Directory

The New England Patriots have continued holding tryouts as the team prepares for the 2026 NFL season.According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots hosted defensive backs Hudson Clark and Jeremiah McClendon for tryouts on Friday. Clark began his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2025. He has yet to play in an NFL game. Clark spent five years at Arkansas from 2020-24 prior to entering the NFL. He recorded six interceptions in five seasons spent with the Razorbacks.McClendon signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 NFL Draft. He was waived by the Saints on May 27. McClendon played for Marshall (2021), Charleston Southern (2022), FIU (2023) and Southern Illinois in 2024 before entering the NFL.The Patriots are led by Kevin Byard and Craig Woodson at safety, as well as Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis III and Marcus Jones at cornerback.Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots host two defensive backs for training camp tryout

At the request of the Harris County district attorney's office in Houston, a misdemeanor gun charge against Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden has been dismissed after he completed an alternative resolution program, reports the Associated Press.Alternative programs are a fairly common way for people to avoid a criminal record for a minor offense. In this case, Harden likely did some community service in the Houston area, although the agreement did not detail exactly what he did, according to the AP.Harden, an 11-time All-Star, had been arrested on June 13 for having a gun in the cupholder of his car. He had been driving a car as part of a multi-car group when one of the other drivers was pulled over, according to the Harris County police report. Harden had pulled up behind the police and the other vehicle, and while interacting with the police, one officer noticed Harden had a gun in the cupholder of his car, according to the report. Harden allegedly confirmed the gun was his, which led to his arrest and booking.Harden played eight seasons — his peak seasons, statistically — in Houston and has close ties to the city. He spends much of his offseason there every year.Harden, 36, technically still remains a free agent, but is expected to re-sign with the Cavaliers in the coming weeks. He opted out of the $42.3 million he was owed to give the Cavaliers more cap space to chase LeBron James (they struck out there) or make other moves. He is expected to re-sign in Cleveland for around $30 million a season (depending on what other moves the team makes) for multiple years. Harden was traded from the LA Clippers to Cleveland in the middle of this past season, and between the two teams he averaged 23.6 points and 8 assists per game while shooting 37.5% from 3-point range.

A matchup between the Denver Summit and the Utah Royals has been significantly postponed due to extreme heat and other environmental factors, the NWSL announced Friday. The match, which was set to kick off at 2 p.m. MT on Saturday in Denver, has been rescheduled to 8 p.m. MT.The NWSL said that the decision to push back the match was made after consulting with climate experts, doctors from both teams and the NWSL Players’ Association.“The healthy and safety of our players, staff, officials and fans remains our top priority and will continue to guide our decision-making in this matter,” the league wrote in a statement.Saturday’s match will be held at Centennial Stadium, the Summit’s temporary venue while it builds a new stadium in Denver. Centennial, CO, where the stadium is located, is just southeast of Denver.Temperatures are set to near 100 degrees in Denver on Saturday. In addition, the area will be affected by air quality issues stemming from wildfires coming from the western part of the country. Both of those issues will only be exacerbated by the altitude, an ever-present issue when playing in Denver, which sits one mile above sea level.That combination, per the league, led to “unique medical considerations that warranted additional precaution beyond the operational standards established in the league’s Gameday Heat Safety Policy.” The league’s policy, which uses the wet bulb globe temperature to measure safety risk, is usually used to factor humidity and cloud cover into the baseline heat.An update from the NWSL on tomorrow’s match between Denver Summit FC and Utah Royals FC. pic.twitter.com/cUButIw5Ll— National Women’s Soccer League (@NWSL) August 7, 2026The NWSL’s weather policy has been criticized over the past few years, especially as weather conditions worsen with climate change. Last August, a game between the Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride was delayed by more than three hours due to excess heat.Initially, the league’s focus seemed to be on money lost, rather than safety: The Athletic reported after that game that NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman had threatened to fine the Current over a disagreement on whether it was safe to play, with Berman citing the potentially high cost of missing their broadcast window.With the league’s heat policy facing scrutiny (and Berman’s alleged threat receiving backlash) after that game, the NWSL updated its weather policy ahead of the 2026 season, adding additional hydration breaks during games within a set wet bulb globe temperature range.However, more changes are likely coming this offseason. A summer marred by wildfire smoke across the country has raised additional weather issues that can affect games.In the Queens Classic last month, when Gotham FC beat the Washington Spirit in Citi Field, the game proceeded as scheduled despite an air quality index of 170 — just below the NWSL’s threshold for postponing the match. Players after the game said that the air quality was less than ideal to play in, even with two hydration breaks per half to try and combat the effects of the smoke.During a midseason press conference on Wednesday, Berman said that it would be reassessing policies at the end of the season, and acknowledged that the Gotham-Spirit game would be used as a “data point” in that analysis.

