DENVER (AP) — Elías Díaz hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning after Garrett Hampson hit a game-tying two-run pinch-hit homer in the bottom of the eighth, lifting the Colorado Rockies past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2. Daulton Varsho homered and Ketel Marte had three hits and an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who lost their seventh in a row to the Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies registered their 12th win this season in their final at-bat while extending their overall winning streak to five and home winning streak to nine.

DENVER (AP) — Elías Díaz hit a three-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning after Garrett Hampson hit a game-tying two-run pinch-hit homer in the bottom of the eighth, lifting the Colorado Rockies past the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-2. Daulton Varsho homered and Ketel Marte had three hits and an RBI for the Diamondbacks, who lost their seventh in a row to the Rockies at Coors Field. The Rockies registered their 12th win this season in their final at-bat while extending their overall winning streak to five and home winning streak to nine.

Rockies rally with another walk-off winning home run!

Senior Quarterback Dalton Holst talks with Dave Collins about his experience in fall camp on the final day before preparation begins for opening weekend against Western Colorado.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UnlQk1okClI" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>Senior Quarterback Dalton Holst talks with Dave Collins about his experience in fall camp on the final day before preparation begins for opening weekend against Western Colorado.<figure>
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🎥 CSC Quarterback Dalton Holst visits at practice Saturday

🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Saturday, August 21

F| Southern Valley/Alma 11, Chadron 7

<figure>
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 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Saturday, August 21F| Alliance 10, Lexington 9F| Gothenburg 10, Chadron 7F| Scottsbluff 11, Gothenburg 0F| Holdrege 8, Alliance 6F| Scottsbluff 18, Alliance 3F| Southern Valley/Alma 11, Chadron 7F| Adams Central 9, Chadron 1F| Scottsbluff 7, Adams Central 6

🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Saturday, August 21

DENVER (AP) — Pinch-hitter Sam Hilliard hit a go-ahead RBI triple in the sixth inning, Garrett Hampson homered and the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4. 

C.J. Cron had three hits and two RBIs, and Connor Joe added two hits and two RBIs for the Rockies, who won their eighth in a row at home. Ketel Marte homered for the Diamondbacks. Rookie Arizona starter Tyler Gilbert, who no-hit the San Diego Padres last Saturday in his first big league start, gave up a single to Brendan Rodgers, the second batter he faced, quickly putting to rest the notion of successive no-hitters.

DENVER (AP) — Pinch-hitter Sam Hilliard hit a go-ahead RBI triple in the sixth inning, Garrett Hampson homered and the Colorado Rockies beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 9-4. C.J. Cron had three hits and two RBIs, and Connor Joe added two hits and two RBIs for the Rockies, who won their eighth in a row at home. Ketel Marte homered for the Diamondbacks. Rookie Arizona starter Tyler Gilbert, who no-hit the San Diego Padres last Saturday in his first big league start, gave up a single to Brendan Rodgers, the second batter he faced, quickly putting to rest the notion of successive no-hitters.

Rockies clobber Diamondbacks to win 4th straight game

🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Friday, August 20

F| Chadron 12, Southern Valley/Alma 11

CANCELED (Field Conditions)| Alliance at Holdrege

CANCELED (Field Conditions)|&nbsp;Alliance vs Hershey at Holdrege

<figure>
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 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🥎| High School Softball Scoreboard - Friday, August 20FridayF| Aurora 4, Gering 2F| Chadron 12, Southern Valley/Alma 11F| Gering 8, Crete 0F| Scottsbluff 19, Lexington 1CANCELED (Field Conditions)| Alliance at HoldregeCANCELED (Field Conditions)|&nbsp;Alliance vs Hershey at Holdrege

🥎| Local High School Softball Scoreboard - Friday, August 20

🥎| High School Softball Opening Day Scoreboard, Weekend Outlook

◼ Alliance, Hershey at Holdrege Triangular

<figure>
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 </figure>By: Dave Collins, Sports Director🥎| High School Softball Opening Day Scoreboard, Weekend OutlookThursdayF| Gering 10, Adams Central 6PPD| Gering at North PlatteFriday◼ Alliance, Hershey at Holdrege Triangular◼ Chadron at Southern Valley/Alma◼ Gering at Aurora Invite<figure>
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🥎| High School Softball Opening Day Scoreboard, Friday Schedule

CSC defensive line coach Mitch Collicott talks with Dave Collins as fall camp hits the halfway point.&nbsp; CSC is returning several key lineman and will have a talented group of very young players who showed their talent last fall and spring.

<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V18g0sN3or8" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>CSC defensive line coach Mitch Collicott talks with Dave Collins as fall camp hits the halfway point.&nbsp; CSC is returning several key lineman and will have a talented group of very young players who showed their talent last fall and spring.<figure>
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🎥 Halfway through fall camp, an update on the CSC D-Line with Coach Collicott

DENVER (AP) — Jake Arrieta got clobbered by Colorado and left with an injury in his Padres debut, and the Rockies beat San Diego 7-5. C.J. Cron had two hits and three RBIs and Trevor Story homered for the Rockies, who scored five runs in 3 1/3 innings against Arrieta before he departed with an injured left hamstring. Arrieta was signed Monday after being placed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. He allowed seven hits and let his ERA rise to 7.13 on Dom Núnez’s solo homer before grabbing his hamstring and exiting the game.

DENVER (AP) — Jake Arrieta got clobbered by Colorado and left with an injury in his Padres debut, and the Rockies beat San Diego 7-5. C.J. Cron had two hits and three RBIs and Trevor Story homered for the Rockies, who scored five runs in 3 1/3 innings against Arrieta before he departed with an injured left hamstring. Arrieta was signed Monday after being placed on waivers by the Chicago Cubs. He allowed seven hits and let his ERA rise to 7.13 on Dom Núnez’s solo homer before grabbing his hamstring and exiting the game.

Rockies rock new Padres pitcher to sweep San Diego Thursday

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has confirmed that its football program is under NCAA investigation. According to The Action Network, the Cornhuskers allegedly had analysts working in improper roles during games and practices and unauthorized off-campus workouts dating back a year. There is allegedly video footage confirming practice violations occurred in the presence of head coach Scott Frost and other assistants. Frost has gone 12-20 in three years The program has had four straight losing seasons.

LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Nebraska has confirmed that its football program is under NCAA investigation. According to The Action Network, the Cornhuskers allegedly had analysts working in improper roles during games and practices and unauthorized off-campus workouts dating back a year. There is allegedly video footage confirming practice violations occurred in the presence of head coach Scott Frost and other assistants. Frost has gone 12-20 in three years The program has had four straight losing seasons.

