SPORTS SECTION E
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2025
NFL PICKS WEEK 9, PAGE 8
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On your marks... Bahamian Olympian Anthonique Strachan returns home to host sprint development clinic By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net BAHAMIAN Olympian Anthonique Strachan returned home to host a sprint development clinic yesterday at the old Thomas A Robinson Stadium. The clinic was open to athletes training at the stadium, from prominent track clubs including Hurry Murray and Team Velocity. The clinic emphasized block starts and proper posture for sprinting, two critical elements of high-performance short distance running. Strachan led athletes through drills that focused on setting blocks, reaction times, driving out of the blocks, maintaining uprights, and strong posture through the acceleration phase. “It was a simulation so that the athletes could
learn the technicalities about sprinting and getting out of the blocks, that first phase of running,” she said. She spoke about the inspiration behind the clinic, saying: “I mainly made myself available to all coaches and everybody because for me I believe we need to give back as professional athletes because we are already at the stage and it’s easier to get the younger generation to understand and listen to somebody who is already there and already did that as to their coach,” she said. “I feel as though I have the demeanour to teach kids at this age group, junior and senior high school, so you could get them to listen and actually get down to the nitty gritty, because coaches can tell you what to do but the majority can’t show you.” Strachan also spoke to the athletes’ talents. “We have a
few people from SAC that looked pristine but that’s just SAC in general but, in all honesty, a lot of the kids are extremely talented. “A lot of them just needed to learn where to place their power and how to set their blocks in their comfort range and because these clubs are big it’s hard for coaches to identify that when they have a time crunch.” This clinic comes after Strachan's electric performance at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo where she ran the women’s 200m semi-finals with a season’s best time of 22.48 seconds to advance to the finals all while suffering from a minor injury. Unfortunately, in the finals, she would be disqualified for a false start. Overall, the clinic stood out as a strong step forward toward building stronger sprint foundations in track.
BLUE JAYS BEAT DODGERS 6-1 FOR 3-2 LEAD IN WORLD SERIES By RONALD BLUM AP Baseball Writer LOS ANGELES (AP) — Trey Yesavage set a World Series rookie record with 12 strikeouts, and the Toronto Blue Jays opened Game 5 with back-to-back homers in a 6-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers last night that moved them within one win of their first championship since 1993. Davis Schneider and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. homered on Blake Snell’s first and third pitches, the first consecutive homers to start a Series game. Yesavage, a precocious 22-year-old right-hander who started his season last April pitching before 327 fans in Class A, took over from there.
Fear Factor: All Caribbean Wrestling set to bring live pro wrestling back to fans By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
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NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix Pro Qualifier set for November 8 at Atlantis By JONATHAN BURROWS Tribune Sports Reporter jburrows@tribunemedia.net
E:01)@4<6F)G:48.;.3)H013313-)@3I)JKLM)51:1C34+16),.6)6-:-) ,-;1)30*)4N4.*6+)+,1)O-8N136).*)H4;1)P)-Q)+,1)?-3:8) 213.16):46+)*.N,+I) )))))))))))))))))))))))))JR34*S)H0**AB,1)>4*48.4*)%3166)9.4)'%M With a sinking splitter, spinning slider and overpowering fastball that quieted LA bats and a crowd of 52,175, he broke the prior rookie record of 11 strikeouts set by Don Newcombe for the Dodgers in a 1-0 loss to the New York Yankees in the 1949 opener. Getting six Ks
each with his splitter and slider, Yesavage became the first Series pitcher with 12 strikeouts and no walks. Yesavage allowed three hits over seven innings and his only run when Kiké Hernández homered on a high fastball to trim the Dodgers’ deficit to 2-1 in the third.
THE 2025 NPC Worldwide Caribbean Grand Prix Pro Qualifier is set to take place on Saturday, November 8, at Atlantis, promising a high-calibre international fitness and bodybuilding showcase. Organised by Serge Saric Productions in partnership with Desert Metro Fit and Smith Technologies, the event will bring together athletes from around the world to compete across multiple divisions, including Fitness, Classic Physique, Figure, Bodybuilding, Bikini, Wellness, and Fit Model. The competition is open worldwide, including participants from the United States, and serves as a Pro Qualifier, offering 10 IFBB pro cards to top performers. This means competitors have the opportunity to earn professional status and qualify for international-level contests under the IFBB Pro League banner. The 2025 edition builds on the success of previous NPC Worldwide Events held in The Bahamas, which have drawn strong international participation and boosted sports tourism for the country. For more details and registration, athletes and fans can visit worldsportspromotions.com.
