TUESDAY DECEMBER 31 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

Arizona 42 Boston College 19

UCLA 42 Virginia Tech 12

Mississipi State 44 Rice 7

Texas AM 52 Duke 48

Your New Year's Day College Football Viewing Schedule

http://easton.patch.com/groups/sports/p/your-new-years-day-college-football-viewing-schedule-easton

FROM PATCH

Here’s the full day’s viewing schedule:

• Gator Bowl: Nebraska vs. Georgia, noon, ESPN2

• Heart of Dallas Bowl: North Texas vs. UNLV, noon ESPNU

• Capital One Bowl: Wisconsin vs. South Carolina, 1 p.m., ABC

• Outback Bowl: Iowa vs. LSU, 1 p.m., ESPN

• Rose Bowl: Stanford vs. Michigan State, 5 p.m. ESPN

• Fiesta Bowl: University of Central Florida vs. Baylor, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

Last look at 2013: Hilliard's comment, the blizzard in Philly, saying good-bye to Punkin, the battle of the bands and a fast ride with Mario

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

In the newspaper business, we're told to avoid cliches. It's one of the Cardinal rules of the profession.

Yet, I find myself trotting out so many cliches at this time of year.

As a new year comes in and another holiday season and year ends, I always get nostalgic and remind people that it's "later than you think" and to "get the most out of every minute, every day" before it all ends.

It's all easier said than done, of course, but it's advice I am trying to take with me into 2014.

I got a lot out of 2013 and had the pleasure of doing many neat things, some for the first time, and also had the thrill of covering some memorable events.

With the countdown to midnight now just about 13 hours away, here's my personal countdown of  top memories of 2013:

10. Brandywine softball team winning a state title. I know, many people don't regard Brandywine as one of our local teams, even though the school is closer to Allentown than 50 percent of the schools we do cover. And there are a lot of people who don't care about softball. I do, of course, and after seeing the Bullets fail four times in state championship games, it was terrific to see the 2013 group finally get the gold with a riveting 1-0 win over Riverside at Penn State on the morning of June 14. Brandywine coach Don Roach, a Freedom graduate, had to console so many outstanding girls and teams after tough losses in the PIAA finals. This time, he was the one shedding the tears -- tears of joy.

9. The Triple-A national championship game at Coca-Cola Park. Had the IronPigs made it, it would have been an incredible night. When the game finally arrived in September, it didn't approach "incredible" with Durham and Omaha involved, but it was still good to have Allentown put on a national stage. The city, Coca-Cola Park, the IronPigs and ultimately, Durham, delivered

8. Darrun Hilliard in the panel discussion at Steelstacks. It was a great night to benefit the Yasso-Rothrock Christmas City Classic and Hilliard was back in Bethlehem as were four prominent members of the Villanova Wildcats' 1985 national title team. The whole night was enjoyable and I ended up staying longer than I ever expected, but Hilliard delivered one of the best moments of the year, and maybe, of my career. During the discussion, he was asked about things that inspired him. And he said one of the things that inspired him the most to become the great player he is was to "Have Keith Groller write stories about me." This was not something he just said because I was there. He was sincere. It really touched me and reinforced how lucky I am to be able to make an impact on some young people's lives. May Darrun (No. 4 in photo at right) and Villanova go on to create some of the great moments of 2014 as well.

7. PIAA basketball championships back at Hershey.After missing the state finals at Penn State for several years, it was good to be back to witness the biggest stage of Pennsylvania basketball and see for myself some of the great players and teams. It was also good to have Bethlehem Catholic's girls get there and represent our area on the final night of the season. They didn't win, but they were there, and they can never forget that.

6. Lehigh football's come-from-behind wins. The season ended with a disappointing defeat to Lafayette that kept Lehigh from the Patriot League title and the FCS playoffs. But it wasn't all bad for the Mountain Hawks who made some memorable comebacks in their 8-3 season. None was more amazing than the win at Princeton when they rallied from a 22-3 halftime deficit to win 29-28. Brandon Bialkowski threw for 430 yards and Lee Kurfis had 13 catches for 152 yards. Coming on the heels of the suspension of four players from an off-campus incident, the come-from-behind win put a happy ending on a not-so-happy week.

5. The Eagles win over the Lions in a blizzard. Nothing went as expected that Dec. 8 day. The snow came much earlier, and fell much harder than expected. You literally couldn't see the field from the press box in the first half (see photo at right). And when the Lions had a 14-0 lead midway through the third quarter, the Eagles seemed destined for a crushing defeat. Instead, they turned the Linc into their own Winter Wonderland the rest of the way with LeSean McCoy the only one having sure footing in rushing for a record 217 yards in an amazing 34-20 come-from-behind win that made the NFC East title possible.

It was funny that when the Eagles returned to the Linc two weeks later to play, and pound, the Bears, the snow was gone, the temperature was in the 60s at kickoff and it felt like a late summer exhibition game. You never know what you're going to get with the weather and these Eagles.

4. Competing against Marco Andretti at the LV Grand Prix. Ok, I didn't do well. I was terrible, in fact. I had a caution on the very first lap and several more would follow. But I enjoyed my time in a go-kart at the LV Grand Prix where I was in a race -- if you could call it that -- against the great Marco Andretti. It was a small sampling, of course, but it gave me a taste of the instincts and reflexes needed to be a great race car driver, instincts and reflexes I obviously don't have.

