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The NBA champion New York Knicks raise their title banner ahead of a showdown against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers. Live coverage on Sportsnet and Sportsnet+ begins at 7 p.m. ET / 4 p.m. PT, or follow along with our live tracker.

The Milwaukee Brewers ran a promotion over a decade ago offering fans a “Timeless Ticket” granting them admission to any game in the future if they paid $1,000.

1. In Texas’ Senate Race, Paxton and Talarico Converge on Key Battleground  The New York Times
2. Hottest 2026 Midterm Races—Talarico Up 2 Points In Texas Senate Race In Latest Poll (Updated Daily)  Forbes
3. Final midterm election polls: Talarico, Abbott lead as early voting begins  WFAA
4. Suburban women souring on Paxton could doom him in tight race  The Washington Post
5. James Talarico and Ken Paxton hold a day of dueling rallies as Texas begins early voting  NBC News

Coach Ted Abel has a long-running legacy, having spent time as a teacher, coach, and now PIAA official over the past half-century at William Tennent High School.

He started teaching in 1973 and then started coaching track and field in 1974. He then added cross country to his repertoire the year after.

But even before that, Abel was a student down the road at Upper Moreland High School. There, he competed in the annual William Tennent Cross Country Invitational.

It's that very invitational that he has kept moving over the years.

However, the event encountered a few speed bumps in its seven-decade history. In the 1980s, it was even threatened by a similar event taking place at the same time.

But Abel, his fellow coaches, and the broader William Tennent community refused to allow the event to peter out.

Now, it attracts hundreds of students from dozens of area schools who zig and zag through a course full of varied elevations.

That very course is known as the Coach Ted Abel Cross Country Course.

Abel hopes to continue serving as a PIAA official as long as he's having fun.

Watch the video above to see the story in action.

RELATED: 100-year-old bowler still throws strikes in Delaware County

You could say he's on a roll at 100 years old. William Owen Hanna is a veteran, a deacon, and a lifelong bowler who still hits the lanes every week.

Motorsport photo

Four-time Formula 1 champion Max Verstappen has backed Isack Hadjar to eventually succeed him at Red Bull.

Hadjar joined Red Bull alongside Verstappen at the start of 2026 after impressing in his rookie season with sister outfit Racing Bulls. While the Milton Keynes outfit has struggled for some time to find a team-mate for the Dutchman who could extract the same level of performance from the car, Hadjar has impressed so far.

With six rounds remaining in the 2026 season, Verstappen sits fourth in the drivers' championship with 221 points, while Hadjar is eighth with 97 points, having missed three race weekends due to a wrist injury.

While speaking to Canal+, Verstappen discussed his 22-year-old team-mate.

"Isack, he’s still a very young guy. He’s been a part of the Red Bull programme for a while now," Verstappen said. "Even when he was still not racing in Formula 1, he’s been around to some of the races, listening in and following.

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull RacingMax Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Isack Hadjar, Red Bull Racing

"So, I slowly start to feel a little bit old having a younger team-mate by quite a few years. But that’s a normal process, and that’s also what, as a team, you should be looking for, right?

"I’m not going to race forever, and at one point you need new talent coming into the team to try and take over at one point. That’s always been a little bit the way that Red Bull works, finding new talent, and I think that will continue for a long time.

"As a team-mate, he has been great. He’s just getting started, but it has been really nice."

When asked if Hadjar could take his role within the team in the future, Verstappen added: "That’s what I hope. As I said, I’m not racing here forever. He has a few years on me, so hopefully he can stay around for a bit longer."

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.

Photo by Jason Mendez/Getty Images for SiriusXM

Stephen A Smith has revealed his pick to win the 2026/27 NBA Championship – and it’s not the New York Knicks.

Smith believes the Oklahoma City Thunder are the team to beat this year and has warned the Knicks of a “tough road ahead”.

Speaking ahead of the new season, he said: “October 20th, 2026, the opening of the 2026/27 NBA season, before anything else happens a ring ceremony will take place, it will be placed on the fingers of the New York Knicks, and the banner will raise to the rafters.

“Finally, it will be official, New York Knicks are the NBA Champions.”

The ESPN personality warned that defending the title would be a much greater challenge.

He said: “It will be a tough road ahead now, because you’ve got to defend that crown and I think the Oklahoma City Thunder are the favourites to win it all.