ALL Caribbean Wrestling is set to bring the excitement of live professional wrestling back to Bahamian fans this Friday with its latest wrestling event “Fear Factor” scheduled for 6pm October 31 at the Fusion Superplex Courtyard. The Halloween-themed event will feature a stacked card of regional and international talent and will be hosted by none other than WWE Hall of Famer Mark Henry. Among the featured wrestlers are Bahamian Kaylia Capri, who continues to make waves on the regional wrestling scene and will compete in front of her home crowd. Fans can also expect to see appearances from ACW legends like Elijah “Da Pope” Burke, a former WWE and TNA/Impact wrestling star. “Fear Factor” will showcase a mix of singles, tag team and special stipulation matches. Organisers said the goal is to celebrate ACW talent while also giving the fans a chance to experience the energy and spectacle of a live professional wrestling show. The event continues All Caribbean Wrestling’s mission to grow professional wrestling in the region.
PAGE 2, Thursday, October 30, 2025
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Thursday, October 30, 2025, PAGE 3
Game recognise game: Other US sports stars are in awe of Shohei Ohtani By DAVID BRANDT AP Baseball Writer THE Los Angeles Dodgers two-way phenomenon has shown off his baseball magnificence during this year's MLB postseason, particularly on October 17, when he had arguably the greatest performance in the game's history, hitting three home runs at the plate while striking out 10 on the mound in an NL Championship Series-clinching win over the Milwaukee Brewers. He made more history Monday, homering twice and tying a 119-year-old major league record with four extra-base hits in a wild, 18-inning victory over Toronto in Game 3 of the World Series. Ohtani also drew five consecutive walks, making him the first major leaguer in 83 years to reach base nine times in any game, let alone the postseason. That instant classic ended about 17 hours before Ohtani was slated to bring his two-way show to the World Series. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is among standouts in other sports who are in awe of someone transcending what many thought was possible on a baseball diamond. Mahomes has some added perspective on baseball — his dad, Pat, was a big-league pitcher from 1992 to 2003. “To be able to be that dominant pitching the ball, throwing 100, and then going and hitting home runs and changing the outcome of the game — it wasn’t like it was a blowout, like every home run was needed,” Mahomes said of NLCS Game 4. “It’s remarkable. And, like, he’s top at both sides of the ball. He’s one of the best pitchers in the league, also if not the best, one of the best hitters in the league – top two, with him and (Aaron) Judge.” Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant — a 15-time All-Star and two-time NBA Finals MVP who is among basketball’s all-time great scorers — says he’s also a fan. “He’s a freak of nature,” Durant said. “He’s changing sports in general. It’s kind of crazy, this era of players, so many unique players in every sport. It’s just incredible to be watching sports
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and Shohei is one of those guys who’s going to be a legend, one of the greatest all time, arguably the greatest of all time when he’s done playing.” Colorado football coach Deion Sanders has some experience as an athletic anomaly, playing nine MLB seasons while also embarking on a Hall of Fame football career. The confident 58-year-old — known as ‘Coach Prime’ these days — also has some experience on what makes a celebrity. “He’s great. He’s not good, he is great," Sanders said. "You hate to say once in a lifetime, but it’ll be decades before another player comes along like that.” Ohtani has shown a knack for showing up in big moments throughout his career. He had a three-homer, two-steal game while becoming the first player to hit 50 homers and steal 50 bases in a season in 2024. Earlier this year, the Japanese star hit a towering solo homer in his return to the Tokyo Dome, delighting his home country. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott said Ohtani doesn't really have any peers in the sporting world. He agreed that the threehomer, 10-strikeout game would be like an NFL quarterback throwing four touchdowns in a game and then also playing safety and
and centre fielder and said he received an offer from the Dodgers while in high school to pursue professional baseball. “The dominance Shohei displays at the plate and on the mound is a trail set ablaze,” Johnson said Monday. “I can’t wait to see who follows, because I know he’s inspiring pitchers everywhere to step it up at the plate.”
4/::/$'N".?"C$'Z#/-%+-?/)*'4/*'O-+$)"%%'5V7'$)-/J?:+$'3&'%8+';")*+%'#&0+-';-+$$#-+',-"J'4+&2+-'=-"&)"$'$/,+%C' @/:/&"/'!#,/&9/'5G7'3&'%8+'$+)"&0'8/:,'",'/&'<UW',""%?/::'9/J+'"&'K#&0/CA'D)%"?+-'F[A'FHFIA'3&'4+&2+-E' ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''5>O'O8"%"M4/230'\/:#?".$*37 grabbing two interceptions on defence in the playoffs. “I’m a huge Ohtani fan,” Prescott said. “One is just, you can’t even do that on the video game. That’s what I always go to because I play ‘MLB The Show.’ I’m like, I’m trying to create a pitcher who can do both and I’m like, I don’t understand why they won’t let me do it when Shohei’s doing it. "You go 10 strikeouts
in six innings and 3 for 3 with three home runs and a walk? Bro, it’s amazing.” Pro Football Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson — known as "Megatron" during his NFL days — was a standout baseball player at Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Georgia, before he played football at Georgia Tech and for the Detroit Lions. The now 40-year-old was a pitcher
Even those who don’t follow baseball have been captivated by Ohtani’s feats of strength. “I will admit I am not a big baseball fan but what he has done is incredible!!!,” former Stanford three-time NCAA champion women’s basketball coach Tara VanDerveer wrote via text. “I will watch when he is pitching just to see excellence BUT I am cheering for the Blue Jays.”
