THOMASVILLE Thomas County Central’s flag football team closed its regular season on Tuesday with a pair of impressive area victories. It throttled Irwin County 39-0 and Lowndes 19-7. Central won Division 4 Area 1 with a 12-0 record and will host the first and second rounds of the state playoffs on Thursday, Dec. 4 at Thomas County Middle School (TCMS). Central will host Rockdale, while Blessed Trinity and Woodward Academy will play in the other playoff game at TCMS. Central enters the playoffs with a 12-game winning streak. Quarterback Kate Thedford threw for 164 yards and two touchdowns against Lowndes. Lexi Frysz caught seven passes for 98 yards and one touchdown. Jaida Pinkins and Jaden Crews each snagged a touchdown reception. Qua’Mya Yearby recorded seven tackles and one interception to pace the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense. Teammate Kaaliyah Brooks also tallied an interception. Thedford also threw for 151 yards and three touchdowns against Irwin County, while Frysz added a touchdown toss. Pinkins, Crews and Gracie Floyd each caught three passes for the Lady Yellow Jackets. Pinkins scored two touchdowns, while Crews and Floyd each snagged one score. Yearby paced the Lady Yellow Jackets’ defense again, recording five tackles and one interception.
https://timesenterprise.com/2025/11/20/central-flag-football-dominates-irwin-county-lowndes/
Tag Archives: interception
Jets Coordinator in Danger of Being Fired Amid Struggles, Says Insider
There are many reasons the New York Jets find themselves at a disappointing 2-8 record this season. One of the primary issues has been the defense falling apart, raising serious concerns as the team struggles to find stability on that side of the ball.
NFL Insider Connor Hughes of SNY recently highlighted the uncertain job security of Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks as the 2025 season approaches its conclusion. “I think there is a reason that he has been pretty much one-and-done in a lot of other places. That is a name to keep an eye on. I think when the season ends that is one to watch because if the Jets are going to make changes and Woody [Johnson] is going to demand changes, I don’t think it’s going to be Tanner Engstrand, I think it could be Steve Wilks where they step in and say we want a new voice on defense and I wouldn’t disagree with it at all,” Hughes explained on the show *Jets Final Drive*.
Adding to the concerns, Zack Rosenblatt of *The Athletic* stated, “I have a lot of concerns about the future of this defense, and honestly, the person calling the plays on defense, I have some concerns about.”
### The Jets’ Defense Has Completely Collapsed
The Jets’ defensive production this season has been underwhelming. Through the first 10 games of the 2025 season, New York ranks 19th in yards allowed (329.7 per game), 23rd in rushing yards allowed (130.9 per game), and 26th in points allowed (26.8 per game), according to ESPN.
One statistic stands out as particularly alarming: “Through 10 games of the 2025 regular season, the New York Jets are closing in on an unwanted milestone in NFL history. The Jets have recorded just one takeaway all season, a lone forced fumble during their international game against the Broncos, and remain without an interception. That drought ties them with the 2017 Raiders for the longest to start a season. If they fail to snag one next week against the Baltimore Ravens, the Jets will stand alone at the top of that dubious list,” reports the Pro Football Network.
Currently, the Jets are the only team in the NFL without a single interception this season.
### Wilks Has Become a Coaching Nomad Throughout His Career
Steve Wilks’ coaching resume reveals a pattern of short stints. Over his 30-year career, Wilks has been a “one-and-done” head or coordinator in 10 different places. He has rarely stayed with the same team for long. His longest tenure was with the Carolina Panthers, where he spent six consecutive seasons from 2012 through 2017.
### Coach Glenn Has Been Through This Before
Jets defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is no stranger to navigating challenging coaching situations. While he is not the same personality as head coach Dan Campbell, the two were once on the same staff in Detroit. Following Campbell’s first season there, he retained Glenn as defensive coordinator but made a change on offense by replacing former Jets coach Anthony Lynn with up-and-coming offensive coordinator Ben Johnson—a move that proved successful.
Having witnessed how Campbell managed his staff restructuring, Glenn might consider borrowing some strategies from his former head coach’s playbook when making decisions about the Jets’ defensive staff moving forward.