3. Getting to say good-bye to my friend Punkin Miller. Losing Punkin was like losing a member of my family because ever since I could remember, he was a part of my life. His passing in February was truly a shattering blow for me and many in the local sports community. He was a strong-willed person and he went out on his own terms. As sad as it was to say good-bye to someone who had such a profound effect on my life, I was honored to be asked to deliver his eulogy at his funeral service and what I am most proud about is that during that eulogy, I got to make some people laugh with my list of Punkinisms over the years. Punkin would have wanted to leave people laughing, and I think we were able to deliver some laughs and smiles on that most sad day. Hopefully, he would have approved.

2. Getting to MC the battle of the bands on Nov. 3 at the Jordan Luterhan Church in Orefield. I absolutely love music and was honored to introduce and get to say some nice things in between songs as the American Legion Band of Bethlehem "took on" the Marine Band of Allentown. It was a most enjoyable day as I was reminded that we not only have great athletes in this Valley, but great musicians as well. Who won? Without a doubt, the people who were there.

1. My very fast ride with Mario Andretti. It was a TV commercial come to life as I got in that IndyCar two-seater at Pocono Raceway with the most famous name in racing. It was an incredible experience flying around that race track, a thrill that I can't adequately describe. It was all over so fast, literally a blur, but it was two minutes that I will never, ever forget and I thank Mario for keeping me around so that I get to see 2014 come in with the rest of you.

Happy New Year to all of the Groller's Corner readers. Let's hope we can do this again this time next year.

TV NEWS DECEMBER 31

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2013/12/in-memoriam-remembering-sitcom-actors.html

Today we pay tribute to the sitcom actors, actresses, directors, writers, producers, creators, and composers who died in 2013. We lost stars from All in the Family, The Bob Newhart Show, Diff'rent Strokes, The Jeffersons, Leave it to Beaver, One Day at a Time, and many more who are greatly missed. We thank them for bringing us many laughs.

Names are listed in alphabetical order by surname. Visit the IMDB and Wikipedia links for a full listing of their credits and other biographical information. View video interviews at the Archive of American Television links
.

How Late is the Liquor Store Open on New Year's Eve?

http://nazareth.patch.com/groups/holidays/p/how-late-is-the-liquor-store-open-on-new-years-eve_b44f3bd4

FROM NAZARETH PATCH

By Jake Speicher

New Year's Eve is here, but with many people working that holiday, there's one very important question on almost everyone's mind. When does the liquor store close?

The answer: 8 p.m.

What's Closed on New Year's Day

http://nazareth.patch.com/groups/holidays/p/whats-closed-on-new-years-day_5e077f59

FROM NAZARETH PATCH

On Wednesday's New Year's Day holiday, the following locations and services will be unavailable:

• School district schools and offices

• Local government offices

• Trash and recycling pickup

• Libraries

• Banks

• Post offices

• State wine and spirits shops 

• FedEx and UPS services

• County offices and courts

MONDAY DECEMBER 30 COLLEGE FOOTBALL SCOREBOARD

Navy 24 Middle Tennessee 6

Ole Miss 25 Georgia Tech 17

Oregon 30 Texas 7

Texas Tech 37 Arizona State 23

Former Nazareth Area High School football standout Parish Simmons commits to Lafayette College

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/former_nazareth_area_high_scho_1.html#incart_river_default

FROM THE EXPRESS TIMES

One way or another, Parish Simmons was destined to wind up in the Patriot League.

The former Nazareth Area High School football standout, who was recruited by numerous Patriot League schools, recently made a verbal commitment to continue his career at defending league champion Lafayette College.

"It's official," said Simmons, who was also pursued by league members Holy Cross, Colgate and Fordham. "I think it will benefit me staying close to home. I'll be working out there this summer and I'll try to get an advantage."

Lehigh University's Mitch Minotti, of Easton, Northampton grad Jimmy Sheptock in finals of Midlands wrestling championships

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/lehighs_mitch_minotti_of_easto.html#incart_river_default

FROM EXPRESS TIMES

Lehigh University redshirt freshman Mitch Minotti, ofEaston Area High School, has cleared the field and earned a spot in tonight's 149-pound final of the 51st Ken Kraft Midlands Championships at Northwestern University's Welsh-Ryan Arena in Evanston, Ill.

Tim Tebow hired by ESPN for SEC Network

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/tim_tebow_hired_by_espn_for_se.html#incart_river_default

FROM EXPRESS TIMES

Tim Tebow has his next football job -- talking about the sport on TV.

The Heisman Trophy winner has been hired as a college football analyst for the new SEC Network, but says he still hopes to play quarterback in the NFL.

ESPN, which runs the channel, announced today that Tebow will appear on "SEC Nation," a pregame show that will travel to a different campus each week after the network launches in August. ESPN says the multiyear deal "will not preclude him from continuing to pursue playing opportunities in the NFL."

Iffy forecast for Thursday: Plowable amount of snow or not much

http://www.mcall.com/news/breaking/mc-allentown-new-year-snow-storm-20131230,0,7645924.story

FROM MORNING CALL

The first day back to work and school after the New Year's Day holiday could be a snowy one, weather watchers say.

But it's too soon to predict how much snow could fall if a winter storm forms Thursday into Friday, meteorologists at the National Weather Service and AccuWeather say.

"Exact amounts, we probably won't have a good handle on that for a day or so," said Mitchell Gaines on Monday afternoon at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly, N.J.

Paul Walker of AccuWeather in State College said that while parts of New England are sure to get snow, the storm's effect in the mid-Atlantic depends on how fast it moves into the region and the strength of a low-pressure system that will move up the eastern seaboard later this week.

Sports Media Weekly No. 177- 2013 Year in Review

http://sportsmediajournal.com

Welcome to the final edition of Sports Media Weekly, not only for 2013 but for the foreseeable future.

