Hope Whitworth and Elizabeth Gravely.

Mrs. Gravely was raised in Roxboro, NC in a loving, hard-working farm family with five sisters and one brother. Despite being children of the Depression, they were rich in love, laughter and togetherness.

Daphne and Jack were high school sweethearts.

After high school, while Jack was in the Army in WWII, Daphne, an excellent typist,went to work in Washington DC while working with the War Department in the Pentagon. Married in 1946, they remained married for 65

years until his passing in 2011. They were blessed with their three children while living in NC. In 1960 the family moved to Chamblee, Ga. where they became charter members of Northeast Baptist Church where Mrs. Gravely remained a member until her passing.

A devout Christian, she was a devoted homemaker, wife and mother.

She served faithfully in her church where she worked in the nursery for many years, counted the weekly offering and was a member of her Sunday School class for 50 years.

She was an excellent seamstress and made most of her children’s clothes.

She loved gardening and golf which she especially enjoyed playing with Jack, dear friends and grandchildren.

Although her many friends and family grieve her loss and will miss her gentle, sweet spirit, they rejoice knowing that she is with her Lord , Jesus Christ, family members, and Jack, the love of her life.

BUFORD

Stephanie Merritt Funeral Services for Mrs. Stephanie Y. Merritt of Buford , Ga will be held on Friday October 3, 2014 at 1:00pm at the Poplar Hill Missionary Baptist Church 237 Shadburn Ave Buford, Ga 30518. Pastor: Avery Headd Officiating/Eulogist: interment - Buford Cemetery. Visitation/ Viewing TODAY from 10:00noon - 8:00pm. She is survived by her family, a host of other relatives and friends who are asked to assemble at the resident at 12:00 noon. To ExtendCondolencesPleaseVisitOurWebsite at levettfuneralhome.com. (For more info please TEXT SMerritt to 72727) WAYCROSS

Martina Ortiz Martina Diaz Ortiz, age 90, of Waycross, GA, passed away on September 30, 2014.

Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA 770-932-1133 www. flaniganfuneralhome.com

LAWRENCEVILLE

Mark Klotz Mark Klotz, age 54, of Lawrenceville, GA passed away October 1, 2014. Tim Stewart Funeral Home, Snellville Chapel, 770-979-5010.

$15 photos are available with all Obituaries and Death Notices

Call for details

770.963.9205

Ext.1162 or Ext.1163

gwinnettdailypost.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 • 9A

City to host open house for highway project From Staff Reports Residents interested in learning more about plans for the reconstruction of a major thoroughfare through the city of Suwanee are invited to attend an open house on Thursday, Oct. 9.

During the drop-in event, scheduled from 5-7:30 p.m. at City Hall, attendees may view

The city of Suwanee will host an open house for a Buford Highway reconstruction project on Oct. 9.

(Credit: City of Suwanee)

concept plans for the

Buford Highway project.

GAB Snellville 5K and 10K run opens for registration Registration for the Cops & Robbers 5K and 10K run in Snellville’s Briscoe Park and surrounding neighborhoods will be open through Oct. 4. Those who register early can save $10. Early registration costs $25, and registration on the day of the event will cost $35. The proceeds from the runs will benefit the Snellville Citizens Police Academy Alumni and the Snellville Rotary Club. The courses will begin in T.W. Briscoe Park in Snellville.

Registration can be completed online at eventbrite. com and “Search Event” 2014 Cops and Robbers Run. Applications may be printed out at copsandrobbersrun.net. Make checks payable to SCPAAA and

mail both payment and application to P.O. Box 1203, Snellville, GA 30078. For more information, email copsandrobbersruninfo@ gmail.com.

Sales tax holiday for WaterSense and ENERGY STAR products From Friday through Sunday, WaterSense and ENERGY STAR-labeled products that cost $1,500 or less and are purchased for personal, noncommmercial use will be exempt from Georgia’s state and local taxes.

WaterSense is an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-initiated partnership that reveals simple ways to be water-efficient with particular products and services. Water-saving products like toilets, faucets,

irrigation controllers and more use at least 20 percent less water. ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy that encourages energy saving practices and products. Products with the ENERGY STAR label like air conditioners, ceiling fans, fluorescent light bulbs, windows, dishwashers and much more will be taxexempt this weekend.

For more information on conserving energy and water and more, visit Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful at GwinnettCB.org. For more information about the tax holiday, visit gefa.georgia. gov/energy-star-and-watersense-sales-tax-holiday.

Gwinnett Gab appears in the Thursday and Sunday editions of the Gwinnett Daily Post. To submit an item to Gwinnett Gab, email gab@gwinnettdailypost.com.

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The project — which is expected to include sidewalks, medians, additional turn lanes, bike lanes, landscaping and more — stretches from George Pierce Park to McGinnis Ferry Road.

The city’s vision for the “context-sensitive, multitransportation roadway,” according to a press release, “calls for the roadway to remain a local road that

accommodates multiple modes of transportation and helps connect residents and visitors to a variety of activity centers.”

No formal presentations will be made during the open house, but representatives from the Georgia Department of Transportation, the City of Suwanee, and city planning consultant URS will be available. A court reporter will also be

present to record citizens’ verbal comments regarding the project.

Construction is expected to begin in 2016 and will take approximately two years to complete. Funding for the project is provided in part through an Atlanta Regional Commission Livable Centers Initiative grant.

City Hall is located at 330 Town Center Ave. in Suwanee.

Man shot in buttocks while walking down area highway

By Tyler Estep tyler.estep @gwinnettdailypost.com

LILBURN — Lilburn police have no idea where the bullet came from — but they know it ended up in a teenage pedestrian’s buttocks.

Capt. Thomas Bardugon said Lilburn police officers reported to the area of 3789 Lawrenceville Highway at about 12:05 a.m. Wednesday in response to a “person shot” call. There they met a

19-year-old victim who “had what appeared to be a single gunshot wound to his right buttock.” “(The victim) told officers that as he walked along Lawrenceville Highway, he felt a burning sensation in his buttocks area, that his leg went numb and he called a friend to meet him,” Bardugon said. “(The victim) said that he did not know who shot him or if he was the intended target of a shooting. He also did

not see anyone but did hear a gun shot.”

While the victim was taken to Gwinnett Medical Center, officers canvassed the area. They spoke to an employee at the Waffle House at 3915 Lawrenceville Highway — some 500 yards from the where the pedestrian was hit — who reported hearing “a bang” and seeing “a flash of light” across the street.

No further information was available.

Southern Regional CEO Jim Crissey stepping down From Staff Reports

tial to the future economic growth and development in RIVERDALE — The the communities they serve,” Southern Regional Board he continued. “I have been of Directors announced honored to serve Southern Wednesday that CEO Jim Regional for the past 15 Crissey will retire at the end years. My number one goal of the year and that Kim has always been to help this Ryan, who hospital move forward with has served new programs, services as chief and physicians. I have been executive blessed to work with our emofficer at ployees, physicians, board Eastside of directors, community and Medical elected leaders and the citiCenter in zens of Clayton County.”

Kim Ryan, Snellville Crissey said he is looking Jim Crissey for the past forward to spending more six-and-a-half years, will time with his grandchildren. replace him as CEO. “After 45 years in health The announcement comes care, the time has come for about a week after the Clay- me to spend more time with ton County Commission them and the rest of my approved SPLOST resolufamily, so I will retire from tions on a $50 million plan Southern Regional effective to rescue the financiallyJan. 1,” he said. strapped Southern Regional Dr. Richard C. Prokesch, Medical Center. The facility chairman of Southern is the county’s only hospital. Regional Health System’s Crissey mentioned the Board of Directors, said the save in his retirement anorganization will continue nouncement to employees. moving forward under new “Together, we have leadership. achieved a lot this past “Leadership changes year,” said Crissey in his provide opportunities for announcement to employees. continued improvement, “While many communities a new point of view, new in Georgia have lost their ideas and new energy, which local hospitals, our citizens, will help Southern Regional elected leaders, business continue to move forward,” leaders and faith leaders he said. helped save Clayton’s only Prokesch said Ryan’s hospital.” appointment is effective “That’s really important Oct. 12, while Crissey will because hospitals are not remain on staff until the end only critical to the health of of the year to support her citizens, they’re also essentransition.

•From Page 1A

Ryan has 35 years of successful hospital clinical, managerial and executive leadership experience, including hospitals in both the for-profit and not-for-profit sector, where she focused on increasing hospital operational and financial performance, physician alignment and integration, community relations and implementation of clinical programs and services.