DURANT SCORES 31 AS ROCKETS THUMP STRUGGLING RAPTORS 139-121 FOR 2ND STRAIGHT VICTORY By IAN HARRISON Associated Press TORONTO (AP) — Kevin Durant scored 31 points, Jabari Smith Jr added a season-high 25 and the Houston Rockets thumped the struggling Toronto Raptors 139-121 last night. Alperen Sengun had 18 points, nine assists and eight rebounds as the Rockets won their second straight after starting the season with back-to-back losses. Amen Thompson scored 18 points and Tari Eason added 14 points for the Rockets. Steven Adams scored 12 points and led Houston with 12 rebounds. Houston outrebounded Toronto 53-22. Seven Rockets players had five or more rebounds. Durant finished 11 of 19 from the field and 4 of 8 from 3-point range. Scottie Barnes scored 31 points and Brandon Ingram matched his season high with 29 for Toronto, which lost its fourth straight after winning its season opener at Atlanta. All four defeats have been by 10 points or more.
With Jakob Poeltl (sore lower back) out of the lineup, Raptors rookie Collin Murray-Boyles scored 13 in his first career start Immanuel Quickley had 15 points for Toronto, and RJ Barrett and Sandro Mamukelashvili each scored 10. The Raptors made a season-best 21 of 40 from long range. Eight of Toronto’s baskets in the second quarter were 3s. The Rockets took the lead for good by closing the first half on an 11-0 run and then opened the third quarter with a 14-4 run. Houston led 84-67 with 8:12 left in the third, its biggest advantage. The Rockets were up 106-91 after three and maintained a double-digit edge for all but 19 seconds of the fourth. Toronto’s past three losses have all been against Texas teams. The Raptors lost at Dallas last Saturday and were beaten at San Antonio on Sunday. Up next Rockets: At Boston on Saturday. Raptors: At Cleveland on Friday.
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PAGE 4, Thursday, October 30, 2025
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League Cup: Liverpool’s woes grow with 3-0 loss to Palace. Arsenal, City, Chelsea and Newcastle win By STEVE DOUGLAS AP Sports Writer LIVERPOOL fielded a weakened team and got duly punished in a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace in the League Cup yesterday, the latest setback to strike the beleaguered English champions. Ismaila Sarr scored two first-half goals at Anfield and Yeremy Pino added a third for Palace, which consigned Liverpool to a sixth defeat in its last seven games in all competitions. Also advancing to the quarterfinals were Premier League leader Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea, while defending champion Newcastle beat Tottenham 2-0. Liverpool in freefall After four straight losses in its tottering Premier League title defence, Liverpool is now out of one of the two domestic cups in what is proving to be an
E"$+5&'J$( K3L( H&L&( *+'+."&%+$( &/%+"( $*1"450( 64$( $42+J$( $+*152( 01&'( &0&45$%( K"406%15( M( N1;+( E'.415( 45( 815215( #+$%+"2&#C((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((DE)()61%1FO45(!6+350I unexpectedly poor start to the season for a club that spent $570 million in the summer transfer window. This latest loss can at least be explained by manager Arne Slot resting most of his top players — like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Alexander Isak — and not even putting them on the bench.