Husker Football Program Under NCAA Investigation

With starters returning at nearly every position on both offense and defense, much of the emphasis during the first 10 days of practice for the Chadron State College football team has been on establishing the depth chart.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At all levels of football, players who have been starters nearly always open the new season at that position again if they are healthy.&nbsp; With almost all the players from last year’s abbreviated schedule still on the roster, there’s not much suspense about who will be the Eagles’ starters when they launch their schedule on Saturday, Sept. 4 against Colorado Western in Gunnison.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; About the only offensive starter from last year not available is tight end Baylor Hayes, who graduated in May.&nbsp; The Eagles also are missing last year’s starting running back, but Elijah Myles, the team’s leading rusher in 2019 is back after remaining at home in California last fall because of the COVID pandemic, although he was not infected.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a sophomore in ‘19, Myles carried 200 times for 1,077 yards and a dozen touchdowns to rank among the most productive running backs in the RMAC.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles also return one of their best quarterbacks ever in senior Dalton Holst.&nbsp; He’s completed 698 passes during his career and needs to throw for just 1,100 more yards this fall to match Jonn McLain’s CSC career passing yardage record.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But depth is an issue at that position.&nbsp; Holst’s understudy the past two seasons, Tyler Hyland, also graduated this spring. That means there’s no one with even limited experience on hand to take over for Holst this fall in case of an emergency.&nbsp; Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith said he and his helpers are grooming two prospects to be ready should that happen.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They are Trevon Wehrman, a 5-10, 190-pound sophomore who was a two-time Class 2A all-stater at Platte Valley High School at Kersey, Colo., and Mason Hamilton, a 6-0, 185-pound redshirt freshman who was a two-time Class 4A all-stater and Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 selection at Thunder Basin High in Gillette, which is also Holst’s hometown.&nbsp; Getting them ready to play is a priority, Smith admits.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles also have three true freshmen who were high school quarterbacks, including Preston Pearson, who was a Class A all-stater at Kearney High last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At tight end, Peter Krohn of Rocky Mountain High in Fort Collins and Riley Schliep of Grand Island Northwest are likely to share the playing time. Krohn saw as a true freshman last fall and Schliep has been highly regarded since he stepped on campus in the fall of 2018.&nbsp; Both Krohn (6-3, 230) and Schliep (6-5, 220) are good-sized pass targets who can run.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles have some cushion at the other offensive positions in case a starter can’t play.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both Jeydon Cox of Jackson, Wyo., and Chris Busby of Scottsbluff carried the ball in all four of last fall’s games.&nbsp; In addition, freshmen are often able to fill the bill at running back, and the Eagles have several highly-regarded recruits at the position.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Cole Thurness, who has caught 139 passes for 1,911 yards and 19 touchdowns during the past four years, is the most experienced receiver and one of CSC’s all-time greats at the position.&nbsp; Classmate Chad Mikelson had 20 receptions for 309 yards in last fall’s four games.&nbsp; Jahlani Wright, Montel Glandney and Ali Musa were also in the rotation and appear ready to rumble again. They combined to catch 18 passes last fall.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We plan to play up-tempo, running something like 90 plays a game, so we need depth at wideout,” Smith said. “We’re looking at a lot of young players to find it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Up front, the Eagles return all of last year’s starters—Justin Calderon and Juan Estrada-Sanchez at the tackles, Austin Rapp and Jake Norris at the guards and Michael DeCamillis at center.&nbsp; The coaches are happy that Trent Grizzle, who is capable of playing about any of the positions, is fully recovered from a torn ACL that he suffered last fall.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Since we practiced so much both last fall and spring, we created quite a bit of experience in the line,” Smith noted.&nbsp; “The backups got lots of reps, sometimes more than the starters.”

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other side of the ball, Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse is pleased that the Eagles are two-deep with experienced personnel in the line, where lots of rotating is usually beneficial.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brandon Hopkins, listed at 6-4, 300, is the veteran of the group.&nbsp; Like Holst and Thurness, he’s already earned four letters, counting last year’s.&nbsp; Others expected to share playing time at end include seniors Kael Juelfs and Jordan Watt along with sophomore Gabe Perkins and redshirt freshman Hunter O’Connor.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kobe Whipple (6-1, 295) and Trevon Smith (6-1, 320) were the starters in the middle of the defensive line last fall.&nbsp; More good news is that Tayven Bray (6-3, 280), who played in all 11 games in 2019, has returned after missing last season because of an injury.&nbsp; Also available are a pair of substantial younger players—Rich Harris (6-5, 340) of Glenrock, Wyo., and Kien Martin (6-2, 296) of Overton, Neb&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Linebacker is another area where all of last year’s leaders have returned. They include senior Travis Wilson, who led the RMAC in tackles in 2019 with 124, including 64 solos, and Jeremiah Makahununiu, who was a great addition last fall after joining the Eagles when St. Cloud State dropped football.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another standout is junior Noah Kerchel of Benkelman, who, like Wilson, had 13 tackles for minus yards in 2019.&nbsp; Another leader at the position is sophomore Joey Giel of Casper Kelly Walsh, and Sasse believes redshirt freshman Xavier Harrell is ready for primetime action.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles have more depth and experience in the secondary than usual. One stalwart is senior Jeremiah Gutierrez, who had 41 unassisted tackles and broke up 12 passes in 2019. The coaches also were elated with the addition of Bobby Peale last fall, when he intercepted three passes in the four games. Before transferring, he’d picked off 12 passes in 19 games while playing two years at College of Sequoias in California.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Others who saw plenty of action last fall included Alliance product Brendan Brehmer, Cole Condon and Ju’Wan Murphy, who convinced Peele to join him at CSC a year ago.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The coaches are happy that two talented players—Estabon Bozeman and Ethan Zimmerman--who have had injury problems are now healthy.