“I don’t see anybody beating them all healthy in an NBA Finals.”

It’s safe to say fans didn’t share his confidence and criticised his assessment of the Knicks. One replied, “The banner isn’t even up yet and he is already betraying the Knicks.”

Another added: “Stop being so dramatic. We all know you will make sure to have fake emotion and espn all over it. Spike is more of a fan than you. You don’t even go to all the home games.”

Welcome to the Steelers Afternoon Drive, our new daily podcast featuring all the latest Steelers news and analysis.

Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith discuss all things Pittsburgh Steelers.

On today’s episode, we discuss the team bringing in old friend Marquez Valdez-Scantling to the practice squad and if that will be all they do to address the WR room? What do we make of some of the other names out there? How different is covering this team in 2026? What have the pros and cons been so far of the team making an offensive-minded hire at head coach?

Let’s go for another Steelers Afternoon Drive and discuss all this!

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Check out the show on our YouTube page, or find it on Megaphone or wherever you get your podcasts.

Got a question for the guys? Leave a comment on YouTube, here on the website, or find them on Twitter at @ASaunders_PGH and @ZacharySmithPGH

Hey fans! We want to see your black and gold rides! Show us your car, truck or van that’s painted in Pittsburgh colors, decorated with logos or Terrible Towels, covered in bumper stickers, or uses some other way to show off your dedication to the Black and Gold.Click to check out more from Alan Saunders and the gang on the SN YouTube page.Click for full archives of the Steelers Afternoon Drive with Alan Saunders and Zachary Smith.

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Read more at Steelers Now

ESPN's Shams Charania reveals major 76ers plan for LeBron James, Joel Embiid to start season originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

Coming into the season, the Philadelphia 76ers know they have plenty of players who can score the ball. Many believe the 76ers have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs.

It is all about staying healthy, which is something LeBron James and Joel Embiid struggled with at times last season. This season, Embiid feels good as the regular season gets underway.

“Pretty good," Embiid said. "Not bad. I don't know, that's probably (he took a pause), I said I would never dunk again. In the moment, he did block me the first time so I was kind of pissed off about it. So I was hoping that he would jump again, so that's why I went for it. But, yeah, that's probably the last dunk of my career."

For James, there is a lot to monitor when it comes to his health. Despite the concerns, there is a strong belief that he looks much better now than he did at this point last season.

“LeBron missed the first 15 games of last season and was clearly limited with his handle as he battled sciatica issues. It coincided with his first summer playing golf consistently. He looks noticeably healthier this offseason and more fluid with his movement,” NBA writer Damien Peters wrote.

With both players dealing with injuries over the past year, Philadelphia has put a clear plan in place to manage their workloads. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that the 76ers hope to limit both players to around 30 minutes per game during the first few weeks of the season.

“My understanding is Lebron James, Joel Embiid -  the hope is within the first few weeks of the season limit them to around 30 minutes a game,” Charania said.

It is a smart approach by the organization, as Philadelphia looks to ensure that two of its key players are ready for the long season ahead. After all, the NBA regular season consists of 82 games, making it important for both stars to stay as healthy as possible.

As the 76ers settle into the season, James and Embiid could see their minutes increase as they continue to build rhythm and get a feel for each game. For now, the plan is to keep both players around the 30-minute mark, barring situations such as overtime. Philadelphia will be looking to manage their workloads carefully and avoid putting unnecessary strain on its two stars.

More NBA news:

• Knicks' Jalen Brunson sends strong message to Karl-Anthony Towns about contract extension
• Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns gives final stance on New York future after contract talks stall
• Ex-Bucks NBA champion scorns 76ers, says LeBron James' age will eventually prove costly
• 76ers' 7-foot-6 giant ruled out for season opener against Knicks as LeBron James' debut looms

Fifa have acknowledged an apology from The Times over incorrect reporting that president Gianni Infantino was paid an undeclared second salary and have called out what it claims is a ‘concerted and ongoing effort’ to undermine the organisation and Infantino.

An article published by The Times a week ago claimed that Infantino had received a second salary from Fifa and that he had failed to declare the payments with that information proving incorrect. The newspaper removed the incorrect information and issued an apology to both Fifa and Infantino over the report.