Ken Fang of Fang’s Bites and I use this final program to look back at some of the notable sports media stories for 2013 and what we can expect for 2014.

Among the items up for discussion:

The launch of Fox Sports 1;
Rights fees for the U.S. Open and Canadian NHL changing hands;
The return of Keith Olbermann to ESPN;
NCAA Basketball coverage changes coming in 2014;
Ratings, ratings, ratings;
The passing of Pat Summerall and Ken Venturi and the retirement of Tim McCarver and Dan Dierdorf;
Looking ahead to 2014 with the Winter Olympics and the World Cup.

For the second portion of the show Ken pulled a fast one on me as he spoke with members of the media on what was supposed to be their look back at the year, but instead they directed their remarks elsewhere:

Richard Deitsch, Sports Illustrated
Steve Lapore, Awful Announcing
Dan Levy, The Bleacher ReportPaulsen, Sports Media WatchNeil Best, NewsdayJoe Flint, LA TimesJohn Ourand, Sports Business JournalIan Eagle, CBS SportsJohn Daly, The Daly PlanetMatt Yoder, Awful AnnouncingMichelle Beadle, NBC

I want to thank everyone on that list for their kind remarks.  It means a lot.

I also want to thank all of you who have made Sports Media Weekly a successful four-plus year endeavor.  It is what I will miss the most as I suspend Sports Media Journal.

Have a great 2014.  All the best!

NFL coaches fired: Washington's Mike Shanahan, Detroit's Jim Schwartz, Tampa Bay's Greg Schiano, Minnesota's Leslie Frazier all axed

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/greg_schiano_fired_by_tampa_ba.html#incart_river_default

FROM EXPRESS TIMES

Washington cans Mike Shanahan

Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen says the team's next head coach will not have the all-encompassing role held by Mike Shanahan.

The Redskins fired Shanahan today after a 3-13 season, and Allen said he will assume the duties of having final say over the roster.

Allen says he has an "open list" as he begins the search for Shanahan's replacement, including NFL and college coaches.

Shanahan went 24-40 over four seasons in Washington and was given full control over football matters when he signed his five-year, $35 million contract in 2010.

Allen said the Redskins had too many distractions this season and that it affected the team's play.

Detroit cuts Jim Schwartz loose

Latest state boys basketball rankings: CCHS still locked in at No. 4 in 3A

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

The latest Pennsylvania state boys basketball rankings courtesy of Michael Bullock of pennlive.com and the Patriot-News:

PENNLIVE STATE BASKETBALL RANKINGS

CLASS AAAA

No.  School                                          Rec    Pvs

1.     Roman Catholic (12)                    5-2        1

2.     Hampton (7)                               10-0        3

3.     New Castle (7)                              8-0        4

4.     Chester (1)                                    6-1        2

5.     Great Valley (1)                            8-0        5

6.     Martin Luther King (12)              7-0        7                            

7.     North Allegheny (7)                     9-0        8

8.     Pennsbury (1)                               6-1        6

9.     St. Joseph’s Prep (12)                   8-0        9

10.   Fox Chapel (7)                               8-1      10                                     

Others to watch: Abington (1) 7-2, Academy Park (1) 6-1, Bethlehem Freedom (11) 4-2, Bethlehem Liberty (11) 6-1, Cedar Crest (3) 9-1, Central York (3) 7-2, Conestoga (1) 6-2, Cumberland Valley (3) 9-1, Franklin Regional (7) 6-3, Gateway (7) 7-3, Harrisburg (3) 6-2, Haverford (1) 6-3, Hazleton (2) 5-2, Hempfield (7) 7-1, LaSalle College (12) 7-1, McCaskey (3) 5-3, McDowell (10) 8-1, Obama Academy (8) 7-0, Parkland (11) 5-1, Penncrest (1) 7-2, Reading (3) 4-4, Ridley (1) 6-2, Seneca Valley (7) 6-3, Spring-Ford (1) 9-0, Upper Darby (1) 8-0, Upper St. Clair (7) 6-3, Whitehall (11) 6-2, Wilson (3) 8-0, York (3) 6-2.

CLASS AAA

No.  School                                             Rec     Pvs

1.     Archbishop Carroll  (12)                7-1         1

2.     Neumann-Goretti (12)                    6-2         2

3.     Imhotep Charter (12)                      6-2        3

4.     Allentown Central Cath (11)           7-0         4

5.     Berks Catholic (3)                            5-3         5

6.     Bishop McDevitt (3)                         8-0         7

7.     Abington Heights (2)                       7-0         8

8.     Uniontown (7)                                  9-0       10

9.     Central Valley (7)                             8-1      NR

10.   Chartiers Valley (7)                         7-1         6

Others to watch: Archbishop Wood (12) 3-4, Crestwood (2) 6-1, Elizabeth Forward (7) 8-1, Farrell (10) 8-0, General McLane (10) 6-1, Girard (10) 5-2, Glen Mills (1) 4-2, Holy Ghost Prep (1) 6-3, Indiana (7) 8-1, Knoch (7) 8-1, Montour (7) 5-2, Philly Electrical (12) 6-2, Pottsville (11) 7-1, Scranton Prep (2) 7-0, Sharon (10) 5-2, Steel Valley (7) 7-1, Steelton-Highspire (3) 7-3, Susquehanna Twp (3) 4-3, Thomas Jefferson (7) 7-1, West York (3) 9-0.