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Often, making the special teams is the first step to getting on the field full time.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With so many top-flight seniors on this year’s team, there’ll be plenty of shoes to fill next season.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long noted that, as usual, most of the true freshmen will redshirt, but said a few of them may make their college debuts this fall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611584044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Con MarshallWith starters returning at nearly every position on both offense and defense, much of the emphasis during the first 10 days of practice for the Chadron State College football team has been on establishing the depth chart.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At all levels of football, players who have been starters nearly always open the new season at that position again if they are healthy.&nbsp; With almost all the players from last year’s abbreviated schedule still on the roster, there’s not much suspense about who will be the Eagles’ starters when they launch their schedule on Saturday, Sept. 4 against Colorado Western in Gunnison.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; About the only offensive starter from last year not available is tight end Baylor Hayes, who graduated in May.&nbsp; The Eagles also are missing last year’s starting running back, but Elijah Myles, the team’s leading rusher in 2019 is back after remaining at home in California last fall because of the COVID pandemic, although he was not infected.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; As a sophomore in ‘19, Myles carried 200 times for 1,077 yards and a dozen touchdowns to rank among the most productive running backs in the RMAC.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles also return one of their best quarterbacks ever in senior Dalton Holst.&nbsp; He’s completed 698 passes during his career and needs to throw for just 1,100 more yards this fall to match Jonn McLain’s CSC career passing yardage record.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But depth is an issue at that position.&nbsp; Holst’s understudy the past two seasons, Tyler Hyland, also graduated this spring. That means there’s no one with even limited experience on hand to take over for Holst this fall in case of an emergency.&nbsp; Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith said he and his helpers are grooming two prospects to be ready should that happen.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They are Trevon Wehrman, a 5-10, 190-pound sophomore who was a two-time Class 2A all-stater at Platte Valley High School at Kersey, Colo., and Mason Hamilton, a 6-0, 185-pound redshirt freshman who was a two-time Class 4A all-stater and Casper Star-Tribune Super 25 selection at Thunder Basin High in Gillette, which is also Holst’s hometown.&nbsp; Getting them ready to play is a priority, Smith admits.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles also have three true freshmen who were high school quarterbacks, including Preston Pearson, who was a Class A all-stater at Kearney High last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At tight end, Peter Krohn of Rocky Mountain High in Fort Collins and Riley Schliep of Grand Island Northwest are likely to share the playing time. Krohn saw as a true freshman last fall and Schliep has been highly regarded since he stepped on campus in the fall of 2018.&nbsp; Both Krohn (6-3, 230) and Schliep (6-5, 220) are good-sized pass targets who can run.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles have some cushion at the other offensive positions in case a starter can’t play.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Both Jeydon Cox of Jackson, Wyo., and Chris Busby of Scottsbluff carried the ball in all four of last fall’s games.&nbsp; In addition, freshmen are often able to fill the bill at running back, and the Eagles have several highly-regarded recruits at the position.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Senior Cole Thurness, who has caught 139 passes for 1,911 yards and 19 touchdowns during the past four years, is the most experienced receiver and one of CSC’s all-time greats at the position.&nbsp; Classmate Chad Mikelson had 20 receptions for 309 yards in last fall’s four games.&nbsp; Jahlani Wright, Montel Glandney and Ali Musa were also in the rotation and appear ready to rumble again. They combined to catch 18 passes last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “We plan to play up-tempo, running something like 90 plays a game, so we need depth at wideout,” Smith said. “We’re looking at a lot of young players to find it.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Up front, the Eagles return all of last year’s starters—Justin Calderon and Juan Estrada-Sanchez at the tackles, Austin Rapp and Jake Norris at the guards and Michael DeCamillis at center.&nbsp; The coaches are happy that Trent Grizzle, who is capable of playing about any of the positions, is fully recovered from a torn ACL that he suffered last fall.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; “Since we practiced so much both last fall and spring, we created quite a bit of experience in the line,” Smith noted.&nbsp; “The backups got lots of reps, sometimes more than the starters.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; On the other side of the ball, Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse is pleased that the Eagles are two-deep with experienced personnel in the line, where lots of rotating is usually beneficial.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Brandon Hopkins, listed at 6-4, 300, is the veteran of the group.&nbsp; Like Holst and Thurness, he’s already earned four letters, counting last year’s.&nbsp; Others expected to share playing time at end include seniors Kael Juelfs and Jordan Watt along with sophomore Gabe Perkins and redshirt freshman Hunter O’Connor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Kobe Whipple (6-1, 295) and Trevon Smith (6-1, 320) were the starters in the middle of the defensive line last fall.&nbsp; More good news is that Tayven Bray (6-3, 280), who played in all 11 games in 2019, has returned after missing last season because of an injury.&nbsp; Also available are a pair of substantial younger players—Rich Harris (6-5, 340) of Glenrock, Wyo., and Kien Martin (6-2, 296) of Overton, Neb&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Linebacker is another area where all of last year’s leaders have returned. They include senior Travis Wilson, who led the RMAC in tackles in 2019 with 124, including 64 solos, and Jeremiah Makahununiu, who was a great addition last fall after joining the Eagles when St. Cloud State dropped football.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Another standout is junior Noah Kerchel of Benkelman, who, like Wilson, had 13 tackles for minus yards in 2019.&nbsp; Another leader at the position is sophomore Joey Giel of Casper Kelly Walsh, and Sasse believes redshirt freshman Xavier Harrell is ready for primetime action.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Eagles have more depth and experience in the secondary than usual. One stalwart is senior Jeremiah Gutierrez, who had 41 unassisted tackles and broke up 12 passes in 2019. The coaches also were elated with the addition of Bobby Peale last fall, when he intercepted three passes in the four games. Before transferring, he’d picked off 12 passes in 19 games while playing two years at College of Sequoias in California.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Others who saw plenty of action last fall included Alliance product Brendan Brehmer, Cole Condon and Ju’Wan Murphy, who convinced Peele to join him at CSC a year ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The coaches are happy that two talented players—Estabon Bozeman and Ethan Zimmerman--who have had injury problems are now healthy.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Often, making the special teams is the first step to getting on the field full time.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; With so many top-flight seniors on this year’s team, there’ll be plenty of shoes to fill next season.&nbsp; Head Coach Jay Long noted that, as usual, most of the true freshmen will redshirt, but said a few of them may make their college debuts this fall.

Con Marshall with a look at the Eagles returning strength and building depth in fall

DENVER (AP) — Germán Márquez pitched into the seventh inning and helped himself with two hits and two RBIs as the Colorado Rockies overcame three home runs by San Diego and beat the Padres 7-3. C.J. Cron and Charlie Blackmon homered for the Rockies to help offset the string of solo homers in the top of the seventh by Fernando Tatis Jr, Tommy Pham and Jake Croneworth, who had an inside-the-park drive.

DENVER (AP) — Germán Márquez pitched into the seventh inning and helped himself with two hits and two RBIs as the Colorado Rockies overcame three home runs by San Diego and beat the Padres 7-3. C.J. Cron and Charlie Blackmon homered for the Rockies to help offset the string of solo homers in the top of the seventh by Fernando Tatis Jr, Tommy Pham and Jake Croneworth, who had an inside-the-park drive.

Rockies pitcher powers team to win on mound and with big bat

CSC Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith shares thoughts mid-week as the Eagles embark on fall practice.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611584044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave CollinsCSC Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith shares thoughts mid-week as the Eagles embark on fall practice.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5KKf5bJ-46c" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 CSC Offensive Coordinator Micah Smith Fall Camp Interview

Gunnar Jones joins a talented group of kickers and punters at CSC this fall.&nbsp; He's a former Division I player who is already enjoying his time in Chadron and drawing impressive reviews as a kicker and punter during the first week of fall practice.&nbsp; It's time to "Meet Your New Eagles" and hear how Gunnar overcame significant setbacks as a college student-athlete to find a fresh chance to play ball at The Rock!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611584044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Dave CollinsGunnar Jones joins a talented group of kickers and punters at CSC this fall.&nbsp; He's a former Division I player who is already enjoying his time in Chadron and drawing impressive reviews as a kicker and punter during the first week of fall practice.&nbsp; It's time to "Meet Your New Eagles" and hear how Gunnar overcame significant setbacks as a college student-athlete to find a fresh chance to play ball at The Rock!<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6LfrBT0MdHY" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 Gunnar Jones - Meet Your New Eagles!

CSC Football Head Coach Jay Long visits with Dave Collins about the first days of camp, what's coming up this week and the current Covid-19 vaccination situation regarding his team and RMAC protocols.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611584044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>CSC Football Head Coach Jay Long visits with Dave Collins about the first days of camp, what's coming up this week and the current Covid-19 vaccination situation regarding his team and RMAC protocols.<div><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Paf_hfHRLhU" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>

🎥 Chadron State Head Coach Jay Long Visits on Fall Camp Progress & Vaccinations

HOUSTON (AP) — Jake Odorizzi and four relievers combined on a five-hit shutout, Taylor Jones had a two-run double and the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 5-0. Houston scored three runs in the fourth inning off Colorado starter Jon Gray (7-8). Chas McCormick had an RBI single, and Jones followed with a double. Jones and McCormick each finished with two hits. Michael Brantley had an RBI double in the fifth, and José Altuve added an RBI single in the sixth. Odorizzi (5-6) scattered three hits and struck out three in five innings. Odorizzi rebounded nicely after struggling in his previous four starts since the All-Star break.

HOUSTON (AP) — Jake Odorizzi and four relievers combined on a five-hit shutout, Taylor Jones had a two-run double and the Houston Astros beat the Colorado Rockies 5-0. Houston scored three runs in the fourth inning off Colorado starter Jon Gray (7-8). Chas McCormick had an RBI single, and Jones followed with a double. Jones and McCormick each finished with two hits. Michael Brantley had an RBI double in the fifth, and José Altuve added an RBI single in the sixth. Odorizzi (5-6) scattered three hits and struck out three in five innings. Odorizzi rebounded nicely after struggling in his previous four starts since the All-Star break.

Four game win streak halted in Houston

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Drew Lock will start the Broncos' exhibition opener, not because of anything he's done at training camp, but because he's been in Denver longer than Teddy Bridgewater.

Coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday that Lock will start at Minnesota on Saturday night following a pair of joint practices with the Vikings and Bridgewater will start the following weekend at Seattle.

Asked why he's giving Lock the start in Minneapolis, Fangio said, "the same reason we gave him the first team snap in the first practice. No big deal.”

Fangio gave Lock the first snaps last month because he's the incumbent, having spent two seasons in Denver.

Bridgewater was acquired from Carolina in April.

Fangio told a gathering of reporters, many of whom just got back from the Hall of Fame inductions of Peyton Manning, John Lynch and Steve Atwater, that “not much has changed” in the quarterback competition “since you left.”