A team filled mostly with youngsters was cut apart by Sarr, who scored in the 41st and 45th minutes to add to his goals for Palace in victories over Liverpool in the Community Shield — in a penalty shootout — and the Premier League already this season. Amara Nallo, an 18-yearold defender, came on as a 67th-minute substitute for
Liverpool and was sent off 12 minutes later for committing a foul as the last defender. In his only other appearance for the Reds — in the Champions League in January — Nallo was also red-carded four minutes after coming on as a sub. Pino scored Palace's third goal in the 88th. “It might increase a little bit but not so much because the pressure was already very high,” said Slot, whose team's next three games are against Aston Villa, Real Madrid and Man City starting Saturday. “Everyone can have their opinion about it,” he added about his team selection, “but with the squad we have — maybe 15, 16 first-team players available — this is the choice I've made.” Arsenal record-breaker Max Dowman became Arsenal's youngest-ever starter, at 15 years, 302 days, in the team's 2-0 win over
Brighton. The league leaders also played a weakened team but that didn't affect them, with Ethan Nwaneri and Bukayo Saka — on as a substitute for Dowman — netting the goals. City comeback Man City came from behind to beat second-tier Swansea 3-1, with Jeremy Doku, Omar Marmoush and the impressive Rayan Cherki scoring. Prolific City striker Erling Haaland was rested completely, not even making it onto the bench. Chelsea's latest red Chelsea held on to beat Wolverhampton 4-3 in a wild match at Molineux featuring a fifth red card of the season for Enzo Maresca's ill-disciplined team. Chelsea went 3-0 up by halftime thanks to goals by Andrey Santos, Tyrique George and Estevao, only for Wolves to reply through Tolu Arokodare and David Moller Wolfe. Liam Delap, making his comeback from
injury, was sent off in the 86th for collecting two yellow cards before Jamie Gittens made it 4-2. Wolfe scored again for Wolves, the Premier League's last-placed team, in stoppage time. Newcastle controversy Newcastle's first goal against Tottenham — a header from Fabian Schar at a corner — was contentious, with the set piece swung in just as Spurs defender Djed Spence got to his feet after putting his boot back on. Tottenham's protests to the referee were ignored, and Nick Woltemade added a second by heading in a cross ahead of goalkeeper Antonin Kinsky, who missed his attempted punch clear. Draw for quarterfinals Arsenal vs. Crystal Palace Cardiff vs. Chelsea Manchester City vs. Brentford Newcastle vs. Fulham
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Thursday, October 30, 2025, PAGE 5
Dolphins look to continue momentum when they host Jackson and Ravens tonight By ALANIS THAMES AP Sports Writer MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (AP) — The past few meetings between the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins have unfolded like this: In 2021, Tua Tagovailoa came off bench at halftime to spark an upset. A year later, he led a stunning comeback in one of the best games of his career. Then Lamar Jackson flipped the script in 2023, dominating Miami for more than 300 yards in a blowout. The series between the Ravens and Dolphins has been a roller coaster in recent years, and tonight's matchup between the pair of two-win teams could be just as unpredictable. “It’s been fun, but then again, this is also the NFL,” Tagovailoa said. “Anything can happen. It’s really about who’s more dialed, if you will, with the game plan, with the scheme, who’s been communicating, especially throughout these short weeks.” The Dolphins surely hope the pendulum swings in their favour this time. Miami (2-6) is coming off its most complete game of the season in last week's 34-10 win over Atlanta. Tagovailoa threw four touchdowns to four different players, and Miami's defence held the Falcons' fourth-ranked rushing attack to just 45 yards. “You have to understand that it took a lot of labour to get our game in a certain fashion that we like playing football under those conditions,” said Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, “in terms of fast, physical, elite technique, people playing in coordination and making the opponent earn everything
they get. That has to be a one-week mindset. "The only way that we’d ever be able to assume that we could taste that same victory is we have to go through the same process that we really had to hang our hat on when the results weren’t going our way.” The Ravens are expecting Jackson to return tonight after a hamstring injury sidelined him the past three games. After a four-game losing streak, Tyler Huntley led Baltimore to a win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday. “We created an opportunity this week by winning last week,” said coach John Harbaugh, "and really that’s what it is — an opportunity this week. We have to go play our best football against a team that did the same thing. (The Dolphins) went up to Atlanta. They played inspired football. ... We’ve just got our hands full for Thursday night, and that’s really the only thing that we’re focusing on.” Easier road? Baltimore is trying to become the fifth team since the merger to make the playoffs despite starting 1-5. This next stretch in the schedule is critical. Baltimore’s next five opponents are a combined 11-28. This week, however, is tricky given the short turnaround for a Thursday night road game. In 2021, the Ravens were 6-2 heading into a Thursday night game at Miami and lost 22-10. The Dolphins were 2-7 entering that game but actually turned things around enough to finish with a winning record. “It’s what the schedule says, so it’s more so about just coming out and doing your job,” linebacker Roquan Smith said. “It’s a game that we’re going to