She received her bachelor of science in nursing from Albany State University, a master’s degree in critical care science from The University of Rochester and a master’s degree in business administration from Georgia College and State University.

“Jim and Kim will work together to insure a smooth transition,” said Prokesch.

“On behalf of the Southern Regional Health System Board of Directors, I thank Jim Crissey for his significant contributions and the outstanding leadership he provided.”

“And I hope the community will join me in welcoming Mrs. Kim Ryan to the Southern Regional family as she assumes the top leadership role in our organization,” he continued. “In the midst of the health care and economic challenges, tremendous opportunities lie ahead for Southern Regional and the community we serve.”

Trial

Murray and Saylor were involved, but seemed to acallegedly sold goods stolen cept the implications made from the victim’s townhome. by Atwater and evidence that But whatever happened to the detective shared with Sampleton, Sillah said, hap- him. pened without him.

“They just want me to say “Yeah I smoke, yeah I Andrew and Ty did it,” Sillah drink,” he said. “… But I’m told his grandmother. “That’s no murderer. And I’m not all they want me to say.” no robber — no robber like Then later: “It’s like I’m that.” taking a charge for Andrew A handful of witnesses and Ty, man. That’s how it’s are expected to close out the looking.” prosecution’s case today, In the video, Sillah but the screening of Sillah’s confessed that Murray and interview was one of the Saylor picked him up from final pieces of evidence to school on the day of Samplebe presented in the murder ton’s death. When told that trial against him, Murray and Murray’s silver BMW was Saylor. All three suspects are seen outside Sampleton’s indicted on various charges home just a few minutes related to the Dec. 19, 2012, later, Sillah contended that incident that authorities behe had been dropped off to lieve was driven by a lust for meet a girl.

Sampleton’s high-end sneakSillah first claimed he ers, clothes and electronics. had been dropped off near During the interview Bay Creek Park to meet played Wednesday, Sillah “Samantha” — a female that denied over and over again police don’t believe exists — having anything to do with before saying he had been the robbery or murder. He let out at his neighborhood’s never directly suggested that pool. He said Murray and

Saylor picked him back up “when it was getting dark” and they rode to the Norcross apartment of Anthony English, a well-known fence.

English, though, pointed Sillah out in a lineup and said the trio had been at his home around 3 p.m.

Sillah then went so far as to suggest that “The Twins,” a pair of notorious Bloods gang members in the area, might be responsible for Sampleton’s death. Atwater testified that “The Twins” don’t exist, and the prosecution pointed out that, at the time of the video, Sillah hadn’t been told that the crime was tied to the Bloods — the gang Murray and Saylor are reportedly members of.

The video ended with Sillah giving Atwater a compliment, as it were.

“I can tell you that you did a good job with your work,” Sillah said. “But you got the wrong person locked up for no reason. So I’ll see you in court.”

10A • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

sports

gwinnettdailypost.com

SECTION B • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

Merrifield brings grit to Gladiators roster getting nicked up from time to christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com time, but he brings energy. He’s a pesky guy to play against. We DULUTH — When the Gwin- expect him to pick up where he nett Gladiators were making left off.” a deal with rival Florida for a Merrifield’s signing was anmulti-player trade last March, nounced Wednesday. head coach Rick Emmett said the “We’re excited to get him addition of forward Mike Meron board,” Emmett said. “He’s rifield put the deal over the top. undersized, but he plays a lot “And we couldn’t have asked bigger. He plays with tenacity. for something more from him,” He’s got a fearless game.”

Emmett said. “He was on a pointMerrifield finished his second per-game pace, a plus player, in pro season with 41 points in 68 14 or 15 games with us. games playing mostly with the “From a grit standpoint, he competes hard. It comes with See MERRIFIELD, Page 3B

By Christine Troyke

Will Hammock

Time for midterm football honors Except for the teams that have already used up their two bye weeks — Archer, Central Gwinnett, Shiloh and Buford — we’ve reached the midway point of the high school football season.

That’s always a great time to look back, look forward, give out some midseason awards and make a few predictions. Here’s my take on the best so far from the 2014 season: • Offensive player of the year North Gwinnett senior John Urzua has to be the choice here. In his first year as the No. 1 quarterback, he has completed 105 of 157 passes (67 percent) for 1,619 yards and 16 touchdowns with only three interceptions.

Most importantly, he’s also been clutch in the latter stages of the Bulldogs’ wild, high-scoring games this year.

• Defensive player of the year This one will be a shocker to most. At this point, I’m going with Lanier senior Stefan Ball. The defensive back isn’t big, but he keeps making plays.

At the midway point, he has a team-high 54 tackles and a Gwinnett-best six interceptions. A close runner-up on this one to a pair of disruptive defensive linemen, Georgia-bound Justin Young of Grayson (county-best eight sacks, 35 tackles) and top junior recruit Derrick Brown of Lanier (50 tackles, seven sacks).

• Breakout player I’m going with speedy Major Bellamy, maybe the county’s most exciting player. The Central Gwinnett junior had a good 2013 season, but he’s on track for a mammoth 2014 with 28 catches for 606 yards and five touchdowns. And that’s only through four games, so he’s on track for more than 1,500 receiving yards — in the 10-game regular season.

• Most improved player I’ll stay with Central and pick quarterback Eric Forrest. Like Bellamy, this is only through four games — 1,224 passing yards and eight TD passes. Forrest has played much better this season, his second as starter, and the most telling stat is that he’s only thrown one interception. He threw for 10 TDs with 10 picks as a junior.

• Coach of the year Lanier’s Korey Mobbs became a first-time head coach in July, when Billy Wells became athletic director at North Hall, and he still hasn’t lost a game.

Mobbs has the Longhorns 5-0 and 4-0 in Region 8-AAAAA, their first season there after a move up from 8-AAAA. • Most improved team Wesleyan is 4-1, a nice flip from last year’s 0-5 start. The youthful Wolves suffered some close losses See HONORS, Page 3B

Mike Merrifield (23) was acquired in a late-season trade by the Gwinnett Gladiators and resigned for the 2014-15 season, the team announced Wednesday.

(Photo: Amanda Hertel)

Sizzling start

Georgia Gwinnett College’s Mary Vernetti, (27) a Grayson grad, scored six goals in her first six games to get off to a sizzling start this season. (Photo: Rod Reilly)

Grayson’s talented Vernetti flourishing in third year at GGC

By Christine Troyke

confident,” Vernetti said. “I definitely have gained more confidence this season in just Eighteen goals in two seasons being able to know where I am is nothing to sneeze at. on the ball.

In fact, it’s the all-time record “Without any of that, you at Georgia Gwinnett College. could probably be how I was But Mary Vernetti got there last season — kicking the ball mostly on talent. and not really knowing what This year, she’s found a whole to do with it next, not looking new level. up. I wasn’t as comfortable and Vernetti, a Grayson grad, nearly as confident.” scored six goals in the first six Vernetti has come into her games and leads the Grizzlies in own at GGC, a school she didn’t points through nine games. know existed until she saw a “It’s being comfortable and Facebook post. christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com

At home for the summer after an unsatisfying freshman year in college, the lithe blonde didn’t know what she was going to do next.

About that time, the Grizzlies soccer program was getting started.

“I was like, ‘GGC soccer?’

Vernetti said. “I had no idea.

I contacted the coach and I walked on. I think I was one of the last people. It kind of just happened one day, perfectly.”

Vernetti found a home, a place where everyone was new, and

the Grizzlies found a skilled forward to deepen the roster.

“She’s very athletic, very aggressive,” head coach Domenic Martelli said. “She has an opportunity to get herself in situations where she can give herself the best chance to score. She has a great shot, both feet, and she has an opportunity to be very good in the air.

“I think in Mary’s case, Georgia Gwinnett has been a great school for her to come

See VERNETTI, Page 3B

Young Collins Hill offense learning the ropes each week

By Mitch Blomert

2014 season, and no one was promised a job. Every player that lines for them this year wholeheartedly Every position on Collins earned their spot.

Hill’s offense was subject It seems to be working to an open battle during the out just fine. spring.

Sure, Collins Hill isn’t The Eagles had no the offensive juggernaut it returning starters on that was last year, when it averside of the ball for the aged 39 points per game mitch.blomert@ gwinnettdailypost.com

Collins Hill’s Monty Horn (16) looks to pass during the first half of Friday’s game at North Gwinnett.