“It's even-Steven, not much separation,” Fangio said in what has become a&nbsp;familiar refrain.

While fans might not like that, Fangio said he views it as a positive: “I have confidence in both those guys, I really do.”

Although practicing against the Vikings this week should provide more clarity at quarterback, Fangio said, “Ultimately, the decision will be an examination of everything, really, from the start of training camp to the day we make the decision.”

Before flying out to Minneapolis, Fangio said several members from each team will meet before the first workout Wednesday to talk about what they want to get out of the joint practices, which oftentimes produce hot tempers.

“Instead of having 90 teammates here, there's 180 teammates, OK? We're all teammates for those two practices," Fangio said. "We're just working against each other.

“It's tremendous work if everybody has the right attitude and the right mindset, and we do. I'm happy to do it with Mike Zimmer, I know he'll run a good operation up there," Fangio added. "You always have to be careful who you pick, the teams, to work against and I think Minnesota is a great team to work against.”

Also Tuesday, the Broncos named their season-long diversity coaching fellowship after&nbsp;Marlin Briscoe&nbsp;to honor his groundbreaking contributions to the franchise and modern pro football.

In 1968, Briscoe became the first Black starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era.

“I think it's great,” Fangio said. “Marlin was here in ‘68. I was only 10 at the time — I should have said 2 — so I don’t remember a lot with my eyes, I've seen some of the tapes and he was quick and fast and elusive, looked like a guy that could still play today even though the game has changed so much.”

Mateo Kambui is the team’s first Marlin Briscoe Diversity Coaching Fellow. Kambui played at Florida A&amp;M and was a graduate assistant at Georgia Southern before his arrival in Denver. With the Broncos, Kambui will break down film, prepare scouting reports and assist the offensive coaching staff.

Notes: ILB Bradley Chubb was absent Tuesday for personal reasons.

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Drew Lock will start the Broncos' exhibition opener, not because of anything he's done at training camp, but because he's been in Denver longer than Teddy Bridgewater.Coach Vic Fangio said Tuesday that Lock will start at Minnesota on Saturday night following a pair of joint practices with the Vikings and Bridgewater will start the following weekend at Seattle.Asked why he's giving Lock the start in Minneapolis, Fangio said, "the same reason we gave him the first team snap in the first practice. No big deal.”Fangio gave Lock the first snaps last month because he's the incumbent, having spent two seasons in Denver.Bridgewater was acquired from Carolina in April.Fangio told a gathering of reporters, many of whom just got back from the Hall of Fame inductions of Peyton Manning, John Lynch and Steve Atwater, that “not much has changed” in the quarterback competition “since you left.”“It's even-Steven, not much separation,” Fangio said in what has become a&nbsp;familiar refrain.While fans might not like that, Fangio said he views it as a positive: “I have confidence in both those guys, I really do.”Although practicing against the Vikings this week should provide more clarity at quarterback, Fangio said, “Ultimately, the decision will be an examination of everything, really, from the start of training camp to the day we make the decision.”Before flying out to Minneapolis, Fangio said several members from each team will meet before the first workout Wednesday to talk about what they want to get out of the joint practices, which oftentimes produce hot tempers.“Instead of having 90 teammates here, there's 180 teammates, OK? We're all teammates for those two practices," Fangio said. "We're just working against each other.“It's tremendous work if everybody has the right attitude and the right mindset, and we do. I'm happy to do it with Mike Zimmer, I know he'll run a good operation up there," Fangio added. "You always have to be careful who you pick, the teams, to work against and I think Minnesota is a great team to work against.”Also Tuesday, the Broncos named their season-long diversity coaching fellowship after&nbsp;Marlin Briscoe&nbsp;to honor his groundbreaking contributions to the franchise and modern pro football.In 1968, Briscoe became the first Black starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era.“I think it's great,” Fangio said. “Marlin was here in ‘68. I was only 10 at the time — I should have said 2 — so I don’t remember a lot with my eyes, I've seen some of the tapes and he was quick and fast and elusive, looked like a guy that could still play today even though the game has changed so much.”Mateo Kambui is the team’s first Marlin Briscoe Diversity Coaching Fellow. Kambui played at Florida A&amp;M and was a graduate assistant at Georgia Southern before his arrival in Denver. With the Broncos, Kambui will break down film, prepare scouting reports and assist the offensive coaching staff.Notes: ILB Bradley Chubb was absent Tuesday for personal reasons.

Broncos name Lock starting QB over Bridgewater for preseason opener

&nbsp; Nebraska defensive coordinator&nbsp;Erik Chinander&nbsp;met with members of the media following day nine of fall camp Tuesday. Chinander spoke on Tuesday's practice, the depth of the defense and the takeaways from the scrimmage on Sunday.&nbsp; "I thought the scrimmage went well," Chinander said. "We did some really good things on defense. I thought we tackled pretty well. A couple of missed ones we have to get cleaned up but overall I thought the tackling was really good and that's what you want to see when you go live. That's a piece we haven't gotten much yet. Caused a couple of turnovers. Coach Frost put us in some good situations that we need to teach from and get that dialed in."&nbsp; Chinander discussed what he is focused on discovering about the defense moving forward in fall camp. "Who are the next guys up?" he said. "Because there is that first string even though it is not solidified. There are still a lot of guys battling for reps. There are probably a lot of guys who deserve reps in games. I don't know if we are going to get all of them to play because there are so many guys that are playing at a high level right now but just who is going to be that next group in and then are you that next guy in and can you play on special teams because then you are going on the trip." He also commented on the depth of the defensive line heading into the season. "You are definitely talking about two platoons at every position up front and probably a third at most," Chinander said. "It is a pretty deep group. You definitely want to, now that we have developed some depth, get those guys some breaks. You want them to be able to rush the passer and be fresh for that. And play the run. But you also want to get the best guys enough reps so that is a good balancing act. Coach (Ton) Tuioti and Coach (Mike) Dawson are doing a great job with rotating guys right now, and I don't see a huge drop off between the ones and the twos."&nbsp; The Huskers will return to the practice field Wednesday for day 10 of fall camp. Nebraska kicks off its season on Saturday, Aug. 28 at Illinois at Noon on FOX.&nbsp; &nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628650289894.jpeg" alt="FB_Spring_Game_2021_JS_0259.jpg" />
 <figcaption>FB_Spring_Game_2021_JS_0259.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>By: NU Media Relations&nbsp; Nebraska defensive coordinator&nbsp;Erik Chinander&nbsp;met with members of the media following day nine of fall camp Tuesday. Chinander spoke on Tuesday's practice, the depth of the defense and the takeaways from the scrimmage on Sunday.&nbsp; "I thought the scrimmage went well," Chinander said. "We did some really good things on defense. I thought we tackled pretty well. A couple of missed ones we have to get cleaned up but overall I thought the tackling was really good and that's what you want to see when you go live. That's a piece we haven't gotten much yet. Caused a couple of turnovers. Coach Frost put us in some good situations that we need to teach from and get that dialed in."&nbsp; Chinander discussed what he is focused on discovering about the defense moving forward in fall camp. "Who are the next guys up?" he said. "Because there is that first string even though it is not solidified. There are still a lot of guys battling for reps. There are probably a lot of guys who deserve reps in games. I don't know if we are going to get all of them to play because there are so many guys that are playing at a high level right now but just who is going to be that next group in and then are you that next guy in and can you play on special teams because then you are going on the trip." He also commented on the depth of the defensive line heading into the season. "You are definitely talking about two platoons at every position up front and probably a third at most," Chinander said. "It is a pretty deep group. You definitely want to, now that we have developed some depth, get those guys some breaks. You want them to be able to rush the passer and be fresh for that. And play the run. But you also want to get the best guys enough reps so that is a good balancing act. Coach (Ton) Tuioti and Coach (Mike) Dawson are doing a great job with rotating guys right now, and I don't see a huge drop off between the ones and the twos."&nbsp; The Huskers will return to the practice field Wednesday for day 10 of fall camp. Nebraska kicks off its season on Saturday, Aug. 28 at Illinois at Noon on FOX.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Chinander hints special teams is where players can make an impact amid depth