!"#!"$%&'()*+,$-./01203/45$6./$6/7&8/*'&/$9:;$1)0&<,$=.0*+7$1)2$>*0,1$)/'>$&>$/+$?@A$>&&13/''$7/B2$/7/*+,1$1)2$#1'/+1/$ @/'4&+,C$D.+=/EC$F41&320$GHC$GIGJC$*+$#1'/+1/K$ $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$9#L$L)&1&MN&'*+$O.33/0=; be very prepared for and excited about, as well.” Top target Jackson isn’t the only player from Florida who will have a homecoming of sorts for the Ravens this week. Receiver Zay Flowers — from Fort Lauderdale — plays at Miami for the first time since being drafted in 2023. “I think he will be popping out of his skin,” Jackson said. “I know he’s going to be ecstatic just to be down there in that atmosphere and see his family. I’ve played against the Dolphins before with
Zay, but this is his second time, and it’s going to be at home, so I know it’s going to be crazy for him.” Flowers caught a 75-yard touchdown pass from Jackson in 2023, when the Ravens beat Miami 56-19 in Baltimore. Matching physicality The Dolphins put an emphasis on playing more physical last week against the Falcons, which contributed to their ability to rush for 141 yards as a team and shut down Atlanta’s run game. Physicality and control of the line of scrimmage will
be key against the Ravens, especially in stopping running back Derrick Henry. “The Ravens are in that division of what they say is the hardnosed with the Steelers, the Ravens, the Browns," said linebacker Bradley Chubb. "All those teams play a physical brand of football, so it’s going to on us to step up to the challenge and match the physicality, if not outdo it.” Visor for Tua Tagovailoa plans to continue playing with the visor he wore last week to protect his left eye, which was badly
swollen when he woke up Sunday morning ahead of the game. “I can see a lot better than I could, in terms of how open my eyelid was or how closed it was,” Tagovailoa said Tuesday, his eye still slightly swollen, "so it’s been good.” His teammates like the look of the visor. And if Tagovailoa's best game of the season came with the new look, why not stick with what's working? “Yeah, that’s next level swag for Tua,” said centre Aaron Brewer. "I need that every week.”
CARSON WENTZ SHOWS HIS TOUGHNESS AFTER PLAYING GAMES WITH MAJOR SHOULDER INJURY By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer HOW tough is Carson Wentz? He dislocated his left, non-throwing shoulder, tearing his labrum and fracturing the socket, in the first half of a game for the Minnesota Vikings in London on October 5, according to two people with knowledge of the injury. Wentz missed one play, returned and went 9-for-9 for 71 yards on the final drive, including a game-winning 12-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Addison with 25 seconds left in a 21-17 victory over Cleveland. After a bye week, Wentz started the next two games and wore a shoulder harness on his left shoulder. Both people, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced the severity of the injury, said the decision to start Wentz was mutual because the team’s medical staff determined he wasn't risking further damage to the shoulder and it was a matter of pain tolerance. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell said last week he was told by doctors that Wentz wasn’t risking further damage by playing. O'Connell wasn’t going to use Wentz if doctors advised against it. So, Wentz toughed it out to play for the team he grew up rooting for in North Dakota. O’Connell faced criticism for letting Wentz play injured. But he wanted to keep playing and the Vikings needed
him because J.J. McCarthy has been dealing with a sprained ankle and thirdstring QB Max Brosmer is a rookie who hasn't started in the NFL. Wentz took a beating behind a depleted offensive line against the Eagles and Chargers. The Vikings lost both games and the pain Wentz endured was obvious. He winced, grimaced and grabbed his shoulder after taking numerous hits, including seven sacks. But he wasn’t going to ask out. He loves to play ball and the opportunity to start for the Vikings was a childhood dream come true. The reason Wentz put his body on the line can be explained by his career trajectory. This is a guy who finished third in voting for NFL MVP in his second season in the NFL in 2017 and now was playing for his sixth team in six years. He’s gone from being one of the league’s elite quarterbacks to the definition of a journeyman. Now his season is over. It wasn’t the first time he played with an injury that required season-ending surgery. On Dec. 10, 2017, Wentz led the 10-2 Philadelphia Eagles to the West Coast to play the 9-3 Los Angeles Rams in a game that had No. 1 seed ramifications. Wentz tore his ACL, LCL and damaged his meniscus in his left knee while diving headfirst into the end zone in the third quarter of that game. A penalty negated the score but Wentz stayed in for four more plays. On fourth down from the 2, he
P*5*+7,$-./01203/45$N/0,&+$Q2+1R$9::;$721,$,/452=$3E$N)/0720,$=2>2+,*82$1/45'2$S.,1*+$T3&*732$9UG;$=.0*+7$/+$?@A$ >&&13/''$7/B2C$6).0,=/EC$F41K$GVC$GIGJC$*+$"+7'2<&&=C$N/'*>K$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$9#L$L)&1&MWE.,.+7$X&+7; tossed his fourth TD pass of the game to give the Eagles a 31-28 lead. Wentz walked off the field, went to the locker room and his career would never be the same again. Nick Foles replaced him and guided the Eagles to victory after the Rams took the lead. Foles went on to lead Philadelphia to its first Super Bowl title, beating Tom Brady and the New England Patriots to hoist the Vince Lombardi trophy. Wentz lasted three more years in Philadelphia, losing his job to Jalen Hurts during a disastrous 2020 season. He’ll be a 33-year-old free agent coming off shoulder surgery next season so his future in the NFL is uncertain. But there’s no denying Wentz’s toughness.