(Photo: Kyle Hess)

and eclipsed the 40-point mark on eight different ocassions. But the Eagles are still lighting up the scoreboard at a healthy pace with 26.8 points per game and 1,519 total yards that put them seventh in Gwinnett County.

See EAGLES, Page 3B

ondeck 2B • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

Gwinnett Daily Post Presents

Gwinnett Preps

Today

SOFTBALL

5:30 p.m. — Johnson Co. at Berkmar 6 p.m. — Collins Hill at Mountain View 6 p.m. — Mill Creek at North 6 p.m. — Peachtree Ridge at Norcross 6 p.m. — Wesleyan at GAC

10-23-2014

Want to know what’s so special about this year’s show?

VOLLEYBALL

10 grand prizes valued at $ 1000 – $3000!

5 p.m. — Archer, Mount Pisgah, Shiloh at Providence 5 p.m. — Brookwood, Marist, North at Collins Hill 5 p.m. — Central, Tucker at Parkview 5 p.m. — Dacula, Grayson at Meadowcreek 5 p.m. — Duluth, South at Berkmar 5 p.m. — Loganville, Forsyth Central at Lanier 5 p.m. — Norcross, Buford at Mill Creek 6:30 p.m. — Wesleyan at Woodward Academy

Yes that’s right. In honor of our 10th anniversary of the Taste of Home Cooking show, we are giving away 10 grand prizes valued at $1000-3000!!

The Home Teams

Falcons

Womens soccer

TODAY NEXT UPCOMING

Off

at N.Y. Giants Chicago Sun, 1 p.m.

Oct. 12, 1 p.m.

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Point Cumberlands Oct. 10, 4 p.m. Oct. 11, 7 p.m.

Off

Talladega Wed, 7 p.m.

Off

Vanderbilt at Missouri Sat, 4 p.m.

Oct. 11, TBD SEC/750-AM 750-AM

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Miami Duke Sat, 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 11, TBA ESPN2/680-AM 680-AM

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at UL-Lafayette Arkansas State Sat, 7 p.m.

Oct. 11, 2 p.m.

88.5-FM 88.5-FM

“Weekend Getaway”

at Spring Hill Oct. 11, 2 p.m.

“Home Fitness Vacation”

Weekend stay for 2 at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort, a $60 voucher for dinner and Chef’s Stage Buffet and a $40 voucher for a meal at Selu Garden Café, 2 complimentary meals at the Dillard House in Dillard, GA, PLUS a $100 gas card and your very own slot machine!

Provided by Jackson EMC, the Home Fitness Vacation includes a 32” TV, a Wii Console and a Wii Fit game!”

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Mens soccer

Georgia

Tech

GSU

“Private Brewer’s Reception”

Win a Private Brewer’s Reception for 25 guests from Gordon Biersch!

PTV = Peachtree TV, SS = SportSouth, FSS = Fox Sports South

On TV

Today

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7 p.m. — Central Florida at Houston. ESPN 7 p.m. — Florida Atlantic at Florida International. FSSO 10:30 p.m. — Arizona at Oregon. ESPN

MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL

5:30 p.m. — Detroit at Baltimore. ALDS, game 1. TBS 9 p.m. — NL wild card winner at Los Angeles Angels.

NLDS Game 1. TBS

NFL

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“Feld Prize Basket”

“Atlanta Family Stay-cation”

Courtesy of Feld Entertainment, win a basket full of goodies that include tickets to Disney Junior Live on Tour! Pirate & Princess Adventure, Marvel Universe Live!, Monster Jam®, Monster Energy AMA SuperCross and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey presents LEGENDS!

8:25 p.m. — Minnesota at Green Bay. CBS

SOCCER

Noon — UEFA Europa League FC Krasnodar vs Everton FC. From Kuban Stadium in Krasnodar, Russia. FS1 3 p.m. — UEFA Europa League Tottenham Hotspur FC vs Besiktas JK. From White Hart Lane in London, England. FS1 8 p.m. — MLS Chicago Fire at Philadelphia Union. ESPN2

“Trip Down Broadway”

Courtesy of Broadway Across America, win 4 tickets to Dirty Dancing, Newsies and Pippin as well as parking for all 3 shows!

Win tickets to Fernbank Museum, Children’s Museum of Atlanta, Stone Mountain, Gwinnett Gladiators, Medieval Times, Zoo Atlanta and Bodies/Dinosaurs exhibit!

Sports Calendar

BASEBALL

Oct. 13: Brookwood baseball will host its eighth annual Bronco Baseball Golf Tournament at Summit Chase Country Club to benefit the high school program. Cost is $125 for a single player and sponsorship packages with playing spots are available. Registration is at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch from Chick-fil-A, shotgun start at 1 p.m. and dinner by Zaxby’s. Registration is available online at www.broncobaseball.org.

BASKETBALL

Saturday: The Fort Wayne (Ind.) Mad Ants, the NBA D-League affiliate of the Hawks, will hold an open tryout at the Suwanee Sports Academy from 1 to 5 p.m.

Registration begins at noon.

The Fort Wayne coaching staff will be on hand with possible invitations to the team’s November training camp.

Interested players should complete registration and release forms, in addition to a $150 non-refundable free, via www.fortwaynehoops.com.

All questions can be directed to Kevin Bloom at 260-4694667, ext. 106.

Oct. 4-5, 11-12: Central Gwinnett High School will host the Best of Gwinnett Camp for boys and girls from kindergarten through eighth grade. Oct. 4 and 11 sessions are 8 a.m. to noon and Oct. 5 and 12 sessions are 2 to 6 p.m. The camp is for development of youth players who want to improve for their youth league or Gwinnett Basketball League teams, or make their high school team.

Camp will be run by high school coaches and coaches with college playing experience. Cost is $25 per session and payment in cash can be made upon arrival.

Each camper will receive a T-shirt. For more information, email to branden_mayweath-

er@gwinnett.k12.ga.us.

Ongoing through Oct. 16: I9 Sports of Northwest Gwinnett and Hall County offers winter programs for boys and girls ages 3-14. Locations are at Bogan Park, Chestnut Mountain Church and North Gwinnett Middle. Register early and save at www. i9sports.com or call 678-4722142. Open to all skill levels, no tryouts, everyone plays, no fundraisers and same day practices and games.

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“Dinner Out”

Courtesy of Marlow’s Tavern, win a $1,000 gift card!

“St. George Island Getaway”

Courtesy of the Franklin County Florida Tourist Development Council, Win 2 nights accommodation on St. George Island, 2 evening meals at local St. George Island or Apalachicola restaurants featuring fresh Apalachicola Bay Seafood, a tour of the historic Cape St. George Lighthouse and Crooked River Lighthouse at nearby Carrabelle Beach and an evening cruise (weather dependent) aboard one of the Apalachicola Maritime Museum’s river cruise boats or sailing charter!

DIVING

Through Oct. 16: Springboard diving classes will be held beginning Sept. 15 at the Collins Hill, Mountain Park and West Gwinnett Aquatic Centers. The sessions are for ages 8 and up and no knowledge of springboard diving is necessary. Collins Hill classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and cost is $90. For more information, call 770-237-5647. Mountain Parks classes are Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 to 9 p.m. and cost is $120. Call 678-277-0870 for more details. West Gwinnett sessions are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m., as well as a 6 to 7:30 p.m. session on Thursdays for beginners only.

Cost is $75 for those clinics.

Call 678-407-8801 for more information.

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PLUS ... We’re Giving Away 2 Trips To Destin Florida!

EACH TRIP WILL INCLUDE:

PLUS over 75 additional door prizes will be given out during the vendor & cooking show!

• Air transportation for four • Three night at Sterling Shores Resort • Buccaneer Pirate Cruise and Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park tickets • Dinner at AJ’s at Destin

GOLF

Oct. 13: Fellowship of Christian Athletes will host a one-day middle school golf clinic from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the University of Georgia Golf Course in Athens. The event is for students in grades 6 to 8 and only 36 spots are available.

Cost is $45 and includes a Bible, FCA golf hat, snacks and drinks. Instruction is provided by the UGA golf course professionals. For more information, email bdando@fca.org or go to http://athensareafca.org/golfclinic-uga.

TM

• Will Hammock, Sports Editor: will.hammock@gwinnettdailypost.com • Christine Troyke, Staff Writer: christine.troyke@gwinnettdailypost.com • David Friedlander, Staff Writer: david.friedlander@gwinnettdailypost.com • Mitch Blomert, Staff Writer: mitch.blomert@gwinnettdailypost.com • Scott Smith, Senior Correspondent: scott.smith@gwinnettdailypost.com • To report scores, call 770-339-5850

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Enter to win by attending the Taste of Home Cooking show Thursday October 23, 2014 at the Gwinnett center.