Richard “Dick” Stein, who taught and coached at Chadron High School for 22 years, died at his home in Chadron on Monday at age 81&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 

He was the Cardinals’ all-time winningest football coach,&nbsp; posting a 144-71 record beginning in the fall of 1979 and continuing through the fall of 2000.&nbsp; He also had coached in Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona high schools before coming to Chadron and had a 226-111-2 career record as a head football mentor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

Eighteen of his 22 Chadron High teams had winning records, and one of the remaining four was 4-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 When he announced his retirement a few days before his 61st&nbsp;birthday, he said, “I’ve had a great time.&nbsp; I hope the kids have enjoyed playing for me as much as I’ve enjoyed coaching them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 

He also noted that his wife, Marcia, was a great supporter.&nbsp; Both of their sons, Chris and Kevin, were Cardinals’ quarterbacks, and their daughters, Lisa, Jenny and Lynn, helped keep stats.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

 Stein also coached the Chadron High track and field throwers for 20 years and he operated the Chadron State football scoreboard for years, including last year’s home game.&nbsp;

The obituary may be see at panhandlepost.com

By: Con MarshallRichard “Dick” Stein, who taught and coached at Chadron High School for 22 years, died at his home in Chadron on Monday at age 81&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; He was the Cardinals’ all-time winningest football coach,&nbsp; posting a 144-71 record beginning in the fall of 1979 and continuing through the fall of 2000.&nbsp; He also had coached in Wyoming, Colorado and Arizona high schools before coming to Chadron and had a 226-111-2 career record as a head football mentor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Eighteen of his 22 Chadron High teams had winning records, and one of the remaining four was 4-4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When he announced his retirement a few days before his 61st&nbsp;birthday, he said, “I’ve had a great time.&nbsp; I hope the kids have enjoyed playing for me as much as I’ve enjoyed coaching them.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; He also noted that his wife, Marcia, was a great supporter.&nbsp; Both of their sons, Chris and Kevin, were Cardinals’ quarterbacks, and their daughters, Lisa, Jenny and Lynn, helped keep stats.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Stein also coached the Chadron High track and field throwers for 20 years and he operated the Chadron State football scoreboard for years, including last year’s home game.&nbsp;The obituary may be see at panhandlepost.com

Long-time CHS Coach Dick Stein passes away at 81

Chadron State opened 2021 fall football camp Monday afternoon at Don Beebe Stadium.&nbsp; We've posted a photo album below with shots from the first day of camp as the Eagles get prepared for the season opener Labor Day Weekend at Western Colorado.&nbsp; Photos: Dave Collins

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611584044.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Chadron State opened 2021 fall football camp Monday afternoon at Don Beebe Stadium.&nbsp; We've posted a photo album below with shots from the first day of camp as the Eagles get prepared for the season opener Labor Day Weekend at Western Colorado.&nbsp; Photos: Dave Collins<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611338132.jpeg" alt="Junior linebacker Jeremiah Makahununiu slams into the "popsicle" and drives it back.&nbsp; Maka had a pair of double-digit tackle games in the covid-shortened 2020 season and figures to be a huge part of CSC's defensive success this year." />
 <figcaption>Junior linebacker Jeremiah Makahununiu slams into the "popsicle" and drives it back.&nbsp; Maka had a pair of double-digit tackle games in the covid-shortened 2020 season and figures to be a huge part of CSC's defensive success this year.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611357767.jpeg" alt="Head Coach / Offensive Line Coach Jay Long directs the big men up front through drills Monday." />
 <figcaption>Head Coach / Offensive Line Coach Jay Long directs the big men up front through drills Monday.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611372837.jpeg" alt="Defensive backs Bobby Peele and Jeremiah Gutierrez return to patrol the Eagle secondary.&nbsp; Peele (2) picked off three passes in his first season with CSC in 2020 and Gutierrez (5) brings physicality to the secondary that will be key in shutting down opposing receivers this fall." />
 <figcaption>Defensive backs Bobby Peele and Jeremiah Gutierrez return to patrol the Eagle secondary.&nbsp; Peele (2) picked off three passes in his first season with CSC in 2020 and Gutierrez (5) brings physicality to the secondary that will be key in shutting down opposing receivers this fall.</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628611386117.jpeg" alt="Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse goes hands-on in drills with the linebackers Monday while he teaches technique." />
 <figcaption>Defensive Coordinator Clint Sasse goes hands-on in drills with the linebackers Monday while he teaches technique.</figcaption>
 </figure>

📸 Chadron State opens fall football camp Monday

DENVER (AP) — C.J. Cron hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and finished with a career-best seven RBIs as the Colorado Rockies beat the Miami Marlins 13-8 to complete a three-game sweep. Connor Joe also had two homers, including the first pinch-hit home run of his career, and Dom Nunez and Sam Hilliard also connected for the Rockies. Colorado hit 11 homers in outscoring the Marlins 34-14 over the three games. Miami’s Alex Jackson had a three-run homer in the eighth, Jesús Aguilar went deep in the ninth and had three RBIs and Lewis Brinson added a two-run single.

DENVER (AP) — C.J. Cron hit two home runs, including a grand slam, and finished with a career-best seven RBIs as the Colorado Rockies beat the Miami Marlins 13-8 to complete a three-game sweep. Connor Joe also had two homers, including the first pinch-hit home run of his career, and Dom Nunez and Sam Hilliard also connected for the Rockies. Colorado hit 11 homers in outscoring the Marlins 34-14 over the three games. Miami’s Alex Jackson had a three-run homer in the eighth, Jesús Aguilar went deep in the ninth and had three RBIs and Lewis Brinson added a two-run single.

Cron slams two homers, drives in seven as Rockies sweep Marlins

(AP) Hall of Fame college football coach Bobby Bowden has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Exuding charm and wit, Bowden led Florida State to two national championships and a dozen conference titles during his 34 seasons with the Seminoles. In all, Bowden had 377 wins during his 40 years in major college coaching. His teams, no stranger to scandal, won national titles in 1993 and 1999 and came close several other times. He was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Bobby Bowden was 91 years old.

(AP) Hall of Fame college football coach Bobby Bowden has died after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Exuding charm and wit, Bowden led Florida State to two national championships and a dozen conference titles during his 34 seasons with the Seminoles. In all, Bowden had 377 wins during his 40 years in major college coaching. His teams, no stranger to scandal, won national titles in 1993 and 1999 and came close several other times. He was selected for the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006. Bobby Bowden was 91 years old.