Colts are the real deal The Indianapolis Colts have the best record in the NFL at 7-1 thanks to a rejuvenated Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor. Still, six teams have better odds to win the Super Bowl on BetMGM Sportsbook. The Colts are 11:1 to win it. They're behind the Chiefs, Lions, Bills, Packers, Rams and Eagles. Maybe oddsmakers need to see more from Indianapolis but the AFC South leaders are legit. With Jones, Taylor and rookie tight end Tyler Warren leading the way, Shane Steichen’s offence is averaging a league-best 33.8 points per game. The defence is giving up a sixth-lowest 19.3 per game. The Colts are 5-0 at home. They have some tough
games upcoming, including a road trip to Pittsburgh this week before going to Germany to play Atlanta. They already beat the AFC West-leading Broncos (6-2) so they’d have a tiebreaker advantage for seeding purposes in that scenario. But there’s a long way to go and a game at Kansas City (5-3) on Week 12 that might be the one that would turn doubters into believers. Jerry’s right The Dallas Cowboys have an elite offence that’s going to have to win shootouts because the defence is porous. With the trade deadline looming on November 4, the Cowboys (3-4-1) are candidates to seek help on defence. They have draft capital after trading two-time All-Pro Micah Parsons for a pair of
first-round picks. But owner Jerry Jones doesn’t sound like a guy looking to make another blockbuster move. “Are we one player away on defence? I think we’re not,” Jones told reporters after a 44-24 loss at Denver on Sunday. “I think we’re more than that away, but what we’re closer to than it looks, in my mind, is executing better on defence.” Jones is right. The Cowboys aren't going to become Super Bowl contenders by acquiring All-Pro edge rusher Trey Hendrickson or anyone else on defence. There's a big gap between Dallas and the Eagles (6-2) in the NFC East. Jones and the Cowboys are likely better off keeping those draft picks and reloading after the season.
PAGE 6, Thursday, October 30, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
THE TRIBUNE
Thursday, October 30, 2025, PAGE 7
Wolvaardt’s 169 helps S.Africa crush 4-time champion England in Women’s Cricket World Cup semi GUWAHATI, India (AP) — A special hundred from skipper Laura Wolvaardt helped South Africa crush four-time champion England by 125 runs on Wednesday to reach the final of the Women’s Cricket World Cup for the first time. Wolvaardt hit 169 off 143 balls, the third highest individual score in the World Cup knockout stages, as South Africa posted its biggest total in tournament history. The Proteas finished on 319-7 in 50 overs after losing the toss, with Wolvaardt compiling 20 fours and 4 sixes in her 10th ODI century. It was the second highest individual score by a captain in a World Cup match, behind Belinda Clark’s 229 not out against Denmark in 1997. South Africa had previously lost in the semifinals in 2000, 2017 and 2022. England was bowled out for 194 in 42.3 overs, with medium pacer Marizanne Kapp picking up 5-20, as it was beaten by South Africa
for the first time in the World Cup knockout stages. Kapp also became the most successful bowler in tournament history with 44 wickets, overtaking India’s Jhulan Goswami (43). Wolvaardt reversed South Africa’s disappointing performance against England in the league stage at the same venue, when it was bowled out for 69. She was named player of the match. “It still feels a bit unreal," Wolvaardt said. "That’s the sort of thing you dream as a kid, scoring 100 in a World Cup, a knockout game as well. It is a very special day and I am very glad we have won in the end. "We knew the start would be crucial. But I wanted to bat deeper, maybe get to the 40th over, that was my goal today. It is probably my top knock, just in the context of the game, a World Cup semi-final.” Openers on fire Put into bat, South Africa's openers Wolvaardt and Tazmin Brits led the way with a sparkling 116-run stand.
Brits scored 45 off 65 balls while Wolvaardt reached 50 off 52 deliveries. Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone pegged South Africa back, bowling Brits and Anneke Bosch for a duck in the 23rd over. Nat Sciver-Brunt made it three quick wickets as she bowled Sune Luus for one, but Wolvaardt then added 72 with Kapp for the fourth wicket. Kapp scored 42 off 33 balls, including four fours and a six, in a superb allround effort. There was a further spurt of three wickets as South Africa slid to 202-6 in 40.1 overs. Wolvaardt then changed gears. First she got to 100 off 115 balls, and then hit the next 50 off only 21 deliveries with four sixes. Her last 69 runs came off only 27 balls. South Africa’s total was the second highest in a knockout game in tournament history, behind Australia’s 356-5 against England in the 2022 final. The last 10 overs yielded 117 runs and turned the game away from England.
