Baylor opens McLane Stadium

Lara Solt/Staff Photographer

Bridge over the Brazos River to Baylor University's new McLane Stadium in Waco, TX on Monday, August 18, 2014.

WACO — First there was the dream, then the artist’s drawings followed by two years of construction along Interstate 35.

The finished product that is McLane Stadium still overwhelmed Baylor football coach Art Briles at a team scrimmage earlier this month.

“I dreamed too small,” Briles said. “I envisioned something, but my visions weren’t reality. The reality is much grander, much better and more magnificent. It’s an unbelievable facility.”

The $266 million facility adjacent to campus and the Brazos River will host its first Baylor game Sunday when SMU visits. The 45,000-seat stadium is smallish by major-college standards but a good fit for Baylor, a private school with 13,300 undergraduates. Aledo and Cedar Park christened the stadium on Friday, which also functioned as a dry run.

Athletic director Ian McCaw has called the stadium representative of Baylor’s football emergence nationally.

During a recent interview with Waco’s KRZI-AM (1660) from a pontoon boat on the Brazos, school president Ken Starr recalled that in his first conversation with Briles in 2010, the coach called an on-campus stadium “a need and not a want.”

The stadium also represents another major step for a program that has enjoyed a meteoric rise under Briles after decades of doormat status.

Aging Floyd Casey Stadium might have been the home for Grant Teaff’s Miracle on the Brazos, but it was also nestled amid strip malls and super markets, a couple of miles from campus.

Former Waco Tribune-Herald sports editor Dave Campbell, 89, attended his first Baylor game in 1935 and recalled all the attempts to dress up Floyd Casey.

“There’s just no comparison,” Campbell said at a stadium tour earlier this month. “It’s two different worlds.”

McLane Stadium now serves as an identifying landmark.

“Baylor is using what it’s got,” Briles said. “What we have is a great location being in central Texas, we’ve got the Brazos River and we have I-35. When you have something, you use it to your advantage.”

The stadium will allow Baylor to keep pace in the great facilities race.

TCU, Texas, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech have expanded or renovated their stadiums in the last decade. Texas A&M is spending $450 million to renovate Kyle Field. Oklahoma is looking at a nearly $400 million face lift to Owen Field. Houston opened its new TDECU Stadium on Friday.

For recruits, Baylor can showcase its home without apologies or explanations.

While there aren’t any over-the-top touches like waterfalls and player barbershops, McLane Stadium isn’t exactly stodgy. Flat screens and a giant projection TV highlight a ground-floor recruiting room with a view of the field.

The 50-yard-long home locker room is shaped like a football.

Wi-Fi will blanket the stadium and be a key part of a stadium app providing multiple replay angles.

“It’s got a huge impact,” Briles said. “It already has. That’s just the reality. We sold hope, vision and faith prior. Now we’ve got reality and production.”

Fittingly one of the events planned is the dedication of a bronze statue of Robert Griffin III, the school’s only Heisman Trophy winner. The current Washington Redskins quarterback is scheduled to attend the ceremony south of the stadium.

Griffin’s Heisman season in 2011 was a key part of the 2011-12 “Year of the Bear,” which also included an Elite Eight run in men’s basketball and an NCAA women’s basketball title. The success bred interest, and former Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane made the lead donation for the new stadium.

At first, McLane wanted the new facility to be called Baylor Stadium before allowing his name to be used after prodding by Baylor officials and Briles.

Baylor officials did extensive research, McCaw said, visiting new and renovated stadiums, adapting the best ideas into the Populus-designed structure. Other parts of the stadium will be unique, including the Umphrey Pedestrian Bridge connecting the campus to the stadium and boat slips that will allow what is being called “sailgaiting.”

At the peak of construction, more than 850 workers were on the site daily.

Now, Baylor must establish the same home-field advantage it built at Floyd Casey. For all the jokes about the stadium and the infamous end-zone tarp, Baylor won 19 of its last 20 games there.

A canopy will shade about half the stadium and also will serve to hold in noise.