The ball left Corbin Carroll’s bat at 110 mph and was headed toward the right-center field gap before San Diego Padres center fielder Jackson Merrill made a sliding grab. The play from the first inning on Thursday night, Aug. 6, was the sort of tough-luck moment that sums up how Carroll has been feeling at the plate in recent weeks.For the better part of a month, the Diamondbacks have been playing as well as any team in baseball. Somehow, they have been doing it without much in the way of offensive contributions from Carroll or Ketel Marte, their top two hitters.For his part, Carroll says he still has “a long way to go” to feel the way he wants against right-handed pitchers, but he doesn’t think the numbers he has been putting up lately — he is hitting just .211 since the All-Star break — accurately reflect how he has been feeling.“I think if you look at the expected numbers since the break they’ve been pretty good,” Carroll said. “I think we talked earlier in the year and I felt like the batted-ball luck had kind of gone my way. I kind of feel the opposite of that right now. I feel like a lot of balls I’m putting in play are finding a man out there. I’m trying not to get too caught up in that and go out there and keep playing and not press for results.”Carroll is right about his expected numbers. Since the break, his expected average (.248) and slug (.469) are better than his actual average (.211) and slug (.469).He said he has been working in the batting cage using balls that generate “extra ride,” which has helped him keep from getting under balls and popping them up.“Just hitting a few more balls on a line,” he said. “That’s probably been the biggest thing, I would say. Just a little less extreme with the ball flight, a few more line drives.”Other than that, he credits a couple of days off after the All-Star Game with helping him deal with some “nagging” injuries.“The little stuff adds up,” he said. “I haven’t had any off days. Only off days I’ve taken have been because I’ve not been able to go. I think having a couple of days over the break, that Wednesday and Thursday, has helped.”—Nick PiecoroPuk shut down for year; Gallen, Burnes updatesThe Diamondbacks will no longer have the services of left-handed reliever A.J. Puk this season, manager Torey Lovullo announced prior to the team's game against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Friday, Aug. 7. Puk has been shut down about two months after the onset of left shoulder discomfort during a rehab outing with Triple-A Reno in June. He had already been trying to come back from left elbow surgery last year. "He will just rest and recover through the rest of this year, through the offseason and get ready for a very healthy '27," Lovullo said. "He worked as hard as he possibly could, it just didn't work out for him this year."Right-handed pitcher Zac Gallen (elbow inflammation) met with Lovullo after recent imaging and threw a 25-pitch bullpen on Aug. 7. He reported feeling good.Right-hander Corbin Burnes (right shoulder strain) also threw a 25-pitch bullpen session.Outfielder Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (right adductor strain) needs his recent imaging evaluated after an injury setback, but Lovullo said he is "still on a very good path."Right-handed pitcher Ryne Nelson (strained right elbow) is feeling good after throwing off flat ground on Aug. 7. Reliever Ryan Thompson (strained back) will start his progression on Aug. 10 and outfielder Tommy Troy will take live batting practice on Aug. 8 to test out his injured shoulder.Right-hander Drey Jameson (hip injury) will throw in a facility game at Salt River Fields. Outfielder Jordan Lawlar (hamstring) will play in his third Double-A game on Friday and is set to play on Aug. 8, with the possibility of moving on to play rehab games at Triple-A Reno."We're getting very close with him," Lovullo said of Lawlar. "He's missed here. He's going to help this team win baseball games. And when he comes back, we need him at 100 percent where he can play the same type of back-to-back games."Right-handed pitcher Justin Martinez (elbow surgery recovery) was scheduled to pitch for Class A Visalia in a rehab outing in Fresno, and right-handed pitcher Michael Soroka is getting close to a return after throwing a bullpen session at Chase Field on Aug. 7.Lefty Blake Walston is pitching in games after long-term rehab from left elbow surgery and is set to throw two innings and 35 pitches in Reno.-Jose M. RomeroRoster moves bring Strowd back to bigsThe Diamondbacks recalled right-handed reliever Kade Strowd from Triple-A Reno on Friday, Aug. 7, after they optioned lefty Kohl Drake to Reno following his 3⅔-inning effort on Thursday, Aug. 6 in a loss to San Diego."Kohl unfortunately hit some bumps in the road," Lovullo said. "We needed the extra reliever. We tapped into it a little bit (Thursday) with our length guy (three innings from Philip Abner). Strowd coming up here has been throwing the ball real good in Triple-A. He's able to give us multiple innings."-Jose M. RomeroArenado named award recipientDiamondbacks 3B Nolan Arenado was announced as the Diamondbacks' Heart and Hustle Award winner for the 2026 season, an honor handed out by the Major League Baseball Players Association.The award is annually given to active players who exemplify a true passion for the game and who best embody the spirit, values and traditions of the game of baseball. Arenado, in his 13th MLB season, will be presented the award prior to the Diamondbacks-Dodgers game on Saturday, Aug. 8. Former Diamondbacks Paul Goldschmidt (Yankees) and Jake McCarthy (Rockies) were the honorees for their respective teams. -Jose M. RomeroDodgers at Diamondbacks, 6:40 p.m., Cox, Ch. 34Diamondbacks RHP Merrill Kelly (8-9, 5.04) vs. Dodgers RHP Roki Sasaki (5-5, 4.64).At Chase Field: Kelly had been on a good roll until he gave up five earned runs at Cleveland on Sunday, Aug. 2. In that game, he had five strikeouts, four walks and ran his streak to 16 games pitching at least five innings. No team has given Kelly fits like the Dodgers. Kelly is 0-11 in 17 career starts against L.A., with 16 home runs given up in his career. ... Sasaki has won his past two starts and has clearly improved as a starting pitcher over last season. His numbers aren't out-of-this-world great, but the 24-year-old from Japan has made 19 starts after an injury-filled 2025. Opponents have 20 home runs off Sasaki in his 99 innings of work in 2026. He'll make his second career start and third appearance against the Diamondbacks.Coming upSaturday, Aug. 8: At Chase Field, 5:10 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Brandon Pfaadt (6-1, 3.66) vs. Dodgers RHP Yoshinobu Yamamoto (11-7, 2.76).Sunday, Aug. 9: At Chase Field, 1:10 p.m., Diamondbacks LHP Eduardo Rodriguez (10-4, 2.71) vs. Dodgers LHP Justin Wrobleski (11-3, 3.31).Monday, Aug. 10: At Chase Field, 6:40 p.m., Diamondbacks RHP Michael Soroka (8-3, 3.07) vs. Rockies RHP Gabriel Hughes (0-3, 4.25).(This story will be updated with more information.)This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Dodgers at Diamondbacks updates. Carroll's tough luck; AJ Puk done