Kapp kept the momentum going with an immaculate opening spell. She produced a double-wicket first over, bowling Amy Jones and Heather Knight for ducks. Ayabonga Khaka then had Tammy Beaumont caught for a golden duck as England crashed to 1-3. It was a mountain to climb thereafter, despite half-centuries from skipper Sciver-Brunt (64) and Alice Capsey (50). They put on 107 for the fourth wicket before Luus dismissed Capsey. Kapp returned her best bowling figures in ODIs. It was the second biggest margin of defeat by runs for England in tournament history. Meanwhile, it was a third consecutive final for the Proteas women in ICC tournaments – they reached the finals of the last two T20 World Cups in 2023 and 2024. On Thursday, defending champion Australia takes on co-hosts India in the second semifinal in Navi Mumbai.
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PAGE 8, Thursday, October 30, 2025
THE TRIBUNE
Pro Picks: Chiefs will edge Bills on Butker’s field goal as time expires By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer JOSH Allen and the Buffalo Bills own Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs in the regular season. It’s been reversed when it matters most in the playoffs. The Bills have won four straight matchups between the teams in the regular season but the Chiefs have won the past four playoff meetings, including two AFC championship games. Mahomes led Kansas City to a 32-29 victory in January to send the Chiefs to their third straight Super Bowl. Two weeks into this season, critics were saying Kansas City’s dynasty has ended. But the Chiefs (5-3) have won five of six and are playing some of their best football in years. The Bills (5-2) won four in a row to start the season and were considered Super Bowl favourites before consecutive losses. The Chiefs are 2-point favourites on BetMGM Sportsbook. Pro Picks predicts Harrison Butker hits a game-winning field goal as time expires. CHIEFS: 27-26 ARIZONA (2-5) at DALLAS (3-4-1) Line: Cowboys minus 2 1/2 The Cardinals are coming off a bye and riding a fivegame losing streak. They should have Kyler Murray back to face the NFL’s second-worst defence. The Cowboys have been up and down over the first half with most of the troubles on the defensive side. Dak Prescott, with CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, is leading the No. 1 passing attack in the NFL. The Cowboys are 14-7 ATS in primetime games since 2021 with Prescott, including 2-0 this season. BEST BET: COWBOYS: 30-23
2'77$%M3"/(+/=".-%@1$*%I77+#%4N56%.+7+=/"(+$%O'(*%2'77$%O'9+% /+.+'8+/%!*"7'7%P*"-'/%",(+/%P*"-'/%$.1/+9%">"'#$(%(*+%J"#Q (*+/$%1#%P3#9")A%C.(1=+/%EDA%EFEGA%'#%&*"/71((+A%:H&H% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%4IJ%J*1(1K@".1=%!3R,+/?"#6 SEATTLE (5-2) at WASHINGTON (3-5) Line: Seahawks minus 3 1/2 Sam Darnold has provided the Seahawks consistent play at quarterback and the defence is allowing 19.4 points per game. The Commanders can’t afford another loss after matching last season’s loss total already. After going to the NFC title game, they’re in danger of falling completely out of the playoff race with another loss. Jayden Daniels is expected back and Washington needs him to lead an offence missing other key players. UPSET SPECIAL: COMMANDERS: 23-20 BALTIMORE (2-5) at MIAMI (2-6) Line: Ravens minus 7 1/2 Lamar Jackson is expected to return for the Ravens after missing three games with a hamstring injury. They need to start a winning streak. Tua Tagovailoa is coming off his best game of the season in Miami’s lopsided win at Atlanta. John Harbaugh’s
teams are 10-1 straight up on Thursday nights as a favourite. Mike McDaniel’s teams are 0-4 straight up and 1-3 against the spread on Thursday nights. RAVENS: 30-20 MINNESOTA (3-4) at DETROIT (5-2) Line: Lions minus 8 1/2 J.J. McCarthy is expected to return for the Vikings after missing five games with an ankle injury. The offensive line has to protect him better than they did for Carson Wentz. The Lions rebounded from a loss to the Chiefs with a convincing win over Tampa Bay before their bye week. The Vikings are 5-8-1 ATS when playing a game on any extended rest under coach Kevin O’Connell. The Lions are 8-0 ATS against Minnesota with QB Jared Goff. LIONS: 31-17 CHICAGO (4-3) at CINCINNATI (3-5) Line: Bears minus 3 The Bears need Caleb Williams to be better. He didn’t throw a touchdown
