|
Huskies take field with heavy hearts
Published October 25, 2009
There must have been a gamut of emotions running through the minds of the University of Connecticut’s football players this week as they coped with their fallen comrade.
On Oct. 18 in a senseless attack, UConn cornerback Jasper Howard was slain, leaving behind an unborn baby, family, friends and Huskie brethren.
Connecticut took the field on Saturday with a heavy heart against the West Virginia Mountaineers. All Big East games are just as important as any other in conference, but on that day just getting through the game was going to be the hardest part for Connecticut’s players.
But as hard as making it through the day was going to be, the game was also going to be part of their healing.
Whether there was any mention of postponing this contest after Howard’s passing, playing this contest was the most important and right decision that the Huskies made.
Like as in many other team sports, players sweat, hurt and get through difficult times whether they are wins, losses or issues off the field. As a team, these Huskies will grieve together, and as a team they will honor the passing of Howard.
Connecticut played, and with each passing second and minute the healing process continued. Howard made be gone, but in the Huskies his memory will live forever.
The Huskies dropped a tight 28-24 decision to No. 23 West Virginia.
TEXANS: The Houston Texans have been 4-3 only one other time in their eight-year history, in 2004 when they finished the season with a 7-9 record.
Houston has another opportunity to get to 4-3 today but they must find a way to get by the San Francisco 49ers. This San Francisco team has been remolded into the Mike Singletary mindset, and that means beating them will not be an easy task at Reliant Stadium.
But the Texans continue to grow, and when their offense is clicking it is one of the more potent groups in the NFL.
Today’s key for Houston will be a consistent offense, but more importantly a defense that can find a way to stop running backs Frank Gore, Glenn Coffee and tight end Vernon Davis. The Houston defense is no longer at the bottom of the NFL but it is not far from it.
The Texans’ effort today could again point Houston in the right direction with nine games remaining.
ROCKETS: The Houston Rockets kick off the 2009-10 season Tuesday at Portland. Though they will not have Yao Ming or Tracy McGrady to start the year, these Rockets could possibly have a better season.
Speed will be in abundance with Aaron Brooks at the point, and the team has already played without Yao and McGrady with success.
McGrady could return this season after microfracture surgery on his knee, but whether he will be 100 percent healthy is another story.
The NBA heavies again will lie in the West and watch out for this remolded Rocket team that could make a push.
TOSTON: Oklahoma State’s Keith Toston rushed for 107 yards on 15 carries and scored and a touchdown against the Baylor Bears on Saturday. The No. 14 Cowboys whipped the Bears 34-7 as the former Angleton tailback also had four catches for 31 yards. Oklahoma State will put their unbeaten Big 12 mark on the line when they host No. 3 Texas on Oct. 3.
Joel Luna is the sports editor for The Facts. Contact him at 979-237-0160 or at joel.luna(at)thefacts.com.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print
|
|
|
 |
|
Click for all
Top Ads listing
|