Having seen and accepted the apology Fifa, via their Fifa Media account on X, took the opportunity to address the media and emphasise the need to ‘act responsibly’ and ‘carefully verify all sourcing’ in order to prevent false information from being published.

The organisation’s statement also addressed what it perceives is a co-ordinated effort to undermine Infantino’s presidency after the 56-year-old came under scrutiny over a proposal to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

That plan has raised concerns over his ability to perform in the role of president with Uefa among several parties to have called for his resignation.

FIFA & FIFA PRESIDENT RECEIVES APOLOGY FROM ‘THE TIMES’

FIFA takes note of an apology published today by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report:

On 13 October 2026 (Sport), we reported that Gianni Infantino received a "second salary" from Fifa, which Fifa had…

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) October 20, 2026

Fifa’s statement reads: “FIFA takes note of an apology published today by The Times following an inaccurate and damaging report:

‘“On 13 October 2026 (Sport), we reported that Gianni Infantino received a "second salary" from Fifa, which Fifa had failed to disclose. This is incorrect. There was no “second salary.” Regulations do not require Fifa to include expenses and reimbursements received by Mr Infantino in its annual report as they are not considered "compensation" under Swiss reporting requirements. We also accept Mr Infantino did not purchase a property in Miami at a suspected undervalue as we reported and neither he nor his family are the legal or beneficial owners of Shadi LLC and have no control over that company, as we suggested. We are happy to make these corrections and apologise to Mr Infantino and Fifa for the errors.’

“As FIFA stated in August, it is evident that there is a concerted and ongoing effort by some to undermine FIFA and its President. FIFA urges the media to act responsibly and carefully verify all sourcing to prevent the publication and subsequent reproduction of false and defamatory information.

“FIFA welcomes legitimate scrutiny. But scrutiny is not a license to amplify false allegations. Where reporting is inaccurate, misleading, or totally false, as in this case, FIFA will continue to challenge it directly and vigorously.”

Rodri was rested at kick-off for Barcelona's game against PSG on Tuesday (Ozan KOSE)

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Rodri would be back in the starting line-up for Sunday's Clasico showdown against Real Madrid after being rested at kick-off in the Champions League loss away to Paris Saint-Germain.

"Yes, but you know Rodri played a lot of minutes with the national team and also the last games with us," Flick told reporters after Barcelona's 4-2 defeat in Paris on Tuesday.

"I spoke with him this morning and I told him that we made this decision, and Marc Bernal started instead. For me, it was a good solution what we did and hopefully he is fresh on Sunday."

Rodri came on after an hour of the game in Paris, as Barcelona's perfect record this season came to an end.

The Catalans had twice come from behind, with Xavi Espart and Lamine Yamal replying to goals by Desire Doue and Lucas Hernandez for the hosts.

Yamal made it 2-2 in the 79th minute, but Vitinha put PSG back in front two minutes later before Fabian Ruiz sealed the victory for the defending European champions.

"I think it was a fantastic game from both teams but we made too many mistakes, especially in possession," Flick said.

"But I also saw a lot of good things. For me it was a great test for us and you also saw today what errors we have to improve to make things better.

"We have to learn from this game. Today, in October, you cannot win titles. You win the Champions League in June."

Flick added that the upcoming Clasico, in which Barca have the chance to go nine points ahead of Madrid in La Liga, influenced his team selection "a lot".

- PSG injuries -

Barcelona lost Dani Olmo to injury in the French capital, while the home team saw Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, two of their chief attacking stars, come off hurt.

Dembele suffered a hamstring injury in the first half, and captain Marquinhos was also unable to finish the encounter.

"I am not the doctor but the three players are injured which is the worst thing to come out of tonight's game," said PSG coach Luis Enrique.

"Three injuries to three very important players. It is the worst news we could have had, but that is what happens in football."

PSG have won their first three games in this season's league phase, scoring 14 goals in the process, as they aim to win the Champions League for the third year running.

They are therefore comfortably on course to reach the knockout phase, although their coach is not getting carried away. The top eight teams in the league phase go straight through to the last 16.

"We have already played against our two opponents from Pot A," he said, with this win following a 4-2 triumph at Manchester City last week.

"But I will remind you that last year we also won our first three games and we did not finish in the top eight.