Interestingly, both Lynn and Wilks were former NFL head coaches whom Campbell and Glenn brought onto their staffs, valuing their experience and leadership. Their backgrounds as head coaches have been assets that both Campbell and Glenn could lean on during challenging times.
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As the 2025 season winds down, all eyes will be on the Jets’ defense and whether changes will be made to bring in a new voice—potentially signaling the end of Wilks’ tenure in New York.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/new-york-jets/steve-wilks-nfl-firing-rumors/
Cowboys trade for Jets All-Pro defensive lineman Quinnen Williams
Nov. 4 (UPI) — The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to trade two draft picks and defensive lineman Mazi Smith to the New York Jets in exchange for defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, league sources told UPI on Tuesday.
The Cowboys will send a second-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and a first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft, along with Smith, to the Jets as part of the Williams deal. This move comes on the same day the Jets also agreed to trade All-Pro cornerback Sauce Gardner to the Indianapolis Colts.
Quinnen Williams, 27, was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jets. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and 2022 first-team All-Pro, Williams has recorded 32 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and a sack through eight starts this season. Over his first seven NFL seasons and 98 appearances, he amassed 322 combined tackles, 59 tackles for loss, 40 sacks, 14 passes defensed, eight forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and one interception.
The Jets signed Williams to a four-year, $96 million extension in 2023, keeping him under contract through 2027.
Mazi Smith, 24, was the No. 26 overall pick by the Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft. He has totaled 57 combined tackles, seven tackles for loss, and two sacks through 39 NFL appearances. Smith is currently in the third year of his four-year rookie contract.
Through the Williams and Gardner trades, the Jets acquired first- and second-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, two first-round picks in the 2027 NFL Draft, defensive lineman Mazi Smith, and wide receiver Adonai Mitchell.
In a separate deadline-day deal earlier Tuesday, the Cowboys traded a seventh-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for linebacker Logan Wilson.
The Cowboys (3-5-1), currently ranked with the second-worst defense in the NFL, are on a bye in Week 10. They will face the Las Vegas Raiders (2-6) in Week 11.
The Jets (1-7) will host the Cleveland Browns (2-6) at 1 p.m. EST Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/NFL/2025/11/04/Cowboys-trade-Jets-All-Pro-Quinnen-Williams/4251762285993/
Varsity Maine football honor roll for Week 8
Connor Ayoob, Thornton Academy
The senior had another standout performance in a matchup of the top two teams in the Varsity Maine poll, carrying the ball 40 times for 304 yards and three touchdowns in Thornton’s 42-21 win at Bonny Eagle. He also caught a pass for 15 yards.
Cole Curtis, Mountain Valley
Curtis ran for 154 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and caught two passes for 28 yards in a 30-26 loss to Mattanawcook.
Joey Foley, Deering
Foley returned the opening kickoff 89 yards for a touchdown and added touchdown runs of 2, 60, and 22 yards as the Rams beat Lewiston, 46-0.
Dillon Gray, Mt. Blue
Gray rushed 15 times for 149 yards and two touchdowns, and was in on 13 tackles in a 34-26 setback to Skowhegan.
Benjamin Hanke, Cony
Hanke caught five passes for 127 yards and three touchdowns and snatched an interception in a 54-10 win over Gardiner.
Cordell Jones, Portland
Jones carried the ball 22 times for 174 yards and four touchdowns, completed 5 of 7 passes for 90 yards and a score, and made 10 tackles in the Bulldogs’ 33-21 win at Exeter, New Hampshire.
Drew McGrath, Sanford
McGrath reeled in three passes for 136 yards and a touchdown, and added an interception in a 42-20 loss to Marshwood.
Luke Piper, Greely
Piper completed 13 of 19 passes for 293 yards and four touchdowns in a 36-16 win over Oceanside. He also ran three times for 24 yards.
Ben Porter, Winthrop/Monmouth/Hall-Dale
Porter caught four passes for 108 yards and a touchdown on offense, and had six tackles (one for loss) and an interception on defense in a 41-6 win over Maranacook.
https://www.centralmaine.com/2025/10/28/varsity-maine-football-honor-roll-for-week-8/
Bucs up 7-0 after Anthony Nelson interception return for a touchdown
The Buccaneers’ offense struggled to convert four plays from the Saints’ 1-yard line into points. However, the defense stepped up to make a significant impact.