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - AUGUST 06: Adrian Morejon#50 of the San Diego Padres reacts after delivering a pitch against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on August 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images Houston Astros (59-57) at San Diego Padres (60-56), August 7, 2026, 6:40 p.m. PSTWatch: Padres.TVLocation: Petco Park – San Diego, Calif.Listen: 97.3 The FanKeep it rolling. pic.twitter.com/pLmBrLjBqj— San Diego Padres (@Padres) August 7, 2026Kicking off the road trip in San Diego 🛫 ⚾️: 8:40 PM 📺:@SpaceCityHN & SCHN2 🎙️:@SportsTalk790 | Spanish: 102.9 HD2 #ChaseTheFight x @reliantenergypic.twitter.com/XdXWTlMU4P— Houston Astros (@astros) August 7, 2026Please remember our Game Day thread guidelines.Don’t troll in your comments; create conversation rather than destroying itRemember Gaslamp Ball is basically a non-profanity siteOut of respect to broadcast partners who have paid to carry the game, no mentions of “alternative” (read: illegal) viewing methods are allowed in our threadJoin the conversation!Sign up for a user account and get:Fewer adsCreate community postsComment on articles, community postsRec comments, community postsNew, improved notifications system!

The Arizona Cardinals played their first preseason game on Thursday in the Hall of Fame Game. They lost to the Carolina Panthers 33-30 on a last-second play. They had players step up andand improve their stock to make the roster. In Thursday's game, which Cardinals improved their stock?QB Carson BeckBeck was already a lock to make the roster, but his play has made some people start talking about him as the Cardinals' starting quarterback. That is far-fetched at this point, but the way he played, even if it was against backups and fringe roster players, showed that the NFL game isn't too big or fast for him. He was poised. He made good throws. He made good decisions. Fans can start envisioning him as an NFL starting quarterback, even if it is just a little hope. There is at least some evidence. He was 15-of-19 passing for 188 yards and a touchdown. WR Jalen BrooksBrooks had three receptions for 99 yards. Two came on deep downfield throws. He also had one pass broken up on third down that he should have caught. But he made plays, took a big hit and, as head coach Mike LaFLeur said postgame he "wasn't shocked at what we saw out of him," as he has been consistent all offseason and in camp. He really is making a case for the final roster. NT Andrew BillingsBillings is a monster of a man and played 12 early snaps. He had a sack and a pair of tackles for loss. He looked great. However, as a 10-year NFL vet with 90 career starts, that's how he should look against offensive linemen fighting to make a roster. That said, he and Roy Lopez should give the Cardinals some strength on the defensive interior. WR Reggie VirgilVirgil has been making some noise in training camp and continued that on Thursday, catching five passes for 66 yards. He also made a tackle on special teams, which is a role he will have to fill if he is going to make the roster. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple Podcasts.This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Rising stock: 4 Arizona Cardinals players who stood out vs. Panthers

Young Mets outfielder Carson Benge was pulled from Friday's game against the Pirates for an undisclosed reason.Benge had gone 2-for-2 with two RBI in his first two at-bats, but in the bottom of the third, Ronny Simon lofted a flyball toward the corner in left field. Benge travelled a long way and slid feet first toward the corner, reaching up with his glove and making a catch. However, Benge seemingly jammed his wrist against the wall and was hunched over for a few seconds before tossing the ball back to the infield.Benge completed the half-inning, but was pulled from left field for Cristian Pache in the fourth inning. This story is still developing...Carson Benge makes the catch at the wall and gets the out! 😱 pic.twitter.com/gaS5jMgp2O— SNY (@SNYtv) August 8, 2026

Fresno State soccer is ready to kick off its inaugural season in the Pac-12.In this week's Good Sports, Sydney Berger sits down with women's soccer head Coach Gabriel Bolton, who's leading the Bulldogs for the first time this season.For sports updates, follow Sydney Berger on Facebook, X and Instagram.

The recruitment of Five-Star Plus+ running back David Gabriel Georges came to a head last month as the nation’s No. 8 overall prospect committed to Tennessee. Now, the elite Baylor School (Tenn.) star can focus solely on his senior season. That’s bad news for opposing defenses.Baylor School is at Georgia powerhouse Buford for a Friday-night scrimmage. Gabriel Georges made his presence felt immediately. On his first touch of the night, the 5-foot-11, 220-pound broke off a 54-yard touchdown run:First carry = TouchdownTennessee 5-star RB commit David Gabriel Georges takes it to the house for Baylor (TN).(via @ChadSimmons_)https://t.co/VNWukOOOG7pic.twitter.com/zRaiWf20Ex— Rivals High School (@RivalsHS) August 8, 2026As a junior last fall, Gabriel Georges rushed for 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns. He’s got 41 rushing scores to his name over the last two years. This story will be updated.Scouting David Gabriel Georges“Violent runner who pairs high-end vision with supreme tackle-breaking ability. Measured at around 5-foot-11, 200 pounds as a junior, but looks to have added mass heading into his senior year. Extremely physically developed. Dominant runner on Friday nights, turning in a historic run of big-game performances as a junior while leading his team to a state title. Has a viscerally violent and aggressive running style. Plays with plus vision, setting up and reading blocks. A natural who can pick his way through the line of scrimmage with instincts and footwork. An absolute load to tackle at the second level with elite contact balance and power. Lowers his shoulder to truck ball carriers. Spins out of tackle attempts and has the balance to gather and finish runs. Has a strong stiff arm. Can hit home runs once at the second level. Rushed for 1,756 yards and 27 touchdowns averaging over 11 plus yards per carry with much of his production coming in his team’s biggest games.”

Prime Minister Mark Carney is attempting to prevent 50 percent tariffs against many Canadian goods scheduled for this month.

The worst heat is expected out West, where most of the wildfire smoke may be trapped, while the East also swelters and faces a chance of thunderstorms.