CLASS AA

No.  School                                                 Rec    Pvs

1.     Constitution (12)                                 7-2       1

2.     Seton-La Salle (7)                                8-0       5

3.     Greensburg Central Cath (7)              7-1       3

4.     Loyalsock (4)                                        7-1       4

5.     Beaver Falls (7)                                    7-2       2

6.     Lewisburg (4)                                       7-0       6

7.     Quaker Valley (7)                                  9-0       7                                        

8.     Neshannock (7)                                     8-1       8

9.     Holy Cross (2)                                        5-1       9

10.   West Middlesex (10)                            4-4     10

Others to watch: Aliquippa (7) 5-3, Blairsville (6) 7-1, Calvary Christian (1) 6-1, Conemaugh Twp (5) 7-2, Conwell-Egan (12) 9-0, Elk Lake (2) 7-0, Fairview (10) 6-2, Jeannette (7) 6-3, Mercyhurst Prep (10) 5-2, Mid Valley (2) 7-0, Notre Dame-Green Pond (11) 4-3, Reynolds (10) 6-1, Richland (6) 6-1, Riverside (2) 7-0, Seneca (10) 5-2, Tyrone (6) 7-2, Washington (7) 8-1, Wellsboro (4) 5-2, Windber (5) 5-2.

CLASS A

No.  School                                                   Rec    Pvs

1.     Math, Civics & Sciences (12)                3-4       1

2.     Lincoln Park (7)                                     6-1       2

3.     Bishop Carroll (6)                                  7-0       3

4.     Vincentian (7)                                        9-0       4

5.     Johnsonburg (9)                                     9-1       5

6.     St. John Neumann (4)                             5-0      6

7.     Elk County Catholic (9)                           6-2      7

8.     Lebanon Catholic (3)                              6-1      8

9.     Mahanoy Area (11)                                8-0     10

10.   New Hope Academy (3)                        4-3       9                                   

Others to watch: Bishop Guilfoyle (6) 4-1, Cameron County (9) 7-0, Carmichaels (7) 7-0, Church Farm (1) 3-4, Clarion-Limestone (9) 7-1, Cochranton (10) 6-2, Cornell (7) 7-2, DuBois Central Catholic (9) 6-2, Greenwood (3) 6-2, Homer-Center (6) 8-1, Juniata Valley (6) 7-1, Kennedy Catholic (10) 3-3, Monessen (7) 4-4, Mount Calvary (3) 7-1, Muncy (4) 3-1, North Catholic (7) 3-4, Notre Dame-East Stroudsburg (11) 7-2, Our Lady of Sacred Heart (7) 6-3, Phil-Mont Christian (1) 6-2, Pius X (11) 3-2, Portage (6) 7-0, Ridgway (9) 7-2, Sewickley Academy (7) 5-2, Shade (5) 5-3, Shanksville-Stonycreek (5) 5-2, Sullivan County (4) 6-2, Western Beaver (7) 7-1.

2013-14 NFL Playoffs Schedule

http://fangsbites.com/2013/12/2013-14-nfl-playoffs-schedule/

NBC has a very good Wild Card doubleheader on Saturday, January 4. It will have Kansas City-Indianapolis in the early game with New Orleans at Philadelphia in the nightcap.

CBS has the early game on Sunday, January 5 with San Diego at Cincinnati at 1 p.m. ET. Fox will have the late game between San Francisco at Green Bay at 4:30 p.m.

Then in the Divisional Round, CBS gets the late games on both Saturday and Sunday which is a rarity.

Fox Unveils Announcers for NFC Wild Card Playoff Game

http://fangsbites.com/2013/12/fox-unveils-announcers-for-nfc-wild-card-playoff-game/

Come on. You didn’t expect anyone different than Joe Buck and Troy Aikman, did you? Buck and Aikman will be in the a broadcast booth high above Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin for the game between the San Francisco 49ers and the Green Bay Packers.

Kickoff time will be 4:40 p.m. ET on Sunday, January 5, 2014. Coverage begins with a half-hour edition of Fox NFL Sunday at 4 p.m.

ESPN Radio to Air Live Shows From Final BCS National Championship Game

http://fangsbites.com/2013/12/espn-radio-to-air-live-shows-from-final-bcs-national-championship-game/

As we bid farewell to the Bowl Championship Era, ESPN Radio will be all over the game as two of its signature shows will broadcast live from the West Coast as the game will be played at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, CA.

ESPN Radio hack Colin Cowherd and SVP & Russillo will air from ESPN Radio’s Los Angeles affiliate while the audio version of College GameDay will broadcast live from the Rose Bowl. That will lead up to the game which will be called by Mike Tirico and Todd Blackledge.

2013 Sunday Night Football Season Finale Cleans Up for NBC

http://fangsbites.com/2013/12/2013-sunday-night-football-season-finale-cleans-up-for-nbc/

NBC is proud as a peacock today after the overnight ratings came in for the Sunday Night Football season finale between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Dallas Cowboys that decided the NFC East Division title.

As Philadelphia won and the game wasn’t decided until the final moments, NBC saw an average overnight rating of 16.8 with a 28 share. NBC says it’s the third highest SNF overnight this season and the seventh highest overall since the Peacock took over the series in 2006.

NBC Airs the 2014 NHL Winter Classic Live from the Big House

http://fangsbites.com/2013/12/nbc-airs-the-2014-nhl-winter-classic-live-from-the-big-house/

The game between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Detroit Red Wings was supposed to be played earlier this year, but due to the lockout, it was scrapped, however, the NHL did keep the event intact so it could be played this season.

So on January 1 at 1 p.m. ET at the venerable Michigan Stadium in front of 100,000 fans, the 2014 Winter Classic will take place.