“Old Cleveland Municipal was that way, and I think they designed it that way to hold the noise in,” SMU coach June Jones said.

Ranked 10th in the AP and Amway coaches polls, Baylor is fully capable of carving out its own home-field edge. Players were practically giddy for the team’s first scrimmage there.

“It’s going to change the environment around the entire campus,” senior linebacker Bryce Hager said.

Briles told them to treat it as a personal historic moment and document it with their cell phones.

“We’ve got a stadium because of what we’ve done in the past, and I don't think it’s changed our mentality at all,” said quarterback Bryce Petty, who enters the season as a Heisman candidate. “We want to defend it.”

Opening day events

The schedule of public events for Baylor’s first game Sunday at McLane Stadium against SMU:

8 a.m. — Tailgating and sailgating begin at the stadium

3:15 p.m. — Dedication of a statue to Heisman winner Robert Griffin III just south of the stadium

4 p.m. — Bear Walk

4:30 p.m. — McLane Stadium gates open

6:20 p.m. — Invocation by Robert Griffin III, who will then escort George W. Bush, wife Laura and the Drayton McLane family to midfield for the pregame coin toss by President Bush.

6:37 p.m. — Opening kickoff.

Sterling, NBA set for epic legal fight over Clippers

In a historic announcement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has handed Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling a lifetime ban from the NBA, along with issuing the maximum allowable fine of $2.5 million. Of greater significance, Silver has also instructed NBA owners to oust Sterling as owner of the team. The announcement sets the table for an epic legal fight over ownership of the Clippers and the powers of the commissioner.

Legality of Sterling's suspension and fine

Silver has broad authority under the NBA's constitution and bylaws to suspend and fine an owner for conduct detrimental to the NBA. According to Sliver, Sterling admitted it was his voice on the recording in which he made racist remarks. Even if the recording was unlawfully created under California law -- the recording would likely be unlawful if the conversation was confidential and Sterling didn't give consent -- Silver is authorized to punish Sterling based on the recording's impact on the league. It is safe to say that Sterling's comments, which elicited the rebuke of President Barack Obama, have deeply harmed the NBA and its relationship with players, sponsors and fans. Sterling seems to lack a viable argument that his conduct was not seriously detrimental to the NBA.
Sterling is also disadvantaged in challenging the suspension and fine because of how a court would treat such a challenge. A court would review Silver's decision under the deferential "arbitrary and capricious" standard of review. This standard would essentially require Sterling prove that the NBA -- and specifically Silver, acting as the NBA's ultimate arbiter -- failed to follow its own rules in how it investigated Sterling and punished him. For instance, if the NBA failed to authenticate the recording, concealed evidence or not requested a meeting with Sterling, Sterling might have sufficient grounds. Silver's remarks during the press conference, however, suggest all relevant rules and policies were followed. Absent Sterling proving there was a procedural defect of serious importance, Sterling likely has no viable appeal to either the fine or suspension.
ROSENERG: Lifetime ban fitting punishment for Sterling
As a practical effect, the suspension all but excommunicates Sterling from both his team and the NBA. He is forbidden from any contact with players, coaches and staff, and he is barred from attending games or practices. Sterling is also prohibited from participating in league activities. He is now, essentially, in NBA exile.
The fine of $2.5 million may seem inconsequential given that Sterling is worth reportedly $1.9 billion, but it was the highest amount of money permitted by the league's constitution and bylaws. Had Silver issued a higher fine, and justified it on policy or moral grounds, he would have provided Sterling with an opportunity to raise a legal point. Specifically, Sterling might have argued such a penalty is "arbitrary and capricious" because it would not have followed NBA rules. Silver, an attorney, wisely adhered to the rules instead.

Expect Donald Sterling to fight Silver's suspension

Source: SI

Sports Illustrated's Maggie Gray and Chris Mannix discuss NBA commissioner Adam Silver's decision to impose a lifetime ban on Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling.