Cheyanne Bowers went from almost getting submitted to submitting her opponent, Elora Dana, in just a matter of seconds.That's right. Bowers (8-3) submitted Dana (8-3) after nearly getting submitted herself with a rear-naked choke in the first round of their women's flyweight contest at PFL Charlotte, which took place Friday at Bojangles Coliseum in North Carolina. Bowers survived an early back take and submission attempt to then take the back of Dana and tap her at the 3:36 mark of Round 1. It was an impressive finish that got Bowers her first win under the PFL banner, having lost her PFL debut in May.You can watch Bowers' rear-naked choke win in the video below:CHEYANNE BOWERS WITH NO REMORSE 😱FIRST ROUND FINISH#PFLCharlotte | 📺 Prelims LIVE NOW on the ESPN App | Main Card 10PM EST on ESPN pic.twitter.com/Dr9W2KKpIn— PFL (@PFLMMA) August 8, 2026Up-to-the-minute PFL Charlotte results:Cheyanne Bowers def. Elora Dana via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:36Landry Ward def. Michael Boylan via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 30-27)Bruno Cappelozza def. Valentin Moldavsky via unanimous decision (29-28, 30-27, 29-28)Jonathan Martin def. Wilson Lopshire via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-25, 30-27)Maxwell Djantou Nana def. Eduardo Neves via TKO (punches) – Round 3, 2:01Trey Waters def. Trukon Carson via TKO (punches) – Round 1, 4:37This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: PFL Charlotte video: Cheyanne Bowers turns tables, taps Elora Dana in first

Every season, the Oregon Ducks have a roster stacked with elite talent and seasoning at every position. Sometimes it can seem nearly impossible for a freshman to break through right away and snag a regular role.Well, last season proved the Ducks aren't afraid to let the freshmen run if they can help the team. Even in a loaded wide receiver room, the Ducks have a couple of freshmen who have stood out in the first few days of fall camp, including a talented pass-catcher who wasn't around to make an impression in the spring.Five-star freshman Jalen Lott enrolled in the summer and is playing catch-up with the rest of the offense. Fortunately, Lott isn't just quick on the field. He's picking up the playbook and wowing the coaching staff at Oregon's first three practices.Oregon has raked in premier recruits at wide receiver in recent years, and Lott is among them. Entering a room with returners like Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and Jeremiah McClellan, there is plenty of competition for targets. Defensive coordinator Chris Hampton is getting the Ducks' defense off to a good start in practice, but the freshman wideout has been a problem early on, which could be a good omen."He has a ton of potential," Hampton said of Lott on Thursday. "He has a tremendous catch radius and can accelerate. He has really good hands, can start and stop, and has good burst. Going against all of our receivers in practice is a challenge. They make some plays against us, and you think, 'I am glad they are on our team.’ They challenge us each and every day. Jalen has looked really good so far."Oregon is making some tweaks to the offense this season under new offensive coordinator Drew Mehringer, but that also means there is a chance for Lott, as well as fellow freshman Gatlin Bair, to prove themselves worthy of a role when the Ducks take the field for the first time on Sept. 5. The summer represented Lott's first chance to stand out and gear up for fall camp, and so far, he hasn't wasted an opportunity.Mehringer referenced the infamous Wally Pipp story when speaking to the media on Friday. The former New York Yankees first baseman missed a game with a headache. Who stepped in? Hall of Famer Lou Gehrig, who took his spot and started 2,130 consecutive games. Mehringer uses it as a reminder to all of his players that things can change on a dime."For the young guys in the wide receiver room, I think they've got to continue to grow and see where they're at," Mehringer said on Friday. "At this point in fall camp, they just came off a great summer. (Strength coach) Wilson Love did an unreal job with those guys. They look completely different, which is awesome to see. It's a testament to him and what the players did over the summer."Jalen Lott making a play in his first practice 👀 pic.twitter.com/oNc3HRjIhs— Oregon Updates (@oregon__updates) August 6, 2026While Moore, Stewart and McClellan are widely expected to top the depth chart for the Ducks this season, the battle rages on down the board. Bair and UAB transfer Iverson Hooks present elite speed and quickness, similar to Lott. The Texas native can separate himself with his ability to win with acrobatic catches in the air, which he has already showcased in fall camp.Mehringer has made it clear that experience in the offense won't secure any receiver a job at this point, given how loaded the room is. The door is open. Lott just needs to find a way to step through."I think coach Ross Douglas has done an unbelievable job of bringing in good players," Mehringer said. "We tell everybody that if you're good enough, you're old enough. There are no jobs that have been solidified or anything like that. You've got to go out and earn it every single day."Contact/Follow @Ducks_Wire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Oregon Ducks news, notes, and opinions.This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon freshman WR Jalen Lott showing a 'ton of potential'