SportsRadio 94 WIP Programming Schedule

http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2010/11/22/wip-programming-schedule/

12-30-2013
2:00AM – 5:30AM Big Daddy Graham
5:30AM – 10:00AM Angelo Cataldi and The Morning Team
10:00AM – 1:00PM Middays with Spike Eskin & Ike Reese
1:00PM – 6:00PM Afternoons with Anthony Gargano & Rob Ellis Live from Chickie’s and Pete’s
6:00PM – 7:00PM Players Lounge
7:00PM – 10:00PM Rickie Ricardo
10:00PM – 2:00AM Paul Jolovitz

12-31-2013
2:00AM – 5:30AM Adam Reigner
5:30AM – 10:00AM Howard Eskin
10:00AM – 2:00PM Rob Ellis
2:00PM – 6:00PM Rickie Ricardo Live from The Borgata
6:00PM – 10:00PM Year In Review
10:00PM – 2:00AM Year In Review

1-1-2014
2:00AM – 5:30AM Year In Review
5:30AM – 10:00AM Best of Angelo Cataldi
10:00AM – 2:00PM Year In Review
2:00PM – 6:00PM Year In Review
6:00PM – 10:00PM Marc Farzetta
10:00PM – 2:00AM Joe Giglio

1-2-2014
2:00AM – 5:30AM Big Daddy Graham
5:30AM – 10:00AM Howard Eskin
10:00AM – 2:00PM Glen Macnow
2:00PM – 6:00PM Rob Ellis
6:00PM – 10:00PM Brian Haddad
10:00PM – 2:00AM Jody McDonald

1-3-2014
2:00AM – 5:30AM Big Daddy Graham
5:30AM – 10:00AM Angelo Cataldi and The Morning Team Live from The Borgata
10:00AM – 1:00PM Middays with Glen Macnow & Ike Reese
1:00PM – 6:00PM Afternoons with Anthony Gargano & Rob Ellis
6:00PM – 10:00PM Josh Innis
10:00PM – 2:00AM Steve Trevelise

1-4-2014
2:00AM – 5:00AM Adam Reigner
5:00AM – 8:00AM Best Of Cataldi
8:00AM – 10:00AM Howard Eskin Live from The Borgata
10:00AM – 1:00PM Reuben Frank and Ray Didinger Live from Delaware Park
1:00PM – 5:00PM Rob Charry and Hollis Thomas
5:00PM – 6:00PM Countdown to Kickoff
6:00PM – 8:00PM Eagles Pregame with Glen Macnow, Ike Reese, Howard Eskin, Rich Hofmann, Ray Didinger and Reuben Frank Live from Lincoln Financial Field
8:00PM – 11:30PM Eagles vs. Saints
11:30PM – 1:30AM Eagles Postgame with Rob Ellis and Garry Cobb
1:30AM – 2:30AM The 5th Quarter

1-5-2014
2:30AM – 6:00AM Adam Reigner
6:00AM – 7:00AM Conversations with Peter Solomon
7:00AM – 8:00AM WIP Sunday
8:00AM – 10:00AM Sonny Hill Live from ShopRite in Williamstown
10:00AM – 12:30PM Rob Charry and Hollis Thomas
12:30PM – 4:00PM Chargers @ Bengals
4:00PM – 7:00PM 49ers @ Packers
7:00PM – 10:00PM Brian Haddad
10:00PM – 2:00AM Paul Jolovitz

WFAN On-Air Schedule

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2010/08/01/wfan-on-air-schedule-august-2-8/#listen-live

Monday 12/30/13

12:00AM Lori Rubinson
2:00AM John Jastremski
6:00AM Malusis & Jody Mac
10:00AM Sid Rosenberg
1:00PM Joe & Evan
6:30PM Steve Somers
10:00PM Richard Neer

Tuesday 12/31/13

12:00AM Richard Neer
2:00AM Tony Paige
6:00AM Malusis & Jody Mac
10:00AM Joe & Evan
12:50PM NHL: Devils vs. Pittsburgh
4:00PM Sid Rosenberg and Kim Jones
6:50PM NBA: Nets at San Antonio
10:00PM Steve Somers

Wednesday 1/1/14

12:00AM Steve Somers
2:00AM Tony Paige
6:00AM Richard Neer
10:00AM Sid Rosenberg and Kim Jones
2:00PM: Malusis & Maggie
6:00PM Steve Somers
10:00PM John Jastremski

Thursday 1/2/14

12:00AM John Jastremski
2:00AM Tony Paige
6:00AM Boomer & Carton
10:00AM Joe & Evan
1:00PM Mike Francesa
6:30PM Steve Somers
7:45PM NBA: Nets at Oklahoma City
11:00PM Steve Somers

Friday 1/3/14

12:00AM Steve Somers
1:00AM Marc Malusis
6:00AM Boomer & Carton
10:00AM Joe & Evan
1:00PM Mike Francesa
6:30PM Steve Somers
6:50PM NBA: Devils vs. Chicago
10:30PM Steve Somers

Saturday 1/4/14

12:00AM Steve Somers
1:00AM Demetri Adrahtas
6:00AM Richard Neer
10:00AM Evan Roberts
1:00PM Steve Somers
4:00PM NFL: Playoff Wildcard
7:45PM NFL: Playoff Wildcard

6:50PM CONFLICT: Devils at Buffalo WBBR
7:15PM CONFLICT: Nets vs. Cleveland WCBS 880-AM

Sunday 1/5/14

12:00AM Tony Paige
2:00AM Lori Rubinson
6:00AM Bob Salter
8:00AM Sports Edge
9:00AM Mike Francesa’s Football Sunday
12:00PM Best of Mike Francesa’s Football Sunday
12:30PM NFL: Playoff Wildcard
4:15PM NFL: Playoff Wildcard
10:00PM Lori Rubinson

Monday morning point guard: Latest LVC, MVC and Colonial League boys basketball rankings

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

t was a really good holiday weekend for most LVC teams. Bethlehem Catholic, Central Catholic, Easton, Liberty, Parkland, Whitehall and Nazareth and Emmaus could add to that list today.