For tickets, visit gwinnettdailypost.com

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014 • 3B

MLB to test rules Falcons’ O-line in disarray again for pace of play ATLANTA AT N.Y. GIANTS: SUNDAY, 1 P.M. (FOX)

The Sports Xchange

FLOWERY BRANCH — For the second year in a row, the Atlanta Falcons are playing musical chairs along the offensive line.

Center Joe Hawley (right knee) and right tackle Lamar Holmes (right foot) were lost for the season and placed on injured reserve. The team previously lost starting left tackle Sam Baker to a season-ending knee injury.

Also, left guard Justin Blalock, who started 102 consecutive regular season games, did not practice on Wednesday after he suffered a lower back injury against Minnesota and didn’t return to the game.

“You hate to lose guys, but when you lose them it’s another guy’s opportunity to play,” head coach Mike Smith said. “It’s a ‘no blink’ mentality. You move on and keep working.”

The Falcons also lost reserve offensive linemen Mike Johnson, a tackleguard, in August.

Peter Konz will replace Hawley at center and Gabe Carimi takes over for Holmes at right tackle. The Falcons signed two linemen for depth: veteran free agent Cameron Bradfield and Harland Gunn, who was promoted from the practice squad.

Gunn would likely start at left guard if Blalock’s

•From Page 1B

Injured Atlanta Falcons center Joe Hawley (61) leaves the game against the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday in Minneapolis, Minn. (Bruce Kluckhohn/USA Today Sports)

back doesn’t respond to treatment.

Few if any teams in the NFL suffered as many major injuries to key players as the Falcons in 2013.

Their luck isn’t much better so far one year later.

In addition to the line being ravaged, starting safety William Moore (shoulder) will miss at least eight weeks after being placed on short-term injured reserve.

Moore will not be eligible to practice for six weeks and can’t play until two weeks after he resumes practicing. That means he will miss at least seven games and could return to play, at most, the final five games.

Second-year player Kemal Ishmael will replace Moore. Rookie safety Dez-

men Southward and Sean Baker, signed from the practice squad, will provide depth behind Ishmael and veteran starter Dwight Lowery.

The Falcons’ rebuilt offensive line has generally performed well this season, especially in pass protection. Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter said the group has “absolutely” been better than last season, when it was among the worst units in the league that gave up 44 sacks.

Now the group will have to deal with yet another reshuffling.

Konz, a second-round pick in the 2012 draft, was the starter at right guard as a rookie. But he couldn’t hold the starting center job in 2013 and began this season as a reserve.

Eagles

the spring. We decided at time to make him PREP FOOTBALL summer More importantly, No. 1.”

Friday’s schedule they’re winning games.

The rest of the offensive 7:30 p.m.

Last Friday’s 49-7 vicnewcomers have grown • Athens Christian tory over Mill Creek put alongside Horn. at Providence them back over .500 on the He’s found a reliable tar• Berkmar at Archer season. get in slot receiver Canyon • Buford at Chestatee “Going into spring, there Slade, whose 30 catches • Central Gwinnett at Dacula were some questions and rank second in Gwinnett • Collins Hill at concerns,” Collins Hill and 407 receiving yards Mountain View coach Kevin Reach said. rank fourth.

• Hapeville Charter “They’ve bought into our At 5-foot-8 and 150 at Wesleyan system and they know their pounds, Slade is hardly • Hebron at Lakeview job. They’ve gotten better an imposing threat from • KIPP Atlanta at GAC each week, I think that’s a physical sense. But his • Mill Creek at the key.” breakaway speed has made Meadowcreek The Eagles’ young ofhim a tough customer to • Norcross at fense has been forced to defend one-on-one, and North Gwinnett • Peachtree Ridge establish new leaders at a has resulted in a pair of at Duluth rapid pace. They opened trips to the end zone.

• Shiloh at Brookwood the season with a tough “He’s football savvy,” • South Gwinnett non-region lineup that Reach said. “Just over the at Grayson included Dacula, Central years, we’ve had the good Gwinnett and South Gwinslot receiver that might nett, then jumped right not be the biggest kid, but into region action with an to make mistakes, but he will give 100 percent on early contest against North knows when he makes mis- every snap, and he fits that Gwinnett. takes,” Reach said. “The mold.”

Collins Hill is hanging great thing about it, he has When it comes to versatough at 3-2, but the new two years after this, but tility, no one on the team leaders are emerging on we’re worried about this can beat Jordan Bertrand. stat sheet. year. I don’t think he plays The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Sophomore quarterback like a sophomore.” junior started has retained Monty Horn might be the Behind Horn, Collins his spot on defense as the most prominent. With 980 Hill’s passing attack ranks team’s starting strong safepassing yards, 10 touchthird in the county. ty, but has been installed downs and a 59 percent After a rough a varsity in the offense as well this completion rate, he’s debut against Dacula that year as a both a running quickly risen as one of the included two interceptions, back and a receiver. He’s better young signal callers he shined two weeks later also lined up at quarterin the county. against Central Gwinnett, back in Wildcat formation.

Reach says Horn picked going 25-of-40 for 209 He has 11 catches for up the offense quicker than yards and a touchdown 165 yards and a touchdown previous Eagles quarfor the Eagles’ first win through the air, but has terbacks, an impressive of the season. He’s played been deadly as a goal-line statement considering the with relative consistency back. He has four rushing cast that started before him. ever since, considering he touchdowns this season, all It includes the county’s didn’t have a starting job from three yards or fewer. single-season passing leader until the summer.

His two scores in the Taylor Heinicke, and three “Monty was probably fourth against South Gwinother recent college-level running the No. 3 at the be- nett on Sept. 6, including signal callers in Tyler Herginning of spring,” Reach one with 45 seconds left, man, Michael Box and Brett said. “As we saw he was sparked a late rally for the Sheehan. progressing and getting Eagles.

“Of course he’s going better, he was No. 2 at “With his athletic ability,

•From Page 1B

He focused on building strength during the offseason and Koetter said Konz’s increased physicality has been apparent in video review. Before Hawley was placed on IR, Konz said he was eager to redeem himself.

“If I have to be in there, I’ve done it before,” he said. “I know I can go in there and do a great job.”

Carimi has played 72 percent of the snaps this season (201 of 281) with time spent at both tackle spots and left guard. He had a poor game in the opener against the Saints, when he was penalized three times, but performed better in the past three games.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is confident that the line can hold up. “(Offensive line coach) Mike Tice has done a really good with those guys this entire year,” Ryan said.

“We have guys who’ve had more experience playing.

Last year, it was a lot of people’s first opportunity when they were thrown into the fire. They have some experience under their belts now.”

Notes: WR Harry Douglas (foot) did not practice Wednesday. … WR Devin Hester (ankle), SS Kemal Ishmael (ankle), LB Prince Shembo (knee) and WR Julio Jones (ankle) were limited in practice Wednesday.

he was going to help us on the offensive side,” Reach said. “He might line up out there at wide receiver at times, but we think he’s more versatile for us at running back. He can catch a ball out of the outfield, set up blocks or take the direct snap.”

Horn has connected with 11 different receivers this season, and has a long list of role-playing receivers to chose from, most notably Des Howard (14 catches, 165 yards, 4 TDs) and Codi Russell (8 catches, 94 yards, 2 TDs).

The Eagles replaced 2013 Daily Post offensive player of the year Tyler Henderson with a tandem of physical backs in Thomas Harris and Jeremy Lewis, who have combined for 260 yards and have proven to be useful in short yardage situations.

“I think we have three running backs that whoever has the hot hand, we can go with,” Reach said.

Collins Hill still has a rough stretch of football ahead of it, particularly at the end of the season with games against Mill Creek, Peachtree Ridge and Norcross to close out the regular season schedule.

Being as young as they are, the Eagles’ offense is taking in each game as a learning experience, just the way their predecessors did on their way to jawdropping numbers.

“They know what the history has been here for the last six or seven years, at least offensively,” Reach said. “We’re going to continue to keep this thing going, and they want to be part of it.”