Edge rusher Anthony Nelson made a game-changing play by batting a Spencer Rattler pass into the air and then intercepting it, returning the pick for a four-yard touchdown. With the extra point, the Bucs took a 7-0 lead with 6:41 remaining in the first half.
Nelson continued his strong performance by forcing a fumble on a scramble and sacking the Saints quarterback, making it a busy day for the veteran defender.
Earlier, the Bucs had driven 91 yards on their last offensive possession, but neither Rachaad White nor Sean Tucker could break through the Saints’ defensive line to score a touchdown. Nelson’s interception return helped ease the frustration from that missed opportunity.
The Buccaneers will look to build on this momentum and try for better offensive results when they get the ball back.
https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bucs-up-7-0-after-anthony-nelson-interception-return-for-a-touchdown
Freshman Drew Mestemaker throws for school-record 608 yards in North Texas’ 54-20 win over Charlotte
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Redshirt freshman Drew Mestemaker set a new school record by passing for 608 yards and throwing four touchdowns in North Texas’ latest game.
Mestemaker’s impressive performance highlights his potential as a rising star for the Mean Green football program. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop throughout the season.
https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/10/freshman-drew-mestemaker-throws-for-school-record-608-yards-in-north-texas-54-20-win-over-charlotte/
Strong scores 3 TDs and McNeese snaps 5-game losing streak with 27-0 win over Houston Christian
LAKE CHARLES, La. — Quarterback Jake Strong led McNeese State to a commanding victory over Houston Christian with a final score of 27-0.
Strong showcased his versatility on the field by rushing for three touchdowns, helping to secure the win for his team. The defense also played a crucial role, keeping Houston Christian off the scoreboard throughout the game.
This impressive performance highlights McNeese State’s strength as they continue their season. Fans will be eager to see how the team builds on this momentum in upcoming matchups.
https://wtop.com/ncaa-football/2025/10/strong-scores-3-tds-and-mcneese-snaps-5-game-losing-streak-with-27-0-win-over-houston-christian/
Commanders QB Jayden Daniels Owns Fumble: ‘It Was On Me… We’ve Got to Be Better’
Jayden Daniels Faced Tough Questions Earlier This Season About Knee Injury
Jayden Daniels faced tough questions earlier this season about his lingering knee injury. By Monday night, those concerns were gone, replaced by new scrutiny over a costly late-game turnover. Daniels fumbled in the final minutes against the Chicago Bears, setting up a comeback loss for the Washington Commanders.
This week, he didn’t dodge responsibility. He took ownership of the mistake and shifted the focus toward improvement in Week 7. “But it was on me. So I take accountability,” Daniels said.
Jayden Daniels Reflects on Turnover and Slow Starts
Aside from the turnover, Daniels’ performance against Chicago was his strongest of the year. He threw three touchdown passes, overcoming an early interception, and looked like the player Washington expected when he returned from his knee issue. That’s why both he and the team want to make sure the fumble becomes just a footnote to a solid outing.
“We feel we can put up points,” Daniels said. “But we just got to be better with the details and execution, so we don’t have slow starts.”
Slow starts have been an ongoing problem for the Commanders. They’ve trailed by double digits in the first half of each of their last three games and have been outscored 36-14 in the opening quarter so far in the 2025 season. Daniels played only in the most recent game but acknowledged that the offense must set the tone early if Washington wants to stay competitive in the NFC.
Commanders Look to Bounce Back Against Cowboys
The Commanders have an opportunity to turn things around in Week 7 against the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas ranks last in yards allowed, passing yards allowed, and third-down defense through six weeks, which could give Washington’s offense the chance to get into rhythm quickly.
Washington also received good news on Wednesday. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin returned to practice after missing time with a quadriceps injury. A return this weekend would give Daniels a significant boost.
However, the team suffered another setback at the same position. ESPN’s senior NFL insider Adam Schefter reported, “Commanders placed WR Noah Brown on injured reserve, sidelining him for a minimum of four games.”