Legendary Florida State Coach Bobby Bowden dies

By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director

&nbsp; Chadron State College Athletic Director&nbsp;Joel R. Smith&nbsp;named&nbsp;Alijah Jeffery&nbsp;the inaugural Head Women's Wrestling Coach on Friday, tasking the former junior college coach with beginning athletic competition this year. "Jeffery brings immediate championship experience to our newly founded women's wrestling program," said Smith. "We look forward to seeing him start a successful program from the ground up, putting Chadron State on the map as the only NCAA women's wrestling program in the state, and one of a handful nationwide." Jeffery comes CSC after two successful years as an assistant for both the women's and men's wrestling programs at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, Iowa, where he coached three individual national champions and 12 All-Americans in the 2020-21 women's wrestling season. Jeffery helped the Warriors earn national titles in both the first-ever junior college national championship tournament and the junior college national duals tournament for women's wrestling, racking up an 8-2 duals record. Prior to his coaching career, Jeffery wrestled collegiately at NCAA Division I Northern Illinois University where he was in the Huskies' starting lineup all four years. As a prep, he wrestled at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, and won a state championship at 120 pounds in 2014 while finishing third, third, and fifth in his other three seasons. The new CSC head coach was also was a USA Folkstyle national champion and a Fargo Freestyle Nationals All-American. "I am incredibly thankful to Athletic Director Joel Smith, as well as the Chadron State search committee and staff for giving me the opportunity to be the first Head Women's Wrestling Coach for Chadron State," said Jeffery. I'm so excited for what's to come for Chadron State women's wrestling. This is truly a special place with excellent facilities and staff members. I can't wait to build this into a special program. I'm looking forward to bringing my extensive freestyle wrestling experience to CSC." Jeffery will begin putting together a roster immediately, with hopes of scheduling competition as soon as student-athletes are signed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628277116865.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By: Kaleb Center, CSC Sports Information Director&nbsp; Chadron State College Athletic Director&nbsp;Joel R. Smith&nbsp;named&nbsp;Alijah Jeffery&nbsp;the inaugural Head Women's Wrestling Coach on Friday, tasking the former junior college coach with beginning athletic competition this year. "Jeffery brings immediate championship experience to our newly founded women's wrestling program," said Smith. "We look forward to seeing him start a successful program from the ground up, putting Chadron State on the map as the only NCAA women's wrestling program in the state, and one of a handful nationwide." Jeffery comes CSC after two successful years as an assistant for both the women's and men's wrestling programs at Indian Hills Community College in Centerville, Iowa, where he coached three individual national champions and 12 All-Americans in the 2020-21 women's wrestling season. Jeffery helped the Warriors earn national titles in both the first-ever junior college national championship tournament and the junior college national duals tournament for women's wrestling, racking up an 8-2 duals record. Prior to his coaching career, Jeffery wrestled collegiately at NCAA Division I Northern Illinois University where he was in the Huskies' starting lineup all four years. As a prep, he wrestled at Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa, and won a state championship at 120 pounds in 2014 while finishing third, third, and fifth in his other three seasons. The new CSC head coach was also was a USA Folkstyle national champion and a Fargo Freestyle Nationals All-American. "I am incredibly thankful to Athletic Director Joel Smith, as well as the Chadron State search committee and staff for giving me the opportunity to be the first Head Women's Wrestling Coach for Chadron State," said Jeffery. I'm so excited for what's to come for Chadron State women's wrestling. This is truly a special place with excellent facilities and staff members. I can't wait to build this into a special program. I'm looking forward to bringing my extensive freestyle wrestling experience to CSC." Jeffery will begin putting together a roster immediately, with hopes of scheduling competition as soon as student-athletes are signed.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Chadron State chooses head coach for brand new women's wrestling program

A season of baseball can be a long grind. Unlike other sports, baseball is played almost everyday...in a lot of cases, twice a day.&nbsp; The 2021 season for the Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans, began May 15, and over the next 80 days the Spartan Junior and Senior teams played 104 games.&nbsp; Facing teams from throughout Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming,&nbsp; finishing with a combined record of 75-28-1...not to shabby!&nbsp; 

The Spartan Juniors went 32-15-1, often times playing against Senior teams,&nbsp; and ended just short of a trip to State,&nbsp; finishing as the&nbsp; Area 7 runner up.&nbsp; &nbsp;Most of the team was made up of first year players at the Jr. level.&nbsp; &nbsp;All gained valuable experience and multiple team members played for both the Junior and Senior teams.&nbsp; 

Junior team members...Christian Soriano, Espen Lanik, Eli Blanco, Tony Escamilla, Jonah Amill, Ivan Burri, Tyzen Brown, Kysen Walker, Kaden Ferguson, Seth Morrison, Landen Crowe, Owen Grant, Nick Wright, Nico Olvera, Josh Aguallo, Cody Galles, Phoenix Stitch and Ethan Littlehoop.&nbsp; Coaches, Adrian Gonzalez, JJ Garza, Jerry Garza and Carlos Palomo.

The Spartan Seniors capped an outstanding season by making a run through the Area 7 and Class B State Tournaments and finishing as the State Runner adding to their runner up finish in 2019.

The Alliance Seniors&nbsp; finished the regular season winning 8 of 10 and headed into the Area 7 tourament as the #2 seed and having the home field.&nbsp; The Spartans played 4 very competitive games winning&nbsp; 10-2 over Sidney,&nbsp; 4-0 over Ogallala and&nbsp; 4-2 over top seed Gering to move into the championship game.&nbsp; The Spartans completed the Area tournament with a 14-2 win over Ogallala to advance to the Class B State Tournament in Crete.

Alliance opened the State Tournament vs Area 3 Champion, Arlington.&nbsp; Arlington scored first and held a 2-0 lead heading into the 6th inning. Starting Pitcher, Chance Crowe kept the Spartans in the game holding Arlington to just 2 runs before Alliance took the lead scoring 3 runs in the top of the 6th on a base hit, an error, a hit batter and 4 walks to take the lead&nbsp; 3-2.&nbsp; Crowe set Arlington down in the bottom of the 6th with 2 strike outs and a nice play by catcher AJ Escamilla, throwing out a runner on a steal.&nbsp; Then in the 7th, Jacob Callen, took over on the mound and struck out a batter.&nbsp; With the tying run at second base and 2 outs, the next Arlington batter hit a drive to deep left field.&nbsp; Spartan Caeson Clarke went back to the warning track and made a diving, game winning catch to seal the 3-2 win.&nbsp; Alliance was 1-0 at State.

Game 2 was against Area 4 Champion Central City.&nbsp; Jacob Callen continued his strong pitching, starting the game and going into the 7th giving up just 2 runs and striking out 6.&nbsp; Alliance lead the entire game scoring 2 runs in the 2nd, 3 in the 5th and tacking on 3 more in the 7th. The big blow was Caeson Clarke's 2 run, home run.&nbsp; Mario Garza,&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa,&nbsp; Kellen Muhr, Brantz Halouska, Chase King and Eli Blanco each had hits in the 8-2 win.&nbsp; The Spartans were 2-0 and still in the winners bracket.

In Game 3, Alliance matched up against Area 1 champion Hickman,&nbsp; with the winning team holding the advantage to move into the championship. Hickman took an early lead with 3 in the 2nd and then added single runs in the 3rd, 4th and 5th to take a 6-0 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance rallied, scoring 3 in the 6th to make it 6-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Caeson Clarke had the Spartans only hits.&nbsp; Hickman closed out the 6-3&nbsp; win retiring the Spartans in the 7th.&nbsp; Alliance was 2-1 and needed to win the next day to move into the Championship.

The Spartans took on the host team Crete on day 4.&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa got the start and was solid on the mound.&nbsp; Alliance took the lead scoring 2 in the 4th, then added 3 in the 5th and tacked on 2 insurance runs in the 6th.&nbsp; Brantz Halouska, Caeson Clarke, Mario Garza and Chase King had&nbsp; multiple hits and Kellen Muhr closed the 7-1 win.&nbsp; &nbsp;Chase Boyer made several nice plays in centerfield as part of an excellent defensive effort.&nbsp; The win moved the Spartans into the championship game against Hickman the next day.