Merrifield

were. We finished on a good note and I think that’s Everblades before comsomething we can roll over ing to Gwinnett with less into this year.” than a month left in what The addition of Merriwas a hard season for the field, a product of perenGladiators. nial power Michigan State, “Being traded isn’t and several other players necessarily what you want down the stretch gave to happen as a player, but it everyone a reason to be turned out to be a blessing optimistic about the state in disguise,” the 24-year-old of affairs for 2014-15. said. “I liked the guys and I “After I got there, the liked playing for Coach Em- team seemed to find some mett. I think we have a good stability,” Merrifield said. foundation for this year.

“I’m not saying it was “Last year’s record because of me. It’s just the didn’t show how good we team was coming to-

gether as I got here. Going through so many players — and so many goalies — early in the season makes it really tough to win.

“Coming from Florida to Gwinnett, it’s a great organization and I was excited to see what I could bring. I’d heard nothing but good things and I wanted to help the team win. I’m not there just to show up every night. I want us to be a playoff team.”

Merrifield spent the offseason training at home in Michigan where there’s

no shortage of pro players to workout with. Merrifield is prepared to bring the grit, part of what makes him popular with the fans, again this year.

“It’s always nice to be liked by the fans, but you can’t let it go to your head,” he said. “It’s a team game. As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.

“I believe in what they’re doing. You want to be tough to play against every night. You want teams to be on edge playing against you.”

The Sports Xchange

break clock.

Major League Baseball announced Wednesday that experimental speedup rules will be tested during games at the 2014 Arizona Fall League.

Commissioner Bud Selig established a committee on Sept. 22 to improve the pace of play.

A series of initiatives will be tried when the Arizona Fall League opens Oct. 7 and runs until Nov. 15.

The average time of nine-inning games in the major leagues was a record 3 hours, 2 minutes this year, up from 2:33 in 1981.

Experimental speedup rules will include the following: Batter’s box rule, no-pitch intentional walks, 20-second rule that discourages unnecessary delays by the pitcher, 2:05 inning break clock and 2:30 pitching change

Wacha not in Cards’ starting rotation Right-hander Michael Wacha was left out of the St. Louis Cardinals’ starting rotation and teammates A.J. Pierzynski and Jason Motte were not on the roster for the National League Division Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Manager Mike Matheny announced Wednesday his starters for the series against the Los Angeles Dodgers. Staff ace Adam Wainwright will get the ball in Game 1, followed

by Lance Lynn in Game 2, John Lackey in Game 3 and Shelby Miller in a possible Game 4.

Wacha, who will work out of the bullpen in the opening series, started 19 games for the Cardinals this season and posted a 5-6 record with a 3.20 ERA.

•From Page 1B

Honors

ing: No. 1 Grayson, No. 2 Archer, No. 3 Dacula, early in 2013, but they’ve No. 4 Central Gwinnett. turned those around this • Region 7-AAAAAA season thanks to a year of playoff spots maturation. They also are My best guesses: No. one of three unbeatens 1 North Gwinnett, No. 2 left in 6-AA along with Peachtree Ridge, No. 3 Greater Atlanta Christian Mill Creek, No. 4 Collins and Lovett.

Hill.

• Best start • Best bet to win the Plenty of teams have state championship done well thus far, but Pretty much a noDacula tops my list. brainer on this one.

The Falcons sit atop Buford has won six state 8-AAAAAA, are 5-0 and titles in the past seven have two nice, non-region seasons, including the wins over Collins Hill past two. The Wolves also and Mill Creek. That have a winning streak they’ve stayed perfect that should improve to 30 without injured quargames with a win Friday terback Giovanni Lugo over Chestatee. makes it an even better start. But they’ll need Will Hammock can be him healthy with region reached via email at will. showdowns looming vs. hammock@gwinnettdaiGrayson (Oct. 24) and lypost.com. His column Archer (Oct. 31). runs on Thursdays. For • Region 8-AAAAAA archived columns, go to playoff spots www.gwinnettdailypost.

My guesses on seedcom/willhammock.

•From Page 1B

Vernetti

to and Georgia Gwinnett women’s soccer has been a great team for her to play for — and we’re very excited to have that level of player come to the program.”

Vernetti’s first game for the Grizzlies was the first in school history. And the first for her in nearly 18 months.

With three weeks left in her senior season at Grayson, Vernetti injured her back. It took a year to recover, a year she redshirted at North Greenville, the only school that didn’t rescind its scholarship offer when Vernetti was hurt.

“That was kind of my only option left because I had taken so long to decide on a college,” she said.

It was several more months until Vernetti stepped on the pitch for GGC. But Aug. 25, 2012, was a good day for her and the Grizzlies.

Vernetti scored a goal in a 9-1 demolition of Tennessee Temple and she’s been one of GGC’s best weapons since.

“It felt awesome,” Vernetti said. “I just knew, coming out of a back injury in high school and I had redshirted my freshman year, so coming here really boosted my confidence. Because I actually could play college soccer again.”

She scored in the first four games of her career and finished the inaugural season with 10 goals.

That was followed by an eight-goal sophomore performance which earned her all-conference

second-team honors.

She picked up where she left off last year and has flourished this season.

“The more she learns about the game, the more she learns about what she can do to be successful in a game,” Martelli said.

“She’s really pinpointing what makes her very dangerous.”

Vernetti got off to a sizzling start and even her impressive numbers may not give the full story on her ability to cause havoc for opposing teams.

“In the preseason she was a little banged up so she’s really starting to come into her own on the field and being as dominant as we know she can be,” Martelli said. “She’s scored some really nice goals and key goals in times where it’s either put us well ahead or separated us in a a certain time of the game.

“But her play also has opened up the game and other players have reaped the benefits. Opposing teams have to focus in on her and it’s allowing the other players to be successful, too.”

Being confident and comfortable has made a big difference in her game.

“I actually feel like this season I’ve improved a lot compared to the past two seasons,” Vernetti said. “I would either get the ball and just try to look for a quick pass or a quick kick, not even necessarily a shot. Now when I get the ball, I definitely look up, what can I do? Would it be smartest to dribble?

Would it be smartest to pass? I definitely have a better understanding of the game.”

4B • THURSDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2014

gwinnettdailypost.com

gwinnett grads IN FRONT OF THE CAMERAS

North Gwinnett grad Scotty Hosch (3) had a successful first start of his college career last weekend in a victory over Brown. (Photo: Gil Talbot/Harvard Athletics)

Hosch makes most of first start

By Will Hammock will.hammock@ gwinnettdailypost.com

The lure of playing college football was matched by the reward of an Ivy League education. An economics major, he spent this past summer as an intern for a consulting firm in Boston. He also said he enjoys the city life, a new experience after growing up in the suburbs of Buford and Sugar Hill.

“I’m very grateful for the opportunity here,” said Hosch, who also is very active in Harvard’s Christian Impact chapter. “It’s unreal. Wherever you go in the world, people know the name Harvard.”

Harvard football has pretty good name value, too. It’s typically one of the top programs in the Ivy League and Hosch said expectations this season are no different for the Crimson, whose roster also includes three other Gwinnett grads, all defensive linemen — Collins Hill’s Sam Batiste (junior), Brookwood’s Adam Ledford (sophomore) and Wesleyan’s Stuart Johnson (freshman).

“Our goal are Harvard every year is to be Ivy League champion and go 10-0, undefeated,” Hosch said. “That’s the goal we strive for every day. We have a great group of seniors leading the team and we believe we can accomplish that.”

Scotty Hosch didn’t disappoint in his first college start.

The North Gwinnett grad, stepping in for injured senior star Conner Hempel, led Harvard to a 22-13 comeback victory over Brown in its Ivy League opener last weekend.

“It was my first career start and things went pretty well,” Hosch said this week. “We have a great offense around me and they made a lot of plays. Things got a little shaky in the middle. Brown’s defense is really good. But we were able to pull through at the end.”

Hosch completed 24 of 34 passes for 234 yards and a touchdown against Brown, and also ran for a game-clinching score in the fourth quarter. Harvard (2-0) trailed 14-13 entering the fourth quarter.

For the season, Hosch is 32 of 46 passing (69.6 percent, third nationally) for 324 yards and a TD. He also filled in some for Hempel in the season opener, but isn’t sure what his role will be in this Saturday’s game at Georgetown.

“That decision hasn’t been made yet,” Hosch said.

The breakout game was nice for the 6-foot-3, FOOTBALL 205-pounder, particularly since he played sparingly Locals star in his first two college seaMTSU-ODU matchup sons. But it’s only part of As expected, Gwinnett why he’s at Harvard. products made a big im-

pact in last Friday’s Middle Tennessee-Old Dominion game.