!"#$"$%&'()%&*'+,$%-'.-+/%0"//'$1#%23(-+/%456%7+"8+$%(*+%,'+79%",(+/%"#%:;<%,11(="77%>"?+% ">"'#$(%(*+%@".-$1#8'77+%@">3"/$A%B1#9")A%C.(1=+/%DA%EFEGA%'#%@".-$1#8'77+A%;7"H% %%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%%4IJ%J*1(1KJ*+7"#%BH%L=+#*".-6 pass in the past two games and has been inconsistent. That’s contributed to the team’s struggles in the red zone. The Bengals had a chance to even their record but surrendered 39 points to the lowly and previously winless Jets. Joe Flacco has 7 TDs and no interceptions in three games for Cincinnati. Teams are 0-7 ATS this season the week after playing the Jets. BEARS: 26-22 CAROLINA (4-4) at GREEN BAY (5-1-1) Line: Packers minus 13 With a depleted offensive line, Carolina’s best chance to stay close is for Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard running effectively no matter who is starting at quarterback. Jordan Love was outstanding for the Packers in his first head-tohead matchup against the Steelers. Green Bay has averaged 23.3 points in the second half of its past four games. PACKERS: 30-16
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (5-3) at TENNESSEE (1-7) Line: Chargers minus 9 1/2 Justin Herbert and the Chargers were impressive in a Thursday night win against Minnesota and have extra rest going into this matchup. Titans interim coach Mike McCoy coached the Chargers previously. Tennessee has lost 11 straight home games. The Titans are 13-35-2 ATS in their past 50 games. Chargers are 10-2 ATS as a road favourite on the East Coast under Jim Harbaugh. CHARGERS: 31-13 ATLANTA (3-4) at NEW ENGLAND (6-2) Line: Patriots minus 6 The Falcons have lost two in a row since beating Buffalo. Michael Penix Jr. missed last week’s loss to Miami and Kirk Cousins couldn’t get the offence going. Drake Maye has emerged as an MVP candidate and Mike Vrabel has led an impressive turnaround in New England. The Patriots have won seven in a row against Atlanta, including their comeback from a 28-3 deficit in a Super Bowl. PATRIOTS: 23-20 SAN FRANCISCO (5-3) at NEW YORK GIANTS (2-6) Line: 49ers minus 2 1/2 Christian McCaffrey could have a big day against a defence that allowed 150 yards rushing to Saquon Barkley and 104 to Tank Bigsby last week. The 49ers are missing many key players, but the offence needs to count on McCaffrey and George Kittle. Without Cam Skattebo and Malik Nabers, Jaxson Dart has a tough task. But San Francisco doesn’t have Fred Warner, Nick Bosa or Bryce Huff on defence. 49ERS: 24-19 INDIANAPOLIS (7-1) at PITTSBURGH (4-3) Line: Colts minus 3 The Colts are surging behind a rejuvenated Daniel Jones and MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor. They’re only one victory away from matching last season's win total. The Steelers signed Aaron Rodgers to improve the
passing game. Their highpriced additions in the secondary — Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay — haven’t helped prevent teams from passing against them. Pittsburgh has the worst pass defence in the NFL. COLTS: 24-23 DENVER (6-2) at HOUSTON (3-4) Line: Texans minus 1 1/2 A matchup of two of the best defences in the NFL. The Texans are first in yards and fewest points per game. The Broncos are fifth in both categories. Bo Nix and Denver’s offence have produced 77 points in the past five quarters. C.J. Stroud is coming off a spectacular performance for the Texans. It’s the second week in a row Houston is a favourite against a team that has three more wins. TEXANS: 19-16 JACKSONVILLE (4-3) at LAS VEGAS (2-5) Line: Jaguars minus 3 The Jaguars followed up an impressive win over the Chiefs with consecutive duds. They’re coming off a bye week and need to get back on the winning track. Pete Carroll’s team has been a disappointment in Las Vegas. Geno Smith has struggled and the Raiders aren’t doing anything well. They also are coming off a bye that should help them get some players back. Carroll was 0-4 with the Seahawks after a bye in his last four years. JAGUARS: 24-18 NEW ORLEANS (1-7) at LOS ANGELES RAMS (5-2) Line: Rams minus 14 The Saints are a bad football team but their defence can cause trouble for opponents. They’ll give rookie QB Tyler Shough his first start to try to boost the offence. With a big game upcoming against San Francisco, the Rams just have to avoid overlooking New Orleans. They’re returning from a bye aiming for a strong second half to position themselves for a playoff run. The Rams haven’t covered the spread in their past four games after a bye. RAMS: 30-13