"We will enjoy this but then we will start to think about this weekend's game against Lyon."

as/mw

It might have been fitting that, on the night the watching Ian Rush’s 65th birthday, the goals flowed at Anfield. Yet even as Liverpool celebrated their most prolific ever No 9, it was more about the man in the No 10 shirt.

The vast majority of Rush’s record 346 goals for Liverpool were penalty-box finishes and if much of Alexis Mac Allister’s best work comes in rather deeper positions, the midfielder displayed his predatory streak. In the process, he ensured that Andoni Iraola’s attempts to rest and rotate, which looked likely to backfire after the worst half-hour of his reign, did not cost Liverpool.

“They were much better than us in the first half, and we were much better in the second half,” said Iraola. If both the teamsheet and the opening stages suggested Iraola was either being generous to his old teammate and assistant Inigo Perez or had underestimated his former sidekick, by the final whistle Liverpool were second in the embryonic Champions League table.

The worst half-hour of Andoni Iraola's reign did not cost him against former assistant Inigo Perez (Getty)

And if they scarcely resembled potential continental champions, Iraola’s taste of European nights at Anfield has brought twin continental comebacks, each featuring a starring role from Mac Allister. It was witnessed by his near namesake, Gary McAllister, himself no stranger to important goals in Europe for Liverpool.

It was the kind of talismanic display that Dominik Szoboszlai provided last season. But with the Hungarian injured and Iraola benching the three biggest signings in Liverpool’s history, they needed someone to supply the inspiration. Mac Allister obliged. “The character, when you are 2-0 down and not playing well, he doesn’t panic,” noted Iraola.

Mac Allister was aided by the excellent Rio Ngumoha while Ronald Araujo’s equaliser again underlined what a fine bit of business Liverpool did by borrowing the Uruguayan from Barcelona. Florian Wirtz, one of the £364m trio held in reserve, came off the bench to score the fourth.

Alexis Mac Allister was aided by a brilliant Rio Ngumoha (centre) performance (PA Wire)

But Mac Allister, scorer of a winner against Atletico Madrid and, on another occasion when Iraola fielded a weakened team, the opener against Tottenham was pivotal. His footballing intelligence gives him an eye for goal. “I'm not tall but I love going in the box,” said the Argentinian. “My dad is a bit smaller than me but he was quite good in the air so maybe it's something I got from him.” So the younger Mac Allister rose highest to glance in a header from Kostas Tsimikas’ corner.

His second showed another attribute for a goalscoring midfielder. “He can arrive inside the box like a No 8,” added Iraola. Mac Allister timed his run into the penalty box perfectly to put Liverpool ahead, crashing in a shot from six yards off the underside of the bar and following a cutback from Ngumoha. “It’s up there with one of the best I’ve played,” said the 18-year-old, who became the youngest player since Michael Owen to make two goals in a game for Liverpool.

The first came when Araujo snuck in at the far post to capitalise on poor defending by Cardona and head in the teenager’s cross. It was, albeit indirectly, a second goal from a corner and a second in as many Champions League games for Araujo. ‘Big Ron’ is proving a big threat from set-pieces.

After Mac Allister doubled his tally for the night, Wirtz drove in Liverpool’s fourth following a pass from Cody Gakpo, who was making his first appearance for a month.

Florian Wirtz scored his first goal of the season to give Liverpool daylight (PA)

He had been summoned at half-time when Ryan Gravenberch, who had begun as the No 10, moved to right-back in place of Araujo. Iraola had left Liverpool’s three £100m men on the bench. After half an hour, it seemed he would need to summon them straight away. Instead, he waited before introducing Wirtz. By the time Alexander Isak came on, Liverpool led. They had four goals to their name when Bradley Barcola joined them.

Liverpool ended up with a 16th win in 19 group-stage games since the Champions League expanded. For Villarreal a seventh straight away defeat in Europe. It could, though, have been very different. “If you score three goals and play very well in the game and you end up taking home a defeat where you have to analyse it is on the errors we made,” said Perez.

But Villarreal started superbly. Iraola’s version of his strongest available side was his freshest, with six changes. A fixture list of Brighton, Chelsea and Arsenal may have been prominent in his thoughts. Yet Liverpool scarcely showed sharpness at the start. They were strangely passive, applying too little pressure to the players on the ball. Their offside trap malfunctioned. They committed individual mistakes.

