The month of October you'll find out who's a real contender or not when it comes to all levels of football. Which teams on the high school circuit will be better at the end of this month than at the start. Those are the teams who make runs at state titles. When Strong Vincent lost to McDowell 22-0, I didn't expect to much out the Colonels, but after they beat up on Prep, 47-34, now it's a different story. It's not how you start, it's how you finish. Ask McLane about that. They had back to back losses to Prep and Vincent last October and it only made them better. They did not lose another game the rest of the season and won the state title.

Should Cathedral Prep stay in Quad-A ???? Most Ramblers fans, out of pride more than anything else, want them to stay AAAA. But as a sportscaster, I have a little different perspective. When some of your biggest games down the stretch don't have any meaning in the standings, it takes something away from them. Could you image if Prep were AAA, how much more meaning the games with Vincent and McLane would be if they were playing for a Region Title or a playoff spot ??? Not to mention a game with TItusville, also a AAA contender this season. Now, only one game on Prep's schedule has any meaning in reality, the game against McDowell. If Prep dropped to AAA, that game would be still be huge since they are rivals to the bitter end. On the other hand, winning 500 games in school history gives you a little pass on what class you belong. With McDowell going in the direction of the WPIAL, maybe it's time for District 10 to forget about Quad-A, convince Prep to move to AAA, and make it more interesting for many other Friday nights in October.

Finally, I had the pleasure of again being the MC for the Irish Festival at Rainbow Gardens laslt month. One thing about my job I love is that people want to talk sports with me at any time, anywhere. I got into conversations with fans about everything from Tiger Woods, to the Indians and Steelers. One "Irish Pub" group from Pittsburgh only had two requests for me when they began to play. One, keep them updated on the Steelers game, and two, make sure I keep bringing them cold Guinness !!! Now, that's my kind of musician. In the business of TV, you don't always hear a lot of good things about your work, in fact, most of the people who take the time to call, are the ones who complain. But being around the Irish Festival for 12 hours Saturday and another 10 hours on Sunday gave me the chance to hear a lot of good things from a lot of good people. People who, you realize, appreciate your work. Something anyone who does what we do, appreciate in return.

As always, let me know what you think, drop me an email and enjoy the month of October, it should be fun.

In over 20-years as a sportscaster, I've dealt with fans of all sorts in addition to the teams and athletes they admire. So, during this time of year when baseball, football, hockey and basketball all merge, I thought I'd give a few thoughts on these sports fanatics who support their teams. While watching a game a few weeks ago, my middle daughter Kara asked me why I follow sports. Afterall, she said, half the fans always go away unhappy !!!! Good observation, which led me to think about why fans do what they do.

First of all, why are some fans so miserable watching their teams. Stressed out, on the verge of passing out, sometimes, they have to turn away and not even watch. So what enjoyment are you supposed to get out of it ???? Nearly suicidal if your team loses !!!!
I have a hard time with fans like this. Afterall, YOU'RE not playing, they are. Just enjoy the game for what it's meant to be..entertainment.

I don't like fans who refer to their teams as "WE". There are some exceptions to this, espcially in high school and college if you are or you've attended the school. you get some room on that one. But "WE" if you are referring to the Steelers or Browns is just not sane. These are professional athletes, they usually have no ties to your city other than they were drafted by that franchise and would leave in an instant for more money. Don't get me wrong, having blind loyalty to a team is great, but once again, YOU'RE not playing, they are. You don't go to practice, go to meetings, get beat up on Sunday afternoon, hear the coach yell at you, get cut, get waived, etc. etc. You are not part of the team. So no more "WE" Cheer, yell, paint your face, paint your car but don't act like you're part of the team. You are not.

Finally, one other observation about fans and their world. Pro athletes don't have much of an obilgation to the fans. Pro athletes have an obligation first to the team that pays them and secondly to their teammates, then maybe the fans a distant third. They know fans who chant their name one week will boo them the next week. And if they refer to fans, they are usually talking about the ones who actually paid to see them play at the stadium and not the guy watching TV Sunday afternoon who's never spent a nickel of his money supporting the team. Yes, to pro athletes, supporting your team involves spending money, not cheering. It is a business and they know it but some fans don't. While we're on the subject, I've never seen anything in the Bible or Constitution that says a fan HAS A RIGHT to see their game for free in the comfort of their living room. As if being a fan entitles you to see the game on TV for free. Doesn't work that way !!!