Fan Reactions
Fans immediately reacted to the news on social media. One fan wrote, “Hopefully Terry McLaurin can come back this week. They really need him.” Another added, “Tough break for the Commanders. Noah Brown was just starting to find rhythm in that offense. They’ll miss his physicality and reliability on third downs.”
Looking Ahead
The Commanders know the margin for error is shrinking. Daniels’ positive showing against Chicago gave them reason for optimism, but cleaning up execution and avoiding early deficits will be critical if they want to stay in the playoff race.
“We’ve got to be more consistent as a team—offense, defense, special teams,” Daniels emphasized.
The Commanders face the Cowboys on Sunday, October 19, at 4:25 p.m. ET at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. The game will air on FOX.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/washington-commanders/jayden-daniels-owns-costly-fumble/
Tennessee escapes Mississippi State in overtime 41-34
Wow. The Tennessee Volunteers defeated the Mississippi State Bulldogs 41-34 in overtime in a game that’s hard to wrap your head around.
Joey Aguilar was 24-of-40 passing for 335 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions—both of which came after the ball bounced off Miles Kitselman’s hands and flew into the air. DeSean Bishop led Tennessee on the ground with 72 yards on 11 carries and scored the go-ahead 25-yard touchdown in overtime. Mike Matthews had six catches for 118 yards, while Chris Brazzell II caught six passes for 105 yards and a touchdown.
This was a game full of errors and missed opportunities, beginning when Tennessee’s Braylon Staley muffed a punt. Mississippi State recovered at the UT 20-yard line and quickly capitalized, taking just five plays to reach the end zone and grab a 7-0 lead.
After a Tennessee field goal and some defensive punts, Colton Hood intercepted Blake Shapen and returned it 23 yards for a touchdown. Mississippi State responded with two lengthy drives, taking a 17-10 lead in the second quarter.
But Tennessee answered back with a quick, four-play, 75-yard drive, capped by a 15-yard touchdown catch from Brazzell, tying the game at 17. Max Gilbert missed a field goal later in the half, and both teams went into halftime knotted up at 17.
Tennessee opened the second half with a long field goal drive, but Mississippi State missed a field goal on their next possession. Aguilar’s first interception of the game gave the Bulldogs a short field, and they took advantage with a 1-yard touchdown run by Fluff Bothwell to go up 24-20.
Early in the fourth quarter near midfield, Mississippi State converted a fake punt on 4th-and-7 and seemed poised to extend their lead. However, on the very next play, Tyre West broke around the edge and sacked Shapen, forcing a fumble. Joshua Josephs scooped up the loose ball and returned it to give Tennessee a 27-24 lead.
After a State field goal, Aguilar’s second tipped interception handed the Bulldogs yet another short field. Once again, Mississippi State capitalized with a 2-yard touchdown pass to take a 34-27 advantage with eight minutes left.
But Aguilar and the Volunteers’ offense responded with one of their best drives of the season. They marched 75 yards on 13 plays in just over six minutes, finishing with a designed 6-yard quarterback run by Aguilar to tie the game with two minutes remaining.
Tennessee quickly forced a three-and-out and got the ball back at their own 26-yard line with 1:23 left and all three timeouts intact. Unfortunately, Josh Heupel’s clock management during the final drive was, quite simply, atrocious. The Volunteers moved 30 yards to just past midfield with four seconds left and two timeouts remaining, but a final Hail Mary fell incomplete, sending the game into overtime.
In overtime, Bishop’s 25-yard touchdown run on the first play gave Tennessee the lead. Although Mississippi State advanced to first-and-goal at the six-yard line, Tennessee’s defense stiffened — a rarity for Saturday. They broke up a fourth-down pass in the end zone, sealing the Volunteers’ 41-34 victory.
Tennessee now heads into a much-needed bye week. So, Vol fans, breathe easy—a win is a win. But there’s clearly a lot to work on after today’s rollercoaster of a game.
https://www.rockytoptalk.com/tennessee_volunteer_football/45299/tennessee-volunteers-defeat-mississippi-state-in-overtime-41-34