Legality of NBA forcing Sterling to sell the Clippers

Silver has also recommended that NBA owners effectively force Sterling to sell the Clippers. The NBA has a procedure in place for this extraordinary action, but the procedure contains enough ambiguity that debate among owners is likely. Under article 13 of the league's constitution, three fourths of the teams' ownership groups can vote to terminate a franchise under certain conditions. The conditions are focused on financial matters, such as an owner unable to meet payroll or an owner implicated in financial impropriety. None of the listed conditions, SI.com is told, apply directly to the type of conduct committed by Sterling. That said, article 13 also contains a more general requirement of ethical conduct in business dealings and contracts. Sterling's comments could be deemed unethical. They have also clearly damaged labor relations between the league and players, as players have gone so far as to consider boycotting NBA games. Also, sponsors have dropped deals with the Clippers. Should the NBA's owners vote to expel Sterling, the general requirement language would likely be cited as supplying the main legal justification.
RELATED: Sterling says Clippers 'not for sale'
While Silver said he had not polled the owners, he expressed confidence there will be sufficient support to oust Sterlin. Silver's bold prediction suggests he has the necessary votes. That said, expect there to be some debate among owners. No owner will defend Sterling's racism, but some might question whether article 13 and potentially other authorizing language was intended for this type of transgression. Expect some owners to raise the following four concerns:
1. Neither the Clippers nor Sterling is in financial trouble. Article 13 was designed as an extraordinary remedy for such a problem -- not other problems. While sponsors have dropped their deals with the Clippers and players have contemplated boycotts, the team appears to be in strong financial shape with a deep-pocketed, if reviled, owner. There is no reason to believe that Sterling has committed financial fraud, and while he has been sued over allegations of race, those cases were either settled or unsuccessful.
2.The Clippers are not run in a racist way. Sterling may be extremely bigoted and hold reprehensible views, but there is no reason to suspect that the team itself operates in a racist way. The current Clippers workplace appears to be a productive setting, devoid of allegations by players or other employees that they have experienced racism. Similarly, there are no reports that the Clippers have directed ticket sales and marketing efforts away from minority fans. As a franchise, the Clippers appear to be well-run, which would make it an unusual candidate for termination.
3.Lack of 'morals clause'. Article 13 lists a series of enumerated wrongs, some of which are specific but none of which seem directly relevant to an owner whose racism expressed in a private conversation sparks national outrage. Some owners might argue that if the NBA wanted ouster as a remedy for a situation like this one, the constitution and bylaws' drafters would have included it. Along those lines, there is no "morals clause" in these documents that empowers the ousting an NBA owner. The absence of a morals clause, in contrast to the inclusion of other provisions, could suggest that such a clause was intentionally omitted.
4. Precedent. While Sterling's actions seem unlikely to be replicated by another owner, some owners could worry that if they agree to oust Sterling, different situations might give rise to the same consequence for other owners. Once one owner is ousted, there is precedent to do it again. Mark Cuban recently voiced those exact concerns, calling the situation "a slippery slope."

