The Washington Redskins bounced back to break a four-game losing streak with a 20-17 overtime win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 26. On an uncharacteristically chilly day in Jacksonville, Fla., Washington jumped out to a 10-0 lead but eventually edged Jacksonville with an interception in overtime to set up Graham Gano’s 31-yard field goal. […]
Author Archives: Stephen D. Riley
Special to the AFRO
Posted inSports
McNamara Mixes it Up against Gonzaga, Wins on the Road
McNamara head coach Marty Keithline knew a road trip against the No. 3 (Washington Post) Gonzaga Eagles would be difficult; so the team packed up and brought its fans and stingy zone defense on the road with them on Dec. 22. In front of a packed house at Washington, D.C.’s Gonzaga High School, the No. […]
Posted inCollege
Howard Returns to Action With 69-65 Win Over Loyola
Playing their first game in two weeks, the Howard Bison snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 69-65 win over Loyola at Burr Gymnasium on Dec. 22. Sophomore forward Mike Phillips led all scorers with 19 points, and his two free throws with less than nine seconds left helped seal the game as Howard came […]
Posted inWashington D.C. News
District Bridge Projects Set to Begin
Washington, D.C. commuters should brace themselves for major traffic changes to two of the busiest streets in the city. Construction on the New York Avenue Bridge and the replacement of the 9th Street Bridge is scheduled to begin in the early portion of 2011. With the intent of improving safety and street quality, construction is […]
Posted inSports
Washington Welcomes Lewis, Says Goodbye to Arenas in Trade
A winless week has rarely been so exciting. Despite falling to a 6-19 record after a 0-3 week, the Washington Wizards overshadowed their lackluster play on the court with some major play outside the white lines. In perhaps the biggest trade of the NBA season so far, the Wizards traded Gilbert Arenas to the Orlando […]
Posted inSports
Three Downs from the District: ‘Skins Lose to ‘Boys 33-30 but Grossman Impressive
The decision by Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan to start Rex Grossman over Donavan McNabb was going to cause conflict regardless if the team defeated the Dallas Cowboys Dec. 19—but maybe most critics had it wrong about Grossman’s chances to help them do just that. Making his first start since 2008, Gross played the game […]
Posted inColumnists
Is it Over Yet? Redskins Find New Way to Disappoint
It wasn’t just the bad snap or the missed field goals. It wasn’t the near 200-yard rusher that went to waste or another low-scoring offensive output. See, it’s hard to summarize exactly what was the most disappointing aspect in yet another tear-jerker for the Washington Redskins. Maybe it was a collection of things that prompted […]
Posted inSports
West Coast Trip Unkind to Wizards
The Washington Wizards started their three-game western road trip on Dec. 5 with a clash against Phoenix and concluded it with a battle against Sacramento before returning home to the Verizon Center with a Dec. 10 date with the New York Knicks. The Wizards’ visit to Phoenix started out well, with the team posting 60 […]
Posted inHigh School
Fenner Carries Gonzaga to Tournament Final
American University’s Bender Arena played host to semifinal action of the 22nd annual Washington, D.C. Gonzaga Basketball Classic on Dec. 11, and the action was fast and heavy with four teams vying for a chance to appear in the championship game on Dec. 12. The Gonzaga Eagles, winners of four consecutive tournaments, rolled into their […]
Posted inSports
Three Downs from the District: Washington Wastes Big Day from Torain in Loss to Tampa Bay
The Washington Redskins reached a new level of frustration on Dec. 12 after a botched extra point attempt left the home fans shaking their heads following a 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedEx Field in Landover, Md. With only nine seconds remaining after Washington mounted a 69-yard touchdown drive to pull within […]
Posted inHigh School
Gonzaga Captures Fifth-Straight Classic Title With 54-49 Win over Charlotte Christian
Washington, D.C.’s Gonzaga Eagles are trying something different this season. After being powered mostly by a senior-laden attack last year, head coach Steve Turner is counting on a few talented sophomores to direct his team this season. Vying for the school’s fourth-straight Gonzaga Classic tournament title, it was the play of point guard Nate Britt, […]
Posted inHigh School
Britt Delivers for Gonzaga in First Round of D.C. Classic
The annual Washington, D.C. Gonzaga Basketball Classic opened its doors for a 22nd season on Dec. 10, welcoming four schools from around the East Coast as well as four local programs. Hosted at Gonzaga High School, the tournament will move to D.C.’s American University for the remaining action on Dec. 11 and Dec. 12. Holy […]