Middle Tennessee, with seven Gwinnett grads on the roster, held on for a 4128 win over Old Dominion and its three Collins Hill grads.

Collins Hill’s Jordan Parker got the best of the three ODU players from his alma mater, carrying 31 times for 158 yards to lead the Middle Tennessee offense. Teammate Shon Akins of Norcross had four tackles and an interception of ODU quarterback and Collins Hill grad Taylor Heinicke.

Heinicke was 29 of 44 passing for 362 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions. He also had 12 rushes for 50 yards, helping his team fight back from an early 24-0 hole.

The senior was harassed all night and sacked six times.

Collins Hill grad Andrew Everett had five tackles, a quarterback hurry and a tackle for loss for the ODU defense.

and another score.

SOCCER Muntean honored by SAA Mill Creek’s Nick Muntean, a junior midfielder at Oglethorpe, was named the Southern Athletic Association offensive player of the week on Monday.

Muntean, coming off a season-ending knee injury from 2013, assisted both second-half goals in the Stormy Petrels’ 2-1, comeback win over Piedmont last week. He took six shots in the win, putting three on frame.

For the season, Muntean has played in all 10 games.

He is tied for fifth in the SAA in points with seven.

TENNIS

Kelly earns school honor Georgia College and State University freshman Jena Kelly, a Peachtree Ridge grad, was named the Bobcat Athlete of the Week as her school’s top athlete Tuesday.

Kelly earned the honor Buford’s Ross wins after placing second in conference award Flight B Singles at the Buford grad Alex Ross ITA Southeast Regional was named the Big South Championships. She swept Conference player of the through five matches withweek on Monday. out losing a set before a 6-1, The Coastal Carolina 6-4 finals loss to Christina quarterback had a schoolGraff of Francis Marion. record 426 yards of ofGwinnett Grads is a fense, a school record and column that runs on Thursthe fourth-highest total days spotlighting achievein Big South history, and ments of past Gwinnett three touchdowns in a 31-3 standouts. Coaches and win over Elon. He was 34 parents are urged to send of 47 passing for 338 yards suggestions via email to and two TDs, along with will.hammock@gwinnine rushes for 88 yards nettdailypost.com.

A quick look at where to watch former Gwinnett standouts in today’s college football action: TODAY 7 p.m. — Central Florida at Houston, ESPN Buford’s Dontravious Wilson (No. 7) is a running back and Buford’s Tre Neal (No. 33) is a defensive back for Central Florida.

10:30 p.m. — Arizona at Oregon, ESPN Grayson’s Jack Banda (No. 92) is a defensive lineman for Arizona.

FRIDAY 7 p.m. — Louisville at Syracuse, ESPN Collins Hill’s Jonathan Thomas (No. 17) is a linebacker, Central Gwinnett’s George Morris (No. 27) is a running back and Brookwood’s Cameron Lynch (No. 38) is a linebacker for Syracuse.

SATURDAY Noon — Ohio State at Maryland, ABC Central Gwinnett’s Trey Johnson (No. 36) is a linebacker for Ohio State.

North Gwinnett’s Jalen Brooks (No. 43) is a linebacker and Mill Creek’s Tyler Cierski (No. 49) is a fullback for Maryland.

Noon — Iowa State at Oklahoma State, Fox Sports 1 South Gwinnett’s Aaron Wimberly (No. 2) is a running back for Iowa State.

Noon — SMU at East Carolina, ESPNU Grayson’s Terry Williams (No. 54) is a defensive lineman for East Carolina.

Noon — Florida at Tennessee, SEC Network Norcross’ Max Garcia (No. 76) is an offensive lineman and Grayson’s Antonio Riles (No. 51) is an offensive lineman for Florida. Norcross’ Jason Croom (No. 18) is a wide receiver, Grayson’s Jayson Sparks (No. 37) is a running back and Wesleyan’s Jaye Rochell (No. 38) is a wide receiver for Tennessee.

Noon — Marshall at Old Dominion, Fox Sports South Collins Hill’s Nick England (No. 7) is a wide receiver, Collins Hill’s Taylor Heinicke (No. 14) is a quarterback and Collins Hill’s Andrew Everett (No. 91) is a defensive end for Old Dominion.

Noon — Purdue at Illinois, ESPN2 Parkview’s Kendrick Adams (No. 40) is a fullback for Purdue.

Noon — Ball State at Army, CBS Sports Network Central Gwinnett’s Aaron Taylor (No. 37) is a defensive back for Ball State. Collins Hill’s Rhyan England (No. 39) is a running back for Army.

12:30 p.m. — Virginia Tech at North Carolina, WUPA North Gwinnett’s Donnie Miles (No. 15) is a defensive back, Buford’s Nathan Staub (No. 33) is a linebacker and Buford’s Mikey Bart (No. 45) is a defensive lineman for UNC. 2:30 p.m. — North Texas at Indiana, Big Ten Network Brookwood’s David Cooper (No. 42) is a linebacker and South Gwinnett’s Coray Keel (No. 13) is a wide receiver for Indiana.

3:30 p.m. — Wake Forest at Florida State, ABC Collins Hill’s Tyler Henderson (No. 29) is a running back and South Gwinnett’s Deonte Davis (No. 29) is a defensive back for Wake Forest.

3:30 p.m. — Alabama at Ole Miss, CBS North Gwinnett’s Austin Shepherd (No. 79) is an offensive lineman, Buford’s Kurt Freitag (No. 41) is a tight end, Buford’s Dillon Lee (No. 25) is a linebacker and Archer’s Kieran Williams (No. 49) is a tight end for Alabama. Grayson’s Denzel Nkemdiche (No. 4) is a linebacker, Grayson’s Robert Nkemdiche (No. 5) is a defensive lineman, Grayson’s David Kamara (No. 29) is a defensive back and Meadowcreek’s Lavon Hooks (No. 45) is a defensive lineman for Ole Miss.

3:30 p.m. — Oklahoma at TCU, Fox Peachtree Ridge’s Orlando Brown (No. 78) is an offensive lineman for Oklahoma.

3:30 p.m. — Baylor at Texas, ABC Wesleyan’s Andrew Frerking (No. 6) is a quarterback for Baylor.

3:30 p.m. — N.C. State at Clemson, ESPNU Grayson’s Wayne Gallman (No. 9) is a running back, Grayson’s Nick Schuessler (No. 12) is a quarterback, Grayson’s Ryan Carter (No. 31) is a defensive back and Buford’s Korie Rogers (No. 43) is a linebacker for Clemson.

3:30 p.m. — Navy at Air Force, CBS Sports Network Mountain View’s William Tuider (No. 38) is a linebacker and Brookwood’s Josh Brown (No. 44) is a running back for Navy. Dacula’s Dexter Walker (No. 5) is a defensive back and Mill Creek’s A.J. Ruechel (No. 58) is an offensive lineman for Air Force.

4 p.m. — Kansas at West Virginia, Fox Sports South South Gwinnett’s Edward Muldrow (No. 1) is a linebacker for West Virginia.

4 p.m. — Vanderbilt at Georgia, SEC Network Buford’s Paris Head (No. 21) is a defensive back, Parkview’s Bryce Lewis (No. 30) is a defensive back, North Gwinnett’s Caleb Scott (No. 9) is a wide receiver and Shiloh’s Stephen Weatherly (No. 45) is a linebacker for Vandy. For UGA, Norcross’ Lorenzo Carter (No. 7) is a defensive end, Brookwood’s Shaun McGee (No. 8) is a linebacker, Brookwood’s Matt Price (No. 29) is a wide receiver, Grayson’s Shattle Fenteng (No. 31) is a defensive back, Grayson’s Devin Gillespie (No. 36) is a defensive back, Wesleyan’s Kyle Karempelis (No. 36) is a running back, GAC’s Jared Chapple (No. 41) is a tight end, Brookwood’s Cameron Faulkner (No. 44) is a running back, South Gwinnett’s Reggie Carter (No. 45) is a linebacker, Peachtree Ridge’s A.J. McDonald (No. 46) is a linebacker, Buford’s Josh Cardiello (No. 60) is an offensive lineman, Wesleyan’s David Andrews (No. 61) is an offensive lineman and Buford’s Kolton Houston (No. 75) is an offensive lineman.