The worst came from Virgil van Dijk. An attempt to head the ball back to Alisson was horribly misdirected, the Liverpool captain only finding Georges Mikautadze, who angled a shot past the goalkeeper. Van Dijk had his hands up in apology immediately.

Virgil van Dijk’s error gifted Villarreal an early opener (PA)

Villarreal’s second came when they pierced the offside trap with two runners. Nathan Saliba slid a pass through; Villarreal had two men played onside by Tsimikas and Sergi Cardona slid his shot past Alisson.

Even after seemingly sealing victory, Liverpool afforded them a lifeline. After conceding three goals to LASK last week, they let Villarreal get a third through Tani Oluwaseyi’s calm far-post finish; the stand-in right-back Gravenberch gave him too much room.

The danger was that Iraola and Perez, who had shared so much, would share the points. This was a reunion for the former double act, even if it seemed that Iraola had not warned his friend about the weather. Perez did not even don a coat in the Merseyside rain. His attire was more suitable for the Spanish sun, even if he had greater regrets. “We didn’t know how to manage the emotion tonight,” he rued.

Manchester City's Phil Foden celebrates scoring against AEK Athens (Oli SCARFF)

Enzo Maresca said Phil Foden provided evidence that his prolonged slump might finally be over with a hat-trick in Manchester City's 5-1 rout of AEK Athens in the Champions League on Tuesday.

After struggling badly over the last two seasons, England playmaker Foden could be on the brink of a long-awaited renaissance after his sublime display at the Etihad Stadium.

It has been a trying period for the 26-year-old, who has admitted suffering with mental health issues.

Foden fell out of favour with former City boss Pep Guardiola and hadn't scored for 10 months prior to his goal in Saturday's Premier League win against Ipswich.

This season has been another turbulent experience for Foden, who was sent off in City's win at Manchester United and had been forced to battle for a place in Maresca's staring line-up.

Taking advantage of injuries that left Erling Haaland on the bench against AEK and sidelined Antoine Semenyo for eight weeks, Foden starred on the left wing before switching to the 'false nine' role as the focal point of City's attack.

"It is good news for me because you know he is doing well and this is what we want for many reasons," City boss Maresca said.

"First of all, because he is a top player and we know that. Happy for him, but also happy for the team that we have one more weapon that we can use."

Foden's hat-trick will surely have caught England manager Thomas Tuchel's eye as he prepares to pick his squad for the Nations League matches against Croatia and Spain in November.

Long heralded as one of England's brightest talents, Foden was left out of his country's World Cup squad earlier this year in a damning sign of his fall from grace.

Having ended his run without a goal in the Champions League since November 2025, Foden now has to produce nights like this on a regular basis to earn the trust of Maresca and Tuchel.

- 'Slowly but surely' -

Rico Lewis delivered the assists for Foden's first two goals and the right-back hailed his friend and former youth academy colleague's prodigious talent.

"Phil is an unbelievable player. When I first came into the first team, I was closest with him," Lewis said.

"I almost wanted to be him when I was coming up. To be able to play with him now, five years down the line and assist him and see how well he's still doing, is amazing."

Foden's dazzling contribution against the out-classed Greeks wasn't limited to his treble.

He also teed up Rayan Cherki for City's third goal with a typically smooth pass.

Finally playing with a smile on his face again, Foden said: "I enjoyed that a lot. The lads were great.

"Probably the second goal was my favourite, the way it went in. Delighted to score goals. I am a forward, so I have to keep scoring and helping the team. It's good for my confidence."

Foden acknowledged his substantial loss of form as he discussed his belief that a brighter future is within his grasp.

"Slowly, but surely. Still got a long way to go, but I am going in the right direction," he said.

"Scoring along the way definitely helps. I want to keep working hard and keep being the best I can for the manager and the team.

"When I changed into that false nine role I enjoyed it a lot. Really enjoyed that role tonight."

Foden is rarely been a vocal leader but he believes playing with several of City's youngsters in Maresca's much-changed team against AEK forced him to play with more maturity.

"Trying to help them the best I can with the captains. Try (to) help the young ones, and it shows the trust the manager has," he said.