Starting pitcher Blake Snell is expected to make his return to the mound for the Los Angeles Dodgers next week.The left-handed pitcher is expected to start for the Dodgers on Tuesday, Aug. 11, according to manager Dave Roberts.The two-time Cy Young winner made his way back from an elbow injury and recently participated in a minor league rehab assignment for the organization's Triple-A affiliate. He pitched 3⅔ innings in the Aug. 4 game, striking out three in 73 pitches (41 strikes). But Snell also allowed five hits, two home runs and four walks during the outing.Blake Snell 2026 season statsSnell has pitched just three innings against the Atlanta Braves on May 9 and was credited with the loss in his only start this season. He struck out five runners but allowed six hits, five runs (four earned runs) and two walks this season.Blake Snell career statsThe 33-year-old pitcher is in his 11th season in the majors. He began his big-league career with the Tampa Bay Rays in 2016 and played there for five seasons, winning the 2018 AL Cy Young Award.He was traded to the San Diego Padres following the 2020 season, adding an NL Cy Young Award in 2023 in his final season with the team.Snell then signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco Giants ahead of the 2024 season before the Los Angeles Dodgers signed him as a free agent on Nov. 30, 2024.During his career, Snell has started 223 games and posted a win-loss record of 81-63 with a 3.17 ERA and 1,445 strikeouts. He holds the MLB career record with 11.9 strikeouts per nine innings pitched.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Blake Snell injury update: Dodgers pitching ace to return after long layoff

Packers Family Night returned to Lambeau Field for its 25th year on Friday, Aug. 7, giving fans an opportunity to spend the evening watching the team practice inside the stadium.Prior to the 7:30 p.m. practice, Family Fest was held across the Titletown District from 3-6:30 p.m. A place for fans and families to hang out and spend their afternoon before entering the stadium.The fest had yard games, face painting, food trucks and drink tents. Some families tailgated, grilling up dinner before the practice. Titletown was a sea of green and Packers jerseys as families made their way around the grounds.Julie Butschli came with her son, Tom White, for the second consecutive year."We just carry on the Packer tradition," Butschli said, about honoring her father and brother, who have died.Butschli was raised a Packers fan in Illinois and now her son lives in Green Bay carrying on the team spirit. White described Family Night as the "first kickoff" to Packers season that brings people together to experience Lambeau Field."Just seeing the stadium, the inside of the stadium, the field, the players, and the tradition that goes along that," White said. Packers Family Night attracts fans from all over. Marcus Allen drove three and a half hours from Chicago for Family Night. It is the third consecutive year he has come with his son and daughter.Allen said Family Night gives fans a chance to be a part of the Packer environment and spend more of their money on gear rather than seats. Tickets including fees and tax cost $12.42 each."You can take something with you every year when you go home," Allen said. People began funneling into the stadium for Family Night around 5:30 p.m. to get situated before the practice. Kathryn Byrnes is a reporter for the Green Bay Press-Gazette. You can reach her at kbyrnes@gannett.com or 920-431-8526.This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Packers season is in the air as Family Night brings fans together