7 p.m. — LSU at Auburn, ESPN Buford’s Reid Ferguson (No. 50) is a snapper and Buford’s Vadal Alexander (No. 74) is an offensive lineman for LSU. Parkview’s Kenny Flowers (No. 33) is a linebacker, Brookwood’s Keenan Sweeney (No. 42) is a fullback, Norcross’ Ben Bradley (No. 50) is a defensive lineman, North Gwinnett’s C.J. Uzomah (No. 81) is a tight end, Peachtree Ridge’s Myron Burton (No. 84) is a wide receiver and Duluth resident Nick Ruffin (No. 19) is a defensive back for Auburn.

7 p.m. — Texas Tech at Kansas State, ESPNU Norcross’ Demetrius Alston (No. 51) is a defensive lineman and Grayson’s Zach Barnes (No. 12) is a defensive lineman for Texas Tech.

Buford’s Ryan Mack (No. 13) is a defensive back and Central Gwinnett’s Tyler White (No. 37) is a linebacker for Kansas State.

7 p.m. — Memphis at Cincinnati, CBS Sports Network North Gwinnett’s Bobby Young (No. 36) is a defensive back for Memphis. Norcross’ Kevin Mouhon (No. 48) is a linebacker and Norcross’ Silverberry Mouhon (No. 92) is a defensive end for Cincinnati.

7:30 p.m. — Arizona State at USC, Fox Buford’s Ryan Dillard (No. 28) is a defensive back for USC. 7:30 p.m. — Miami (Fla.) at Georgia Tech, ESPN2 Collins Hill’s Charles Perkins (No. 21) is a running back, North Gwinnett’s C.J. Leggett (No. 30), Norcross’ Clinton Lynch (No. 49) is a running back, Central Gwinnett’s Francis Kallon (No. 92) is a defensive lineman, Grayson’s Shawn Green (No. 97) is a defensive lineman and North Gwinnett’s Roberto Hinojosa (No. 98) is a kicker for Tech.

7:30 p.m. — Pittsburgh at Virginia, Fox Sports South Peachtree Ridge’s Jordan Ellis (No. 10) is a running back and Central Gwinnett’s Darious Latimore (No. 39) is a cornerback for Virginia.

7:30 p.m. — South Carolina at Kentucky, SEC Network Mill Creek’s Kelsey Griffin (No. 94) is a defensive lineman for South Carolina.

8 p.m. — Nebraska at Michigan State, ABC Brookwood’s Andre Sims (No. 21) is a wide receiver and Brookwood’s Nick Tompkins (No. 32) is a defensive back for Michigan State.

10:30 p.m. — Utah at UCLA, ESPN Peachtree Ridge’s Ahmaad Harris (No. 26) is a wide receiver for UCLA. 10:30 p.m. — California at Washington State, Pac-12 Network Archer’s Trey Cheek (No. 23) is a defensive back and Collins Hill’s Chris Palmer (No. 96) is a defensive tackle for Cal.

SPORTS AT A GLANCE Football National Football League AMERICAN CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA Buffalo............... 2....2.... 0....500...... 79......75 Miami................ 2....2.... 0....500...... 96......97 New England.... 2....2.... 0....500...... 80......90 N.Y. Jets............ 1....3.... 0....250...... 79......96 South

W L T Pct PF PA Houston............ 3....1.... 0....750...... 87......67 Indianapolis...... 2....2.... 0....500.... 136......95 Tennessee........ 1....3.... 0....250...... 60.... 110 Jacksonville...... 0....4.... 0....000...... 58....152 North

W L T Pct PF PA Cincinnati.......... 3....0.... 0.1.000...... 80......33 Baltimore.......... 3....1.... 0....750.... 103......60 Pittsburgh.......... 2....2.... 0....500...... 97......99 Cleveland.......... 1....2.... 0....333...... 74......77 West

W L T Pct PF PA San Diego......... 3....1.... 0....750.... 102......63 Denver.............. 2....1.... 0....667...... 75......67 Kansas City...... 2....2.... 0....500.... 102......79 Oakland............ 0....4.... 0....000...... 51....103 NATIONAL CONFERENCE East

W L T Pct PF PA Philadelphia...... 3....1.... 0....750.... 122....104 Dallas................ 3....1.... 0....750.....115......86 N.Y. Giants........ 2....2.... 0....500.... 103......91 Washington....... 1....3.... 0....250...... 95....109 South

W L T Pct PF PA Carolina............ 2....2.... 0....500...... 73......96 Atlanta.............. 2....2.... 0....500.... 131.... 113 New Orleans..... 1....3.... 0....250...... 95.... 110 Tampa Bay........ 1....3.... 0....250...... 72.... 119 North

W L T Pct PF PA Detroit............... 3....1.... 0....750...... 85......62 Minnesota......... 2....2.... 0....500...... 91......84 Green Bay........ 2....2.... 0....500...... 92......96 Chicago............ 2....2.... 0....500...... 92....100 West

W L T Pct PF PA Arizona............. 3....0.... 0.1.000...... 66......45 Seattle.............. 2....1.... 0....667...... 83......66 San Francisco... 2....2.... 0....500...... 88......89 St. Louis............ 1....2.... 0....333...... 56......85 Today Minnesota at Green Bay, 8:25 p.m.

Sunday Chicago at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Cleveland at Tennessee, 1 p.m.

St. Louis at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.

Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Houston at Dallas, 1 p.m.

Buffalo at Detroit, 1 p.m.

Baltimore at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Arizona at Denver, 4:05 p.m.

Kansas City at San Francisco, 4:25 p.m.

N.Y. Jets at San Diego, 4:25 p.m.

Cincinnati at New England, 8:30 p.m.

Monday Seattle at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

College Today SOUTH Central Florida (1-2) at Houston (2-2), 7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic (2-3) at Florida International (2-3), 7 p.m.

WEST Arizona (4-0) at Oregon (4-0), 10:30 p.m.

Friday EAST Louisville (4-1) at Syracuse (2-2), 7 p.m.

WEST San Diego State (2-2) at Fresno State (2-3), 10 p.m.

Utah State (2-2) at Brigham Young (4-0), 10:15 p.m.

Saturday EAST Ohio State (3-1) at Maryland (4-1), Noon Marshall (4-0) at Old Dominion (3-2), Noon Ball State (1-3) at Army (1-3), Noon Kansas (2-2) at West Virginia (2-2), 4 p.m.

Michigan (2-3) at Rutgers (4-1), 7 p.m.

Pittsburgh (3-2) at Virginia (3-2), 7:30 p.m.

SOUTH Southern Methodist (0-4) at East Carolina (3-1), Noon Texas A&M (5-0) at Mississippi State (4-0), Noon Southern Mississippi (2-3) at Middle Tennessee (3-2), Noon Florida (2-1) at Tennessee (2-2), Noon Virginia Tech (3-2) at North Carolina (2-2), 12:30 p.m.

Wake Forest (2-3) at Florida State (4-0), 3:30 p.m.

Alabama (4-0) at Mississippi (4-0), 3:30 p.m.

North Carolina State (4-1) at Clemson (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Baylor (4-0) at Texas (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Oklahoma (4-0) at Texas Christian (3-0), 3:30 p.m.

New Mexico (1-3) at Texas-San Antonio (1-3), 3:30 p.m.

Vanderbilt (1-4) at Georgia (3-1), 4 p.m.

South Alabama (2-2) at Appalachian State (1-3), 6 p.m.

Louisiana State (4-1) at Auburn (4-0), 7 p.m.

Hawaii (1-3) at Rice (1-3), 7 p.m.

Georgia State (1-3) at UL Lafayette (1-3), 7 p.m.

Idaho (0-4) at Texas State (2-2), 7 p.m.

Texas El Paso (2-2) at Louisiana Tech (2-3), 7 p.m.

Miami (3-2) at Georgia Tech (4-0), 7:30 p.m.

MIDWEST Iowa State (1-3) at Oklahoma St. (3-1), Noon Purdue (2-3) at Illinois (3-2), Noon Eastern Michigan (1-3) at Akron (2-2), 2 p.m.

North Texas (2-2) at Indiana (2-2), 2:30 p.m.

Massachusetts (0-5) at Miami (Ohio) (0-5), 2:30 p.m.

Wisconsin (3-1) at Northwestern (2-2), 3:30 p.m.

Buffalo (3-2) at Bowling Green (3-2), 3:30 p.m.

Ohio (3-2) at Central Michigan (2-3), 3:30 p.m.

Stanford (3-1) at Notre Dame (4-0), 3:30 p.m.

Kent State (0-4) at N. Illinois (3-1), 5 p.m.