Plus, Dieruff posted a pair of wins, Allen and Freedom at least reach the finals of their tournaments and Northampton knocked off a previously unbeaten Blue Mountain team.

It all bodes well for the 2014 part of the 2013-14 season.

Here are the latest LVC team rankings followed by the MVC and Colonial League:

LEHIGH VALLEY CONFERENCE

1. Central Catholic (7-0, 3-0) ... Impressive 71-49 win over Trenton Catholic in the finals of Trenton Catholic's tournament. Abdur-Rahkman scored 33. Clearly this is our best team at the moment. .. Next: Host Freedom on Thursday night. 

2. Parkland (5-1, 1-1) .... Just maybe the loss to Whitehall was exactly what this talented team needed.  Next: Play at Easton on Thursday night.

3. Whitehall (6-2, 3-0) ... Still wonder if this team plays down to the level of the competition sometimes and there are concerns about consistency. Bottom line is that they are still unbeaten in league. Next: At Liberty on Friday.

4. Liberty (6-1, 2-1) ... Have been able to win three games since K.J. Williams was injured against Freedom. Next; Play at Haverford today.

5. Freedom (4-2, 3-0) ... Patriots did a great job of winning close games the first time through the LVC East, but still remain an enigma as lopsided loss to Upper Darby attests. Must play CCHS, ES North, PM West and Allen all in the first seven days of January. We'll see how good Pates really are. Next: at CCHS Thursday night.

6. Bethlehem Catholic (3-5, 1-2) ... I know this may seem like a high ranking, but I believe that the Golden Hawks still have as much talent as any team in the league besides CCHS and Parkland. Wins in York could be a catalyst. Next: At Allen Friday.

7. Allen (4-2, 2-1) ... This team is frustrating just to watch. I can only imagine how Doug Snyder feels. Can play so well at times, but have trouble sustaining it. Too dependent on outside shooting which can get as cold as the weather. Next: Host Bethlehem Catholic.

8, Dieruff (3-2, 0-2) ... Just when I thought the season could unravel, the Huskies responded with wins over Bangor and Stroudsburg. Have a chance to get on a nice winning streak before tough tests against Emmaus and Parkland on Jan. 8 and 10. Next: At Nazareth Friday.

9. Emmaus (4-3, 0-2) ... Green Hornets playing well at Constitution tournament. Could be boost needed to return to league play. Next: Play Engineering and Science for Constitution tourney title today.

10, Easton (4-4, 0-3) ... Red Rovers have shined outside the league, but have to start winning in LVC to qualify for districts. Game against Parkland on Thursday starts tough stretch that includes Reading on Saturday and Whitehall on Tuesday.

11. Nazareth (4-4, 1-2) ... Nice tourney win in Honesdale for the Blue Eagles, who are better than a year ago. Next: Host Dieruff on Friday and Catty on Saturday.

12. Northampton (2-3, 0-2) ... K-Kids may have revived their season with that big win over Blue Mountain and can really develop some momentum with a win over Salisbury tonight. Next: Host Salisbury Monday night.

COLONIAL LEAGUE

1. Bangor (6-2, 5-0) ... I know the Slaters lost to both Dieruff and Stroudsburg last week, but the Huskies and Mounties are not in the Colonial League. We'll see how they fare against much tougher CL South. Next: At Salisbury Friday.

2. Salisbury (5-2, 4-0) ... Falcons may have lost to Parkland, but could have gained more from that experience than winning over a weak opponent. Next: Play at Northampton Monday night.

3. Notre Dame (4-3, 2-1) ... Lost frontrunner status with that loss to Palisades. Next: Host Catasauqua on Friday night.

4. Southern Lehigh (5-4, 3-2) ... Spartans remain a little hard to figure, but it's understandable in what still has to be regarded a transition year. Have a chance to go on a roll against Colonial North before playing Tamaqua on Jan. 18 and Bangor on Jan. 21. Next: Host Pen Argyl on Friday night.

5. Northern Lehigh (5-2, 4-1) ... The Bulldogs have yet to be truly tested. That's coming against the Colonial South. Next: At Palisades Friday.

6. Saucon Valley (2-5, 1-2) ... The Panthers are a much better team than what they've shown so far. Next: Host Palmerton Friday night.

7. Wilson (4-4, 1-3) ... Warriors veteran coach Bob Frankenfield told he his team may not be that good this year. I didn't believe him at first, but now, maybe. May not make league tournament, but should still qualify for districts. Next: Host Northwestern on Friday.

8. Catasauqua (4-3, 3-2) ... The Roughies started strong, but that was against weak competition. Now that football season is fading in the rearview mirror, it's time for this team to start playing better. Next: At Notre Dame-Green Pond Friday.

9. Palisades (3-4, 1-4) ... Ken Termini is really doing a nice job with the Pirates. That win over Notre Dame is still a shocker. Next: Host Northern Lehigh Friday.

10. Pen Argyl (4-4, 2-3)... The Green Knights have already matched last year's win total. Kyle Hutnik has brought a little swagger to this long-suffering program. Next: At Southern Lehigh Friday.