VERO BEACH — Citing the desire to play an opponent before the regular season begins, the Okeechobee High and Master's Academy of Vero Beach football teams met in a scrimmage Friday to kick off the season.The Brahmans scored on both possessions in the second half to post a 14-10 come-from-behind victory over the Patriots at Master's Academy."This helps a ton. These scrimmages are huge," Master's Academy coach Stephen Boyer said. "I can't imagine going into next week without having this scrimmage. We would be extremely rusty and nowhere near as prepared as we will be."The teams played 12-minute quarters in the first half and a 10-minute running clock in each quarter of the second half. The teams went through special teams situations, but there was no blocking on kickoffs, extra-point attempts or field-goal attempts.More: Treasure Coast's top QB for the 2026 high school football seasonMore: 5 area quarterbacks to watch for the 2026 high school football seasonThere was, however, plenty of pad-popping hitting."I'm proud of their effort," Okeechobee first-year coach Antwan Blatch said. "We've got to get into shape. They got down early and didn't quit. They believed in what we were doing and eventually we came out and started to pop late."Overcoming an interception on a tipped pass on the first play of the game, Master's Academy came back and scored on its next two possessions. Capping a nine-play drive, freshman quarterback Jackson Fromag connected with sophomore Banks Swearingen for a 19-yard touchdown pass.After Swearingen intercepted a pass on the Brahmans' second play, the Patriots drove to the Okeechobee 9-yard line before senior Burt Lockhart booted a 25-yard field goal to make it 10-0."A tipped-ball interception on the first play of the game didn't affect the kids," Boyer said. "We stopped them in four plays and got the ball back. Even with a young team, it shows growth and maturity, which is promising."Using halftime to regroup, the Brahmans kept the ball for the entire 10 minutes of the third quarter. Sophomore quarterback Christopher Sneed scored on a 3-yard sneak.After holding Master's Academy to a three-and-out on its first possession of the fourth quarter, Okeechobee went 65 yards in 10 plays. Freshman Elijah Gordon scored on a 12-yard run. Senior John Immerfall kicked the second of his two PATs to make it 14-10. Sneed then iced the game with an interception on the final play of the scrimmage.Okeechobee takeaways1. The Brahmans used different offensive skill players in the second half. The left-handed Sneed played quarterback, and Gordon was the featured back. Gordon carried 17 times for 97 yards. Sneed completed 4 of 6 passes for 34 yards, including three completions to senior running back Ashton Mobley for 27 yards. Sneed also rushed twice for 8 yards.Mobley was the primary back in the first half, gaining 17 yards on nine carries. Noah Hazellief (1 of 3, one interception, minus-1 yard) and Wyatt Hazellief (0 of 1) played quarterback in the first half."We want to be up-tempo," Blatch said after Okeechobee graduated its top five running backs from a year ago. "We slowed down a little bit in the first half to get acclimated. But after halftime, they came out with a little more fire. They got after them and finished it off. We wanted to see everybody tonight. We wanted to see as many as we could and see what we really have because next week is live. It's full go next week. So we definitely wanted to see what we've got moving forward."2. Okeechobee's defense received tackles for loss from sophomores Nehemiah Minondo, Ayden Martinez and Raymond Massey and sacks from Martinez and Massey.3. The Brahmans finished 3-7 last season under William "B.J." Prior, who stepped down to take a job in Wisconsin. Prior went 11-28 in four seasons at Okeechobee. The Brahmans were 1-3 in Florida High School Athletic Association Class 4A-District 14 play.Okeechobee opens the regular season Aug. 14 at Glades Day and plays Aug. 21 at Suncoast before its first home game Aug. 28 against Space Coast.As for what's next for the Brahmans, Blatch said: "Prepare for Glades Day. We've got five days to prep for them and get rollin'."Master's Academy takeaways1. Fromag went 7 of 13 for 105 yards in the first half. Swearingen had four receptions for 55 yards, while senior Joshua Namvar had two catches for 28 yards and junior Troy Borcheller added two receptions for 22 yards."We have to work on conditioning, but every team in the league has to work on that," Boyer said. "Ultimately, I'm extremely pleased. Our first half was solid with our starters. In the second half, they fought their backsides off."2. Senior Burt Lockhart and sophomore Colton Shirley combined for a sack. Sophomore Jesse Stone, senior Cortez Ramirez, sophomore Nicholas Polly and Swearingen recorded tackles for loss.Boyer didn't mind Okeechobee's up-tempo approach in the second half, but it took its toll on Master's Academy's limited roster and emphasized the need for better conditioning."Good for us for conditioning," Boyer said. "But overall, when you have a smaller roster, it can have an effect on you, which is smart on their end. It helps us coaches and players understand the importance of conditioning, which they do. But now they'll really understand."3. Master's Academy went 3-9 last season in its first year playing 11-man football. The Patriots lost their first five games before beating Oxbridge Academy and St. Edward's during the regular season.Master's Academy won an SSAA playoff game against Sarasota Christian in overtime before losing to Cambridge Christian in the second round.The Patriots open the season with road games at Oxbridge on Aug. 14 and at The Master's Academy of Oviedo on Aug. 21 before returning home to face Boca Raton Christian on Aug. 28."We're going to dig into film hard because more than half of our roster has never played," Boyer said. "The fact they got reps on the field means there's a lot of teaching ahead. Obviously we've got to hit the weights, condition and tune up a few things. But we'll be buried in film to help get them coached up."This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Football: Scrimmage answers questions for Okeechobee, Master's Academy