Sterling suing the NBA and owners

In addition to concern about proper interpretation of the relevant language, some owners may worry about the prospect that Sterling will sue. Sterling, an attorney, is regarded as one of the most litigious owners in professional sports. If there is one owner who would sue over expulsion, it's probably him. Sterling could seek a court injunction preventing the NBA from expelling him. Such a move would likely happen immediately after he is voted out. He could also file a lawsuit raising breach of contract and antitrust claims.
RELATED: NBA world reacts to Silver's decision on Sterling
A breach of contract claim would contend that Sterling's contract with the NBA through his franchise agreement has been unlawfully severed. The NBA, however, is poised to stress that owners agree to language limiting opportunities for owners to sue the NBA and fellow owners. In their franchise agreements, NBA owners agree to "waiver of recourse" verbiage. The language has the effect of eliminating opportunities for owners to pursue legal recourse against the NBA and fellow owners.
An antitrust claim would likely center on both California and federal antitrust laws, and contend that the NBA and its teams have conspired in an anticompetitive way to oust Sterling and make him sell his team at below-market value. Sterling would likely cite reports the NBA may be interested in Magic Johnson buying the Clippers as evidence the league is trying to force a sale to a specific buyer, rather than permitting open bidding. Sterling might also highlight Silver's remarks today that he's confident owners will oust him as evidence of collusive activity between Silver and the owners. If Sterling were to sue under antitrust law and prevail, he would also be entitled to treble damages. Several attorneys familiar with NBA litigation tell SI.com that the possibility of an antitrust lawsuit by Sterling is high.
The prospect of Sterling suing could be a source of worry to NBA owners for at least three reasons:
1. Sterling suing over franchise ouster could undermine the lifetime ban. The ban is intended to separate Sterling from the Clippers and the NBA, and as discussed above, Sterling likely has no viable case against it. If, however, Sterling sues over franchise ouster, it would be a high-profile lawsuit and he would remain in the news. Whatever distancing of Sterling is achieved through a ban could be lost in a high-profile case. It is also a case that could last years, as antitrust cases often do.
2. Sterling suing may lead to pretrial discovery, which could be designed in part to embarrass other owners and NBA officials of any bigoted remarks or beliefs on their part. Keep in mind, if Sterling is ousted because of racism, he would likely demand that evidence showing that other owners and officials are also racist be shared. He would use such information to portray his penalty as unwarranted and contradicted by the conduct of those who ousted him. Sterling might request emails and other records from owners and officials that depict them in a negative light. Sterling has owned the Clippers for 33 years, which suggests that he has had many interactions -- including private conversations with league officials and owners. If there are other owners who are racist or bigoted, it stands to reason Sterling who knows who they are.
3. If Sterling wins or extracts a settlement, not only could NBA owners be on the hook for an expensive fee, but Sterling would seem victorious. The appearance of him winning in court would greatly detract from the important social message accomplished by the lifetime ban.

Important tax law considerations: avoiding capital gain taxes

Sterling, who is 80 or 81 years old (his exact birthdate remains a mystery), has a key financial reason to fight the sale of the Clippers: to avoid capital gain taxes. This insight is from Robert Raiola senior manager in the Sports & Entertainment Group of the Accounting Firm O'Connor Davies, LLP. Sterling reportedly purchased the Clippers for $12.5 million in 1981. If he sold the team today, it would be worth at least $600 million, perhaps closer to $1 billion. Between federal and state capital gains taxes, Sterling would pay an approximately 33 percent tax rate on the difference between what he paid for the team and what he sold it for. For instance, if he sold the Clippers today for $1 billion, Sterling would pay capital gain taxes of 33 percent on a gain of $987.5 million. As a result, Sterling would owe Federal & state capital gain taxes of approximately $329 million.
RELATED: NBPA applauds decisions, but wants Clippers sold
If instead Sterling holds onto the Clippers and some time from now passes away, his family would inherit the team. The family would inherit the team with a value pegged to its fair market value. As Raiola stresses, the new value of the team would be crucial for purposes of capital gains tax. Here's why: if the family inherited the Clippers and then sold it, they would only pay a capitals gain tax on the difference between the value of the team when they inherited it and the value of it when sold. For instance, if the family inherited the team and it was worth $700 million and then they sold it for $800 million, they would only pay capital gain taxes on a gain of $100 million. In that instance, there would be a comparatively modest tax bill of $33 million.
If the Sterling family inherited the Clippers and simultaneously sold it, Raiola tells SI.com, they would pay no capital gains tax, but still have estate tax issues. However, a transaction could be structured whereby the employees of the Clippers organization could own a percentage of the team. In such case, the capital gain taxes on a sale could be partially or fully avoided.
These tax considerations make it more likely that Sterling will fight the NBA to hold onto the Clippers. Even if he ultimately loses a legal battle, the process of losing could take years to play out in court. At the risk of sounding macabre, Sterling may be motivated to wage a protracted legal battle in order to keep the team for as long as he lives.