In the title game, Hickman got off to a quick start scoring 3 runs in the first and 2 in the second to take an early 5-0 lead.&nbsp; Alliance got a run in the 3rd to make it 5-1,&nbsp; before Hickman pulled away scoring 9 runs in the 4th to take a 14-1 lead and that would be the final score as&nbsp; Hickman&nbsp; finished the game in the 5th,&nbsp; with a 5-4-3 double play to end the game and take the Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance finished the season at 43-13,&nbsp; and brought home a 2nd straight, runner up trophy.&nbsp; The Senior team will bring back a lot of experience next season.&nbsp;

Team members are....Espen Lanik,&nbsp; Eli Blanco,&nbsp; Drew Romick,&nbsp; Kellen Muhr,&nbsp; AJ Escamilla,&nbsp; Chase Boyer,&nbsp; Chase King,&nbsp; Tyzen Brown,&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa,&nbsp; Kysen Walker,&nbsp; Seth Morrison,&nbsp; Landen Crowe,&nbsp; Caeson Clarke,&nbsp; Brantz Halouska,&nbsp; Nick Wright,&nbsp; Jacob Callen,&nbsp; Chance Crowe and Mario Garza. Coaches Carlos Palomo, Adrian Gonzalez, Jerry Garza and JJ Garza.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628260864992.jpeg" alt="Courtesy Photo: Erica Muhr" />
 <figcaption>Courtesy Photo: Erica Muhr</figcaption>
 </figure>By: Mike GlesingerA season of baseball can be a long grind. Unlike other sports, baseball is played almost everyday...in a lot of cases, twice a day.&nbsp; The 2021 season for the Alliance First National Bank-Omaha Spartans, began May 15, and over the next 80 days the Spartan Junior and Senior teams played 104 games.&nbsp; Facing teams from throughout Nebraska, Colorado, South Dakota and Wyoming,&nbsp; finishing with a combined record of 75-28-1...not to shabby!&nbsp; The Spartan Juniors went 32-15-1, often times playing against Senior teams,&nbsp; and ended just short of a trip to State,&nbsp; finishing as the&nbsp; Area 7 runner up.&nbsp; &nbsp;Most of the team was made up of first year players at the Jr. level.&nbsp; &nbsp;All gained valuable experience and multiple team members played for both the Junior and Senior teams.&nbsp; Junior team members...Christian Soriano, Espen Lanik, Eli Blanco, Tony Escamilla, Jonah Amill, Ivan Burri, Tyzen Brown, Kysen Walker, Kaden Ferguson, Seth Morrison, Landen Crowe, Owen Grant, Nick Wright, Nico Olvera, Josh Aguallo, Cody Galles, Phoenix Stitch and Ethan Littlehoop.&nbsp; Coaches, Adrian Gonzalez, JJ Garza, Jerry Garza and Carlos Palomo.The Spartan Seniors capped an outstanding season by making a run through the Area 7 and Class B State Tournaments and finishing as the State Runner adding to their runner up finish in 2019.The Alliance Seniors&nbsp; finished the regular season winning 8 of 10 and headed into the Area 7 tourament as the #2 seed and having the home field.&nbsp; The Spartans played 4 very competitive games winning&nbsp; 10-2 over Sidney,&nbsp; 4-0 over Ogallala and&nbsp; 4-2 over top seed Gering to move into the championship game.&nbsp; The Spartans completed the Area tournament with a 14-2 win over Ogallala to advance to the Class B State Tournament in Crete.Alliance opened the State Tournament vs Area 3 Champion, Arlington.&nbsp; Arlington scored first and held a 2-0 lead heading into the 6th inning. Starting Pitcher, Chance Crowe kept the Spartans in the game holding Arlington to just 2 runs before Alliance took the lead scoring 3 runs in the top of the 6th on a base hit, an error, a hit batter and 4 walks to take the lead&nbsp; 3-2.&nbsp; Crowe set Arlington down in the bottom of the 6th with 2 strike outs and a nice play by catcher AJ Escamilla, throwing out a runner on a steal.&nbsp; Then in the 7th, Jacob Callen, took over on the mound and struck out a batter.&nbsp; With the tying run at second base and 2 outs, the next Arlington batter hit a drive to deep left field.&nbsp; Spartan Caeson Clarke went back to the warning track and made a diving, game winning catch to seal the 3-2 win.&nbsp; Alliance was 1-0 at State.Game 2 was against Area 4 Champion Central City.&nbsp; Jacob Callen continued his strong pitching, starting the game and going into the 7th giving up just 2 runs and striking out 6.&nbsp; Alliance lead the entire game scoring 2 runs in the 2nd, 3 in the 5th and tacking on 3 more in the 7th. The big blow was Caeson Clarke's 2 run, home run.&nbsp; Mario Garza,&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa,&nbsp; Kellen Muhr, Brantz Halouska, Chase King and Eli Blanco each had hits in the 8-2 win.&nbsp; The Spartans were 2-0 and still in the winners bracket.In Game 3, Alliance matched up against Area 1 champion Hickman,&nbsp; with the winning team holding the advantage to move into the championship. Hickman took an early lead with 3 in the 2nd and then added single runs in the 3rd, 4th and 5th to take a 6-0 lead.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance rallied, scoring 3 in the 6th to make it 6-3.&nbsp; &nbsp;Caeson Clarke had the Spartans only hits.&nbsp; Hickman closed out the 6-3&nbsp; win retiring the Spartans in the 7th.&nbsp; Alliance was 2-1 and needed to win the next day to move into the Championship.The Spartans took on the host team Crete on day 4.&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa got the start and was solid on the mound.&nbsp; Alliance took the lead scoring 2 in the 4th, then added 3 in the 5th and tacked on 2 insurance runs in the 6th.&nbsp; Brantz Halouska, Caeson Clarke, Mario Garza and Chase King had&nbsp; multiple hits and Kellen Muhr closed the 7-1 win.&nbsp; &nbsp;Chase Boyer made several nice plays in centerfield as part of an excellent defensive effort.&nbsp; The win moved the Spartans into the championship game against Hickman the next day.In the title game, Hickman got off to a quick start scoring 3 runs in the first and 2 in the second to take an early 5-0 lead.&nbsp; Alliance got a run in the 3rd to make it 5-1,&nbsp; before Hickman pulled away scoring 9 runs in the 4th to take a 14-1 lead and that would be the final score as&nbsp; Hickman&nbsp; finished the game in the 5th,&nbsp; with a 5-4-3 double play to end the game and take the Championship.&nbsp; &nbsp;Alliance finished the season at 43-13,&nbsp; and brought home a 2nd straight, runner up trophy.&nbsp; The Senior team will bring back a lot of experience next season.&nbsp;Team members are....Espen Lanik,&nbsp; Eli Blanco,&nbsp; Drew Romick,&nbsp; Kellen Muhr,&nbsp; AJ Escamilla,&nbsp; Chase Boyer,&nbsp; Chase King,&nbsp; Tyzen Brown,&nbsp; Vic Hinojosa,&nbsp; Kysen Walker,&nbsp; Seth Morrison,&nbsp; Landen Crowe,&nbsp; Caeson Clarke,&nbsp; Brantz Halouska,&nbsp; Nick Wright,&nbsp; Jacob Callen,&nbsp; Chance Crowe and Mario Garza. Coaches Carlos Palomo, Adrian Gonzalez, Jerry Garza and JJ Garza.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2021/8/1628260940504.jpeg" alt="Mike Glesinger Photo" />
 <figcaption>Mike Glesinger Photo</figcaption>
 </figure>

Alliance FNBO Spartans cap a successful season at State

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Von Miller was so eager to race out to the berm overlooking the Denver Broncos' practice fields and fire up the crowd that he even dreamt about it before training camp.

“I had a dream the other day that I was running out from the facility, and I did the little clap like I always do,” Miller said. “That just reassured me that my mindset ... is where I want it to be.

"I just want to go out there and play football.”

Missing all last season with a freak ankle injury left the Broncos star linebacker with a new perspective as he heads into his 11th — and maybe final — season in Denver.

“I’m not really worried about this is the last year on my contract, will I be with the Broncos? Last year to be honest, that was really on my soul,” Miller said. “Of course I want to be here. I want to stay here for the rest of my career (but) getting past that is kind of like a release for me.”