11. Northwestern (3-6, 1-4) ... Record may not show it, but the Tigers are playing some quality teams tough. Next: Play at Wilson Friday.

12. Palmerton (1-6, 0-5) ... Got to talk to first-year coach Leigh Keenan on Friday night. I like his upbeat attitude. All positive stuff. There is some talent on that roster. Give it time. Next: At Saucon Valley Friday.

MOUNTAIN VALLEY CONFERENCE

1. E.S. North (7-1, 3-0) ... Timberwolves have lived up to their preseason billing. Nice win in Altoona tournament. Next: At PM East on Friday, host Frankford on Saturday.

2. PM West (4-2, 1-1) ... Panthers are always lurking, ready to pounce. Tough early-season schedule will bode well later. Next: Play at Pleasant Valley Friday.

3. Stroudsburg (2-5, 1-1) ... Their record is more a reflection of their tough nonleague schedule than anything else. Will remain a factor in the MVC. Next: Host Allen on Saturday.

4. Lehighton (5-2, 1-2) ... The Indians are still a work-in-progress, but still finding a way to win their share. Next: Host ES South on Friday.

5. Pleasant Valley (2-3, 0-2) ... Bears have a lot of basketball to play and a lot of time to prove how good they are. Win over Whitehall showed their potential. Next: Play at Pocono Mt. West Friday

6. East Stroudsburg South (4-3, 1-0) ... O'Neil Holder makes this team dangerous. Next: At Lehighton Friday.

7. Pocono Mountain East (1-6, 0-1) ... Cardinals seem to be playing basketball, but wins have been hard to come by. Next: Host ES North on Friday night.

Eagles an early 2.5-point favorite over the Saints; but listen to what Schlereth says

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

FROM KEITH GROLLER

The celebration in Philadelphia hadn't even hit full-throat on Sunday night when Vegas released the spreads for next weekend's opening-round playoff matchups.

The Eagles, according to RJ Bell of Pregame.com, are a 2.5-point favorite over the Saints, which is strictly based on home-field advantage.

The rest of the first-rounders;

1st Round Playoffs:

Colts -2.5 hosting Chiefs

Eagles -2.5 hosting Saints

Bengals -7 hosting Chargers

49ers -2.5 at Packers

You're going to hear a lot of analysis between now and Saturday, and much of it should go in one ear and out the other. But the one guy you may want to listen to is ESPN's Mark Schlereth. See why below, also courtesy of RJ Bell:

16 for 16:

NFL Pundit Mark Schlereth picked 16 out of 16 winners on Sunday. $100 on him correctly picking the straight-up winner (called a “money line parlay”) for all 16 games  would have paid over $50,000!

Here is the TV information for next weekend's games and the divisional round the following week. Note that if the Eagles beat the Saints, they will be headed to Carolina on Sunday Jan. 12.

NFL WILD CARD WEEKEND

Saturday, January 4

AFC:    4:35 PM (ET)	Kansas City at Indianapolis (NBC)
NFC:    8:10 PM (ET)	New Orleans at Philadelphia (NBC)

Sunday, January 5

AFC:    1:05 PM (ET)	San Diego at Cincinnati (CBS)
NFC:    4:40 PM (ET)	San Francisco at Green Bay (FOX)

NFL DIVISIONAL PLAYOFFS

Saturday, January 11

NFC:    4:35 PM (ET)	Green Bay/San Francisco/New Orleans at Seattle (FOX)
AFC:    8:15 PM (ET)	Cincinnati/Indianapolis/Kansas City at New England (CBS)

Sunday, January 12

NFC:    1:05 PM (ET)	Philadelphia/Green Bay/San Francisco at Carolina (FOX)
AFC:    4:40 PM (ET)	Indianapolis/Kansas City/San Diego at Denver (CBS)

Nazareth, Bethlehem Catholic wrestling teams impress at holiday tourneys - weekend roundup

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/12/nazareth_bethlehem_catholic_wr.html#incart_river

FROM EXPRESS TIMES

While many high school students were sleeping in or enjoying their holiday gifts, the area's wrestlers were once again trying to claw their way to the top of the medal stand at tournaments across the region.

TV NEWS DECEMBER 30

http://blog.sitcomsonline.com/2013/12/new-years-eve-2013-and-new-years-day.html

Welcome to a special New Year's style edition of the News Blog! As we end 2013 and start 2014, today we will give you a marathon recap on TV tomorrow and Wednesday (New Year's Eve and New Year's Day)! Some of the major TV stunts we mentioned already were Antenna TV's New Year's Evemarathon of Burns & Allen and Jack Benny Program beginning at 7pm Tuesday and lasting into New Year's Day morning at 3am. On New Year's Day, they will have their annual The Three Stooges marathon starting at 3am and running to 11am, as the network celebrates its third birthday (and enters its fourth season)! But that's not all...they will also bring a new element this year with the "The Fresh Start Marathon," which will be pilot episodes of your favorite shows followed by the second episode of each show from 11am ET-5am ET. TV One will have a New Year's Day marathon of Love That Girl & Everybody Hates Chris on Wednesday starting at 12pm. Centric will have a Girlfriends New Year's Day marathon on Wednesday from 9am-8pm, while on New Year's Eve they will showcase movies. Hallmark Channel will have a Home Improvement New Year's Day marathon on Wednesday from 4pm-6am. Meanwhile, ABC Family showcases a Ravenswood marathon on New Year's Day from 12pm-6pm on Wednesday, and a New Year's Eve marathon of The Fosters Tuesday beginning at 11am. We mentioned that WPIX in New York will of course have their annual The Honeymooners marathon starting at 12 midnight Tuesday night through 5pm on Wednesday (only a break from 4am-9am for news). Also in New York City, WLNY-TV 55/10 will have a marathon of The Odd Couple starting at midnight Tuesday night through 9pm on New Year's Day on Wednesday for the second straight year (with only a break from 7-9am on Wednesday for Live from The Couch).
 