Important family law considerations: what if Mrs. Sterling files for divorce?

Sterling and his wife, Shelly, are reportedly estranged but not divorced. One potential legal complication for the NBA would be if Mrs. Sterling filed for divorce before the NBA terminated her husband's ownership of the Clippers. California is a "community law" state, which means Mrs. Sterling would likely be entitled to half of her husband's assets. One of his key assets is obviously the Clippers. Mrs. Sterling could potentially use divorce court proceedings to slow down the NBA's ouster of her husband, as she would have a vested stake in any sale of the Clippers.

Could Sterling transfer ownership to Mrs. Sterling?

It is possible that Sterling could try to transfer ownership of the Clippers to Mrs. Sterling before the NBA ousts him. The NBA, however, would have to approve such a maneuver, as Mrs. Sterling would be subject to requirements the league uses to evaluate prospective owners. There is virtually no chance the NBA would approve Mrs. Sterling in this scenario as it would be a clear attempt to evade the NBA's discipline of her husband.

Greenberg leaves Rangers; Ryan named CEO

Greenberg leaves Rangers; Ryan named CEO
Hall of Famer will oversee both baseball, business operations

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers' ownership group, which was intended to bring stability to a franchise that had experienced a difficult period, is undergoing a major change.

The club announced on Friday that Chuck Greenberg is stepping down as managing partner and chief executive officer. He is also selling his interest in the Rangers and will no longer be associated with the franchise. Club president Nolan Ryan will assume the title of CEO and oversee all aspects of the Rangers operations on both the baseball and the business side.

Greenberg put together the ownership group that purchased the Rangers from former owner Tom Hicks last August.
Chuck Greenberg put together the group that purchased the Rangers from Tom Hicks last year. (AP)

"Chuck's determination during an extremely long and complicated sales process was crucial in delivering a positive outcome for our ownership group last August," Ryan said in a statement released by the team. "We owe him a great deal of thanks for those efforts and I wish him only the best.

"I am excited about the future of the Texas Rangers in so many ways. Our front office is comprised of talented and passionate people who come to work every day with the goal of making us the best organization in Major League Baseball, on and off the field."

Greenberg put together Rangers Baseball Express, but the largest investors are Dallas businessman Ray Davis and Fort Worth oilman Bob Simpson. Greenberg's abrupt departure suggests there was conflict within the ownership group about the way the club had been operating.

Simpson and Davis issued a joint statement through the club: "We greatly appreciate Chuck Greenberg's hard work, professionalism and unwavering commitment to the team, our fans and the Dallas-Fort Worth communities. Chuck is a dynamic leader with superb strategic, operational and business development skills, and under his and Nolan Ryan's direction, we have accomplished a great deal in a short time.

"We thank Chuck for his many contributions to the organization, and wish him well in his future endeavors. At the same time, we are very confident in the continued success and further development of the Texas Rangers under Nolan's leadership."

A baseball source said Greenberg and the other owners had been in mediation for the past week to resolve remaining issues between the two sides. The move was made with the Rangers three weeks away from Opening Day.

Greenberg acknowledged differences in opinion among the owners in his statement.

"I have great respect for the Texas Rangers franchise and am enormously proud of all we have accomplished together since August," Greenberg said in a statement released by the team. "Unfortunately, Nolan Ryan, the co-chairmen and I have somewhat different styles. While I am disappointed we did not work through our differences, I remain wholeheartedly committed to doing what's right for the franchise.

"Together we concluded it is best for all concerned for me to sell my interest back to Rangers Baseball Express and move on. I do so with a heavy heart, but with every confidence in the direction that the new management team is taking the Rangers and, with Nolan at the helm, I know this franchise will continue to thrive and reach even greater heights both on and off the field."

Ryan was in camp this week but returned to Texas on Friday for an expected announcement. General manager Jon Daniels was in Surprise but would not address the issue prior to the announcement.

As far as changes impacting the baseball team, Daniels said, "Nothing has changed."