So, in conclusion, enjoy the games, enjoy the athletes but take it in stride. Yes, you can be proud when you're team wins, sad if they lose but just remember, they got paid, you didn't.
As always, I'd like to hear from you and your thoughts, just e-mail me when you can.

OK, about this time of the season each fall, we start to get the phone calls, e-mails and letters about our NFL schedule each Sunday from CBS. Why we can't show some games and can show others. Once and for all, here is your explanation to make it easier for you to understand.

Your basic formula to remember for Sunday afternoon games:

CBS is the AFC Station
Fox is the NFC Station
Only 1 Network can have a doubleheader on Sunday

In addition, the network for the game is determined by the AWAY team. In other words, if the Steelers (AFC) are playing at the Giants (NFC) the game is on CBS. If the Giants (NFC) are playing at the Steelers (AFC), the game is on FOX Network.

The biggest factor that has been the point of contention for many Steelers and Browns fans is that the Erie TV market is considered, by the NFL, to be a Buffalo Bills market. What that means in terms of the NFL contract, is that we MUST show, no exceptions, all Bills away games. Once again, the NFL makes these rules, not CBS and as a result, as a CBS affiliate, we have no decision or choice to make.

So, for example, this Sunday, October 28th........CBS does not have the doubleheader so we can show just one game. The Bills play at the Jets....We MUST show Bills away games so we have no choice but to show one game, at four oclock, the Bills at the Jets.

We know it's frustrating to fans, but please, recognize that we do our best to stay within the rules and regulations of the NFL and supply as many games to area fans as possible. Sometimes it doesn't turn out the way we want it, but we certainly will put on a Steelers or Browns game when we can. It's as simple as that. I hope you understand it and take it all into consideration when you're favorite team is not on the schedule for a particular Sunday. \
Most of all, remember this, don't take your frustrations out on us, we didn't make the rules and we're as frustrated by it at times as your are. The NFL, those teams that you are rooting for, are the only ones who can change.

Any comments, don't hesitate to email me and enjoy the rest of the NFL season either from your home or somewhere else.

OK, about this time of the season each fall, we start to get the phone calls, e-mails and letters about our NFL schedule each Sunday from CBS. Why we can't show some games and can show others. Once and for all, here is your explanation to make it easier for you to understand.

Your basic formula to remember for Sunday afternoon games:

CBS is the AFC Station
Fox is the NFC Station
Only 1 Network can have a doubleheader on Sunday

In addition, the network for the game is determined by the AWAY team. In other words, if the Steelers (AFC) are playing at the Giants (NFC) the game is on CBS. If the Giants (NFC) are playing at the Steelers (AFC), the game is on FOX Network.

The biggest factor that has been the point of contention for many Steelers and Browns fans is that the Erie TV market is considered, by the NFL, to be a Buffalo Bills market. What that means in terms of the NFL contract, is that we MUST show, no exceptions, all Bills away games. Once again, the NFL makes these rules, not CBS and as a result, as a CBS affiliate, we have no decision or choice to make.

So, for example, this Sunday, October 28th........CBS does not have the doubleheader so we can show just one game. The Bills play at the Jets....We MUST show Bills away games so we have no choice but to show one game, at four oclock, the Bills at the Jets.

We know it's frustrating to fans, but please, recognize that we do our best to stay within the rules and regulations of the NFL and supply as many games to area fans as possible. Sometimes it doesn't turn out the way we want it, but we certainly will put on a Steelers or Browns game when we can. It's as simple as that. I hope you understand it and take it all into consideration when you're favorite team is not on the schedule for a particular Sunday. \
Most of all, remember this, don't take your frustrations out on us, we didn't make the rules and we're as frustrated by it at times as your are. The NFL, those teams that you are rooting for, are the only ones who can change.

Any comments, don't hesitate to email me and enjoy the rest of the NFL season either from your home or somewhere else.