Alabama-Birmingham (2-2) at Western Kentucky (2-2), 7 p.m.

UL Monroe (3-1) at Arkansas St. (2-2), 7 p.m.

Memphis (2-2) at Cincinnati (2-1), 7 p.m.

Texas Tech (2-2) at Kansas State (3-1), 7 p.m.

Toledo (3-2) at Western Michigan (2-2), 7 p.m.

South Carolina (3-2) at Kentucky (3-1), 7:30 p.m.

Nebraska (5-0) at Michigan State (3-1), 8 p.m.

WEST Utah (3-1) at UCLA (4-0), TBA Arizona State (3-1) at Southern California (3-1), TBA Tulsa (1-3) at Colorado State (3-1), 3 p.m.

Navy (2-3) at Air Force (3-1), 3:30 p.m.

Oregon State (3-1) at Colorado (2-3), 4 p.m.

UNLV (1-4) at San Jose State (1-3), 8 p.m.

Georgia Southern (3-2) at New Mexico State (2-3), 8 p.m.

California (3-1) at Washington State (2-3), 10:30 p.m.

Boise State (3-2) at Nevada (3-1), 10:30 p.m.

Prep Football Georgia Sports Writers Association Prep Football Poll Class AAAAAA

School Record Pts Prv 1. Colquitt County (16).(5-0)... 160.............1 2. Camden County... (6-0)..... 142.............2 3. Lowndes.............. (5-0)......119.............3 4. Grayson.............. (5-0)..... 109.............4 5. Valdosta............... (5-0)....... 86.............5 6. North Gwinnett... (4-1)....... 78.............6 7. Langston Hughes.(3-1)....... 55.............8 8. Dacula................. (5-0)....... 38...........10 9. McEachern.......... (2-2)....... 32.............9 10. Norcross........... (4-1)....... 19......... NR Others receiving votes: Woodstock 10, North Cobb 9, Tift County 6, Etowah 5, East Coweta 4, Roswell 4, Lovejoy 3, Lee County 1. Dropped out: Lovejoy (7).

Class AAAAA School Record Pts Prv 1. Ware County (15). (5-0)..... 159.............1 2. Kell....................... (5-0)..... 128.............2 3. Creekside............. (4-1)..... 127.............3 4. Allatoona (1)......... (5-0)..... 103.............4 5. Coffee.................. (4-1)....... 94.............5 6. Jones County....... (5-0)....... 85.............6 7. Northside-Warner Robins..................... (4-1)....... 59.............7 8. Carver-Columbus.(4-1)....... 53.............8 9. Mays.................... (4-1)....... 32......... NR 10. Lanier................ (4-0)....... 26...........10 Others receiving votes: Stephenson 8, Alexander 1, Dalton 1. Dropped out: Houston County (9).

Class AAAA School Record Pts Prv 1. Buford (16).......... (4-0)..... 160.............1 2. Sandy Creek........ (5-0)..... 140.............2 3. Griffin................... (5-0)..... 132.............3 4. Marist................... (5-0)......112.............4 5. Cartersville........... (3-1)....... 80.............5 6. Woodward Acad... (3-1)....... 76.............6 7. Thomas Co. Cent..(3-1)....... 70.............7 8. Whitewater........... (3-1)....... 49.............8 9. Cairo.................... (4-1)....... 39...........10 10. Mary Persons..... (4-1)....... 18......... NR Others receiving votes: Upson-Lee 2.

Dropped out: Eagle’s Landing (8).

Class AAA School Record Pts Prv 1. Washington Co. (16).(5-0)... 160.............1 2. Calhoun............... (5-0)..... 142.............2 3. Blessed Trinity...... (5-0)..... 124.............3 4. Jefferson.............. (5-0)......101.............4 5. Peach County...... (5-0)..... 100.............5 6. Central-Carrollton.(5-0)....... 78.............6 7. Westminster.......... (5-0)....... 74.............7 8. Westside-Macon.. (5-0)....... 39.............8 9. Adairsville............. (4-0)....... 33.............9

10. Hart County........ (5-0)....... 19...........10 Others receiving votes: Dodge County 10.

Class AA School Record Pts Prv 1. GAC (16).............. (5-0)..... 160.............1 2. Fitzgerald............. (5-0)..... 133.............2 3. Vidalia.................. (5-0)..... 124.............3 4. Benedictine.......... (3-1)..... 123.............4 5. Lovett................... (4-2)....... 95.............5 6. Washington-Wilkes.(3-1)...... 69.............6 7. Brooks County...... (3-2)....... 58.............7 8. Lamar County... (3-1-1)....... 37.............8 9. Screven County... (5-0)....... 35.............9 10. Model................. (5-0)....... 33...........10 Others receiving votes: Darlington 7, Wesleyan 2, Seminole County 2, Dublin 1, Union County 1.

Class A School Record Pts Prv 1. Aquinas (15)......... (5-0)..... 159.............1 2. Marion County..... (4-0)..... 139.............2 3. Mt. Paran Christian (1)............. (5-0)..... 128.............3 4. Charlton County... (5-0)..... 104.............4 5. Calvary Day......... (4-0)....... 93.............5 6. Hawkinsville......... (5-0)....... 79.............6 7. Savannah Christian.(5-0)...... 63.............8 8. Irwin County...... (3-1-1)....... 35...........10 9. Landmark Christian.(4-1)..... 19.............7 10. Dooly County..... (4-1)....... 18......... NR Others receiving votes: Mt. Pisgah 16, Pacelli 8, Tattnall Square 8, Brookstone 5, ECI 3, Prince Avenue Christian 3. Dropped out: Pacelli (9).

Transactions BASEBALL National League PITTSBURGH PIRATES—Assigned 2B Chase d’Arnaud to the minor leagues. Assigned 3B Pedro Alvarez, RHP Gerrit Cole, RHP Brandon Cumpton, RHP Jeanmar Gomez, LHP Francisco Liriano, RHP Stolmy Pimentel, RHP Casey Sadler, and RHP John Axford to the minor leagues.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS—Assigned RF Christopher Dominguez to the minor leagues. Assigned RHP Erik Cordier, RHP Brett Bochy, RHP Juan Gutierrez, RHP Christopher Heston, RHP Tim Hudson, LHP Michael Kickham, RHP George Kontos, LF Michael Morse, CF Angel Pagan, and RHP Ryan Vogelsong to the minor leagues.

BASKETBALL

National Basketball Association ATLANTA HAWKS—Signed G Jarell Eddie.

FOOTBALL National Football League ARIZONA CARDINALS—Signed LB Desmond Bishop.

CAROLINA PANTHERS—Added LB Horace Miller and RB Tauren Poole to the practice squad. NFL suspended DE Kevin Alexander ten games for violating the substance abuse policy.

CHICAGO BEARS—Cut LB Terrell Manning and WR Rashad Ross. Signed DB Teddy Williams.

HOUSTON TEXANS—Added DB Charles James and DB Kendall James to the practice squad. Cut RB Ronnie Brown and DB Shiloh Keo. Signed DB Jumal Rolle.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS—Cut DB Deion Belue and DB Winston Guy. MIAMI DOLPHINS—Added RB LaMichael James and DB LeQuan Lewis to the practice squad.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES—Added T Kevin Graf and LB Jake Knott to the practice squad.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS—Added DT Chas Alecxih to the practice squad. Removed DB Adrian Phillips from the practice squad.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS—Added TE Taylor Sloat to the practice squad.

TENNESSEE TITANS—Added RB Lache Seastrunk to the practice squad.

HOCKEY National Hockey League BUFFALO SABRES—Assigned LW Tim Schaller, G Andrey Makarov, G Nathan Lieuwen, RW Joel Armia, LW Matt Ellis, D Nicholas Petrecki, and D Drew Bagnall to Rochester (AHL).

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS—Assigned C Cody Bass and LW Pierre-Cedric Labrie to Rockford (AHL).

DALLAS STARS—Assigned LW Curtis McKenzie, C Radek Faksa, D Julius Honka, C Justin Dowling, D John Klingberg, and LW Brendan Ranford to Texas (AHL).

FLORIDA PANTHERS—Assigned G Dan Ellis to San Antonio (AHL).

LOS ANGELES KINGS—Assigned LW David Van der Gulik to Manchester (AHL).

NASHVILLE PREDATORS—Signed LW Taylor Beck to a one-year, $550, 000 contract.

NEW JERSEY DEVILS—Released LW Ruslan Fedotenko and D Tomas Kaberle.