Players in the clubhouse said the same thing and were caught by surprise when they heard the news Friday morning.

"I like Chuck," infielder Michael Young said. "Chuck is a good guy. Apart from that I don't have anything to say."

Added second baseman Ian Kinsler: "Chuck was a great guy from the times that I talked to him. It seemed like he had some good ideas. Other than that, I don't know what happened. It doesn't affect us in the clubhouse or on the field. It might affect the hotel we're staying at or the food we eat but it doesn't affect us on the field."

Greenberg's group won control of the Rangers on Aug. 5 by being the highest bidder in an auction conducted in United States Bankruptcy Court. Their final bid of $590 million won over a group led by Mavericks owner Mark Cuban and Houston businessman Jim Crane.

Major League Baseball approved the sale on Aug. 12. The Rangers finished the season by winning the American League pennant for the first time in club history and advancing to the World Series, which they lost to San Francisco in five games.

"We showed last year things like this don't affect us on the field," outfielder David Murphy said. "I know for the time Chuck was here, he was an awesome guy. He seemed like he was steering in the right direction ... it has been a constant revolving door around here. We're used to people coming and going.

"Maybe we need something like this to be successful. We're just creating drama to add flavor to the team. What would Rangers Spring Training be without some drama?"

Since the World Series, the Rangers' front office has added Rick George as chief operating officer and three vice presidents: Todd Taylor (ticket sales and marketing), Joe Januszewski (business partnerships) and Jay Miller (sales). The Rangers also announced a $13 million overhaul of the video and sound systems at the Ballpark in Arlington, which includes a new state-of-the-art video board on top of the Home Run Porch.

Greenberg also negotiated a potentially lucrative television deal with FOX Sports Southwest and arranged for the Rangers to move their Class A affiliation from Bakersfield to Myrtle Beach. Greenberg is still part-owner of the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Rangers are still scheduled to play an exhibition game against Coastal Carolina on March 29 in Myrtle Beach.

Simpson and Davis said: ""Chuck's departure will have no effect on the team's operation and we look forward to working with Nolan Ryan as this organization continues to grow and prosper.

"The baseball group has demonstrated its quest for excellence under the skillful leadership of Jon Daniels. On the business side, we also have a deep bench of experienced executives who always put our fans first and will ensure our ambitious plans for the 2011 season stay on track."

Under the ownership arrangement, Ryan was supposed to oversee all baseball operations while Greenberg would be in charge of the business side of the franchise. Those lines started to blur when Greenberg took an active role in negotiations with pitcher Cliff Lee.

The Rangers have had six owners or ownership groups since moving to Arlington from Washington, D.C., in 1971. Bob Short brought the team to Texas and sold to Brad Corbett in 1974. The team was sold to Eddie Chiles in 1980 and then to a group led by George W. Bush and Rusty Rose in 1990. Hicks bought the team in 1998.

Hicks ran into financial trouble and announced two years ago during Spring Training that he was seeking minority investors. He later decided to sell controlling interest and Greenberg's group emerged as the leading bidder. Greenberg associated himself with Ryan early in the process and that strengthened his bid.

Hicks agreed to sell the team to Greenberg's group on Dec. 15, 2009, but the sale was not approved by the lending institutions that held debt on Hicks Sports Group. The Rangers, while operating under severe financial constraints, ended up in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and were sold at auction to satisfy the lenders.

Dean named PA announcer for Cowboys Stadium

Dean named PA announcer for Cowboys Stadium

08:09 PM CDT on Thursday, August 20, 2009

When the Cowboys play their first game inside their new stadium tonight against Tennessee, they will have a new voice.

Jody Dean, a member of the Texas Radio Hall of Fame and KLUV-FM (98.7) talk show host, will be Cowboys Stadium's public address announcer.

Dean replaces The Ticket's George Dunham, the longtime voice of Texas Stadium. Dean had been the associate producer and creative director of the Dallas Cowboys Radio Network at KVIL.