$325,000 winning Cash 5 ticket sold in Easton

http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment-general/index.ssf/2013/12/325000_winning_cash_5_ticket_s.html#incart_flyout_entertainment

FROM EXPRESS TIMES

Did you recently buy a $1 Cash 5 ticket from Frank & Dot's Beer Depot?

Check your numbers. You could have a big pile of cash waiting for you.

The Pennsylvania Lottery announced that a Cash 5 ticket worth $325,000 was among more than 42,000 prize-winning tickets sold for the Dec. 27 drawing.

09-16-17-25-37 are the numbers for which to look.

Who Called Your NFL Team’s Games the Most in 2013?

http://sportsmediajournal.com

We did this research last year, and we thought we would do it again to end the 2013 NFL season.

We examined the network play-by-play pairings for each regular season game in the league this year and noted which announcer called which teams’ games.  As in years past patterns emerge, generally the better teams in each conference have their games called by the higher-ranked broadcasters on each network.

The list you are about to see for each team pairs it ONLY with the play-by-play voice calling the game.  There are instances where play-by-play men work with different analysts (i.e. Thomm Brennaman filling-in for Joe Buck during the baseball playoffs with Troy Aikman) so instead of listing the results based on broadcast teams, we will link them only with the play-by-play announcer.

Here is each NFL team, along with the announcer who called their games the most, with the number of games in parentheses:

Arizona Cardinals- Dick Stockton & Sam Rosen (3 each)
Atlanta Falcons – Kevin Burkhardt (4)
Baltimore Ravens – Jim Nantz & Greg Gumbel (3 each)
Buffalo Bills – Greg Gumber & Ian Eagle (3 each)
Carolina Panthers- Chris Myers (4)
Chicago Bears- Thomm Brennaman (4)
Cincinnati Bengals- Greg Gumbel & Marv Albert (3 each)
Cleveland Browns- Kevin Harlan (6)
Dallas Cowboys- Al Michaels (4)
Denver Broncos- Jim Nantz (5)
Detroit Lions- Thomm Brennaman (4)
Green Bay Packers- Joe Buck (7)
Houston Texans- Kevin Harlan (4)
Indianapolis Colts- Al Michaels, Greg Gumbel, Kevin Harlan, Ian Eagle, & Bill Macatee (2 each)
Jacksonville Jaguars- Bill Macatee (5)
Kansas City Chiefs- Jim Nantz (3)
Miami Dolphins- Mike Tirico, Jim Nantz, Greg Gumbel, Marv Albert, Ian Eagle, & Chris Myers (2 each)
Minnesota Vikings- Thomm Brennaman (3)
New England Patriots- Jim Nantz & Greg Gumbel (4 each)
New Orleans Saints- Joe Buck (3)
New York Giants- Kenny Albert (4)
New York Jets- Greg Gumbel (5)
Oakland Raiders- Marv Albert (4)
Philadelphia Eagles- Kenny Albert (3)
Pittsburgh Steelers- Al Michaels, Jim Nantz & Ian Eagle (3 each)
San Diego Chargers- Ian Eagle (4)
San Francisco 49ers- Joe Buck (3)
Seattle Seahawks- Chris Myers (5)
St. Louis Rams- Chris Myers (4)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Kevin Burkhardt (4)
Tennessee Titans- Greg Gumbel, Kevin Harlan, Marv Albert, Ian Eagle, Steve Tasker & Andrew Catalon (2 each)
Washington Redskins- Dick Stockton (3)

Now let’s look at each broadcaster and which team he covered the most this season.  Brad Nessler of the NFL Network once again wins the award for most diverse announcer, having called games featuring different teams for each of the network’s 13 games.  So, in effect, Nessler called one game for 26 teams this year.  Here is the rest of the list, sorted by network:

NBC Sports

Al Michaels- Denver Broncos (4)

ESPN

Mike Tirico- Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Atlanta Falcons, San Francisco 49ers & Seattle Seahawks (2 each)
Chris Berman- Houston Texans & San Diego Chargers (1 each)

CBS Sports

Jim Nantz- Denver Broncos (5)
Greg Gumbel- NY Jets (5)
Kevin Harlan- Cleveland Browns (6)
Marv Albert- NY Jets, Cleveland Browns, & Oakland Raiders (4 each)
Ian Eagle- San Diego Chargers (4)
Spero Dedes- Jacksonville Jaguars (3)
Bill Macatee- Jacksonville Jaguars (5)
Andrew Catalon- Tennessee Titans & Jacksonville Jaguars (2 each)

Fox Sports

Joe Buck- Green Bay Packers (7)
Kenny Albert- NY Giants (4)
Dick Stockton- Washington Redskins, Arizona Cardinals & St. Louis Rams (3 each)
Chris Myers- Seattle Seahawks
Kevin Burkhardt- Atlanta Falcons & Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4 each)
Thomm Brennaman- Detroit Lions & Chicago Bears (4 each)
Sam Rosen- Arizona Cardinals (3)
Gus Johnson- Detroit Lions & Minnesota Vikings (1 each)
Justin Kutcher- Tennessee Titans & Arizona Cardinals (1 each)
Tom McCarthy- Cleveland Browns & Detroit Lions (1 each)

Have a Happy New Year!