In his first interview of camp, Miller used the phrase “at peace” 16 times to describe his state of mind as he embarks on his comeback that he sees as a springboard to the twilight of his career.

That's not to say Miller has lost any of his edge.

“Being at peace and being content, they’re two totally different things. I feel like you can be at peace with whatever happens, but you still want to go out there and lead the league in sacks, get Defensive Player of the Year, and do all this crazy stuff,” Miller said.

“But I’m honestly at peace with whatever happens. I think that comes with time. This is my 11th year in the league, I’ve done a lot of wonderful things on and off the football field. Last year I had all this stuff on my shoulders, beefing with (a local columnist) and this and that."

Now, he said, he's just enjoying being back in the locker room and out on the field with his teammates.

“I want to go out there and just play football. I don’t want to be really worried about sacks,” Miller said. "I’m not thinking about my ankle, I’m not thinking about how many sacks I can get. I just want to go out there, have fun.”

A year ago, Miller entered camp with a reshaped body and newfound perspective that grew out of a substandard 2019 season, his battle with COVID-19, Kobe Bryant's death and Michael Jordan's inspiring documentary.

These seemingly disparate factors led Miller to reflect on his leadership and his legacy and ultimately helped him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-nfl-football-michael-jordan-kobe-bryant-e6263e006cecd9390a42c7d26f79c198">reshape his psyche and physique</a>&nbsp;heading into his 10th NFL season.

Then, just days before the opener, one misstep at practice ended his hopes of a big year. He underwent surgery and missed the entire season.

There was some speculation this spring that Miller's time in Denver was finished after John Elway, who had drafted him second overall in his first year as general manager, stepped aside. But new GM George Paton exercised the final year of Miller's contract, which will pay him $17.5 million.

Miller said he's not focused on his football future as he enters a contract year, however.

“I would like to keep playing, whether that’s here with the Denver Broncos or somewhere else, I’m totally at peace,” Miller said. “I want to play five to seven years and I have a son on the way. ... I really want him to be at an age where he can see me play, and he can know who dad is because you’ve got to prove all this stuff over again."

Miller, who hasn't reached the playoffs since his MVP performance led Denver to a win over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, raves about the roster Paton has put together.

There's the revamped secondary that features free agent cornerbacks Ryan Darby and Kyle Fuller, first-round draft pick Patrick Surtain II and returning safeties Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons, both of whom were re-signed in the offseason, in addition to Bryce Callahan.

The offense boasts left tackle Garett Bolles, receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler, tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam and running backs Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams.

Miller is so impressed with that group that he figures it matters little whether&nbsp;Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock&nbsp;wins the starting quarterback job.

If they can stay healthy, Miller is confident the Broncos can end their five-year playoff drought.

“I really do believe this will be the year," he said. "I don’t know what the win column will look like, but we’re going to do some great things this season. We have too many pieces in place not to.”

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — Von Miller was so eager to race out to the berm overlooking the Denver Broncos' practice fields and fire up the crowd that he even dreamt about it before training camp.“I had a dream the other day that I was running out from the facility, and I did the little clap like I always do,” Miller said. “That just reassured me that my mindset ... is where I want it to be."I just want to go out there and play football.”Missing all last season with a freak ankle injury left the Broncos star linebacker with a new perspective as he heads into his 11th — and maybe final — season in Denver.“I’m not really worried about this is the last year on my contract, will I be with the Broncos? Last year to be honest, that was really on my soul,” Miller said. “Of course I want to be here. I want to stay here for the rest of my career (but) getting past that is kind of like a release for me.”In his first interview of camp, Miller used the phrase “at peace” 16 times to describe his state of mind as he embarks on his comeback that he sees as a springboard to the twilight of his career.That's not to say Miller has lost any of his edge.“Being at peace and being content, they’re two totally different things. I feel like you can be at peace with whatever happens, but you still want to go out there and lead the league in sacks, get Defensive Player of the Year, and do all this crazy stuff,” Miller said.“But I’m honestly at peace with whatever happens. I think that comes with time. This is my 11th year in the league, I’ve done a lot of wonderful things on and off the football field. Last year I had all this stuff on my shoulders, beefing with (a local columnist) and this and that."Now, he said, he's just enjoying being back in the locker room and out on the field with his teammates.“I want to go out there and just play football. I don’t want to be really worried about sacks,” Miller said. "I’m not thinking about my ankle, I’m not thinking about how many sacks I can get. I just want to go out there, have fun.”A year ago, Miller entered camp with a reshaped body and newfound perspective that grew out of a substandard 2019 season, his battle with COVID-19, Kobe Bryant's death and Michael Jordan's inspiring documentary.These seemingly disparate factors led Miller to reflect on his leadership and his legacy and ultimately helped him&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/denver-broncos-nfl-football-michael-jordan-kobe-bryant-e6263e006cecd9390a42c7d26f79c198">reshape his psyche and physique</a>&nbsp;heading into his 10th NFL season.Then, just days before the opener, one misstep at practice ended his hopes of a big year. He underwent surgery and missed the entire season.There was some speculation this spring that Miller's time in Denver was finished after John Elway, who had drafted him second overall in his first year as general manager, stepped aside. But new GM George Paton exercised the final year of Miller's contract, which will pay him $17.5 million.Miller said he's not focused on his football future as he enters a contract year, however.“I would like to keep playing, whether that’s here with the Denver Broncos or somewhere else, I’m totally at peace,” Miller said. “I want to play five to seven years and I have a son on the way. ... I really want him to be at an age where he can see me play, and he can know who dad is because you’ve got to prove all this stuff over again."Miller, who hasn't reached the playoffs since his MVP performance led Denver to a win over Carolina in Super Bowl 50, raves about the roster Paton has put together.There's the revamped secondary that features free agent cornerbacks Ryan Darby and Kyle Fuller, first-round draft pick Patrick Surtain II and returning safeties Kareem Jackson and Justin Simmons, both of whom were re-signed in the offseason, in addition to Bryce Callahan.The offense boasts left tackle Garett Bolles, receivers Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler, tight ends Noah Fant and Albert Okwuegbunam and running backs Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams.Miller is so impressed with that group that he figures it matters little whether&nbsp;Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock&nbsp;wins the starting quarterback job.If they can stay healthy, Miller is confident the Broncos can end their five-year playoff drought.“I really do believe this will be the year," he said. "I don’t know what the win column will look like, but we’re going to do some great things this season. We have too many pieces in place not to.”

Von Miller wants to finish career in Denver, ready to play after missing 2020 injured

DENVER (AP) — Trevor Story hit two home runs, including a go-ahead two-run drive in the fifth inning, and the Colorado Rockies hung on to beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5. Sam Hilliard and Connor Joe also homered and Brendan Rodgers extended his hitting streak to 12 games with two singles. The Rockies took two of three from the Cubs. Wilson Contreras hit a two-run double in Chicago’s four-run fifth. The Cubs concluded their six-game trip with a 2-4 mark after a series of trade deadline deals that saw the departure of stalwarts Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez. Story was the subject of trade rumors before the deadline.

DENVER (AP) — Trevor Story hit two home runs, including a go-ahead two-run drive in the fifth inning, and the Colorado Rockies hung on to beat the Chicago Cubs 6-5. Sam Hilliard and Connor Joe also homered and Brendan Rodgers extended his hitting streak to 12 games with two singles. The Rockies took two of three from the Cubs. Wilson Contreras hit a two-run double in Chicago’s four-run fifth. The Cubs concluded their six-game trip with a 2-4 mark after a series of trade deadline deals that saw the departure of stalwarts Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant and Javier Báez. Story was the subject of trade rumors before the deadline.