"We are thrilled to have Jody returning as part of the Cowboys family," owner and general manager Jerry Jones said in a prepared statement. "He played a key role in helping our games become the first in the NFL to be broadcast in stereo back in the early 1990s.

"He has a wonderful and familiar voice that sounds great over our sound system in Cowboys Stadium, and we look forward to Jody bringing the creativity and enthusiasm that have been his professional trademarks to our game entertainment experience at the new venue in Arlington."

a milestone

The 2009 Football season marks a milestone for me as I return to my alma mater as the VOICE OF THE PIRATES. I began my announcing career as an eight grader at Paint Creek School. This year I will be announcing all but two games. The Jayton Jaybirds and the Bryson Cowboys. It should be an exciting year at Paint Creek. With Homecoming this year.

Texas Rangers Game

I was able to go to the Rangers Home opener. It was a blast. It was a privilege to see the Rangers beat the Boston Red Sox at the ballpark in arlington. Robinson Tejeda pitched an excellent game. Shutting down David ortiz and the Boston red sox.

Rule head coach Mike Reed is no stranger to big wins. As a running back for the Gordon Longhorns during his high school days, he played in a number of

Rule head coach Mike Reed is no stranger to big wins. As a running back for the Gordon Longhorns during his high school days, he played in a number of big games.

None, however, may be as big as his last.

Reed guided the Rule Bobcats to a stunning 45-0 victory over the Meadow Broncos Saturday evening at Lowrey Field in Lubbock. With the victory, the Bobcats earned the team's first-ever trip to the state finals. Rule will face the Richland Springs Coyotes this Saturday in the Division I state six-man football championships.



Jayton head coach Nathan Hayes taks to quarterback Josh Wood during the third quarter. Jayton defeated Whitharral Saturday and earned its first trip to the state finals since 1989.

Ranked among the nation's best all season, Rule didn't waste any time in setting the tempo. The Bobcats took a 6-0 advantage late in the first quarter when Stephen Pace scored on a short 3-yard run.

Pace's TD came with just 1:38 left in the initial frame.

The Bobcats struck again midway through the second period when quarterback J.T. Spitzer scampered into the end zone from 5 yards out to up the RHS lead to 14-0.

The Bobcat defense took over from there. After a long kickoff return by Meadow's Adrian Sanchez was called by because of a penalty, Rule forced the Broncos into a punting situation in the shadows of their own goal. On fourth down, Austin Flores managed to penetrate the MHS line and blocked Meadow's punt.

Following Flores' block, the ball bounded out the back of the end zone for a safety – and a stunning 16-0 lead.

Rule, which held meadow to just 135 total yards and five first downs, stretched its lead to 31-0 at the half with second-quarter touchdowns by C.J. Saucedo and Kade Kittley.

Spitzer, who threw for 210 yards in the win, added to the RHS lead in the third with a 21-yard TD strike to Jonathan Rincones.

He added a second rushing TD just 1:16 into the fourth quarter to enabled Rule to end the game via the 45-point mercy rule.

The Rule Bobcats weren't the only players celebrating a big-time win on Saturday. The Jayton Jaybirds earned their first trip to the state finals since the 1980s by racing to a wild 75-60 victory over the Whitharral Panthers in Post.

Jayton, which won the state title in 1984 and 1985 and finished second to Fort Hancock in 1989, built a 30 point lead early in the third quarter and then off a furious rally by Jake Baker and the Panthers to nail down the win.

Whitharral had a chance to pull to within two late in the game. With the ball inside the Jaybird 3, the Panthers misfired. Jayton recovered a WHS fumble and all but sealed the contest.

Jaybird running back Tyler Sped led the JHS attack, rushing for more than 170 yards.

With the victory, Jayton now advances to face Vernon Northside this weekend in the Division II state finals. Northside (13-1) is making its deepest appearance in the six-man playoffs since 1958 when the team advanced to the regional round. Six-man teams did not advance past the regional round until 1972 when the University Interscholastic League staged its first six-man state title game.

Northside defeated Gustine on Friday to net its berth in the finals.