It might only have been baby steps against AEK, but Foden is finally on the road to redemption.

smg/jc

Paul George made history in his Boston Celtics debut Tuesday afternoon, but the Detroit Pistons made sure his record-breaking performance ended in disappointment. Despite George exploding for 38 points, Detroit erased a 22-point deficit and used an incredible 23-0 fourth-quarter run to stun Boston 121-113 in its season opener.

George was nearly unstoppable for much of the game, shooting 12-of-21 from the field and 7-of-12 from three-point range. His 38 points established a Celtics franchise record for the most points scored by a player in his team debut.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR FULL GAME RECAP

Paul George Breaks Celtics Franchise Record

George made history with 6:30 remaining in the third quarter when he converted a three-point play to reach 31 points, surpassing Kristaps Porzingis’ previous Celtics debut record of 30 set in 2023. He eventually finished with 38 points, five rebounds, three assists, and five steals.

“Paul George has set the franchise record for points in a Celtic debut. 31 and counting,” Justin Turpin reported as George reached the milestone.

But while George was busy making history, the Pistons were preparing to steal the show. Detroit entered the fourth quarter trailing 88-82 after falling behind by as many as 22 points in the third.

Javonte Green Helps Shut Down George During Pistons Comeback

With 7:07 remaining in the fourth quarter, George checked back into the game, and Detroit responded by bringing Javonte Green onto the floor. What happened next helped change the outcome.

George missed his next four field-goal attempts, with Green serving as his primary defender on three of those shots. The misses came during Detroit’s remarkable 23-0 fourth-quarter run, which completely flipped the game.

Green also delivered offensively, scoring 19 points while knocking down five three-pointers. He finished with a game-high plus-21 rating in just 18 minutes off the bench.

Meanwhile, Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren each scored 22 points, while Duncan Robinson added 21. As we previously highlighted, Duren had already shown promising offensive growth during the preseason.

According to the official game box score, George’s historic performance wasn’t enough to prevent Boston’s collapse. The Celtics were outscored 39-25 in the fourth quarter as Detroit completed its incredible comeback.

Paul George made Celtics history, but Javonte Green and the Pistons had the last laugh. After trailing by 22 points, Detroit opened the 2026-27 season with a victory that won’t soon be forgotten.

Spencer Medick, the pitching coach for the New York Yankees‘ Triple-A affiliate in 2026, is joining the Houston Astros as their new director of pitching, according to multiple reports Tuesday, Oct. 20.

Medick, 35, joined the Yankees as the pitching coach for the Single-A Hudson Valley Renegades in 2022. He held the same role in 2023 with the Florida Complex League Yankees, in 2024 with Hudson Valley again, and joined the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders as bullpen coach in 2025.

After another season with the RailRiders, Medick will head to a new organization in a new, non-uniformed role.

MORE: Leaked video from Houston Sports Hall of Fame event shows Astros GM candidate

Last season, the RailRiders had the fourth-best earned-run average and strikeouts per nine innings rates n the International League.

The Astros have cleaned house in 2026. They fired general manager Dana Brown in August and manager Joe Espada in October — after the team finished 81-81, won the American League West, and were swept in a best-of-three wild-card series by the Chicago White Sox.

Behind the scenes, the Astros have cut back on full-time analytics personnel since their run of seven consecutive American League Championship Series appearances (2017-24), a stretch of success that included two World Series victories.

MORE: Rays minor league pitcher suddenly retires amid World Series run

Medick represents the organization will still value data-driven decision-making in their personnel decisions in 2027.

Before he joined the Yankees’ organization, Medick worked as a throwing trainer at Driveline Baseball from 2019-21. He pitched professionally from 2014-18, including a single season of affiliated baseball with the Arizona Diamondbacks’ summer league team.

Houston has yet to officially name a GM, but the group around him is already taking shape.

—Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter—

The Eagles made changes to the running back room on their 53-man roster on Tuesday.

They announced that they have signed Elijah Mitchell off of their practice squad. They also waived Jaydon Blue and Carson Steele. Steele was waived with an injury designation after hurting his shoulder in Week 6.

Mitchell signed with the Eagles this offseason and returned to the practice squad after being cut in August. He played in one game for the Chiefs last year and ran 327 times for 1,523 yards and nine touchdowns over three seasons with the 49ers.

Blue signed to the active roster ahead of last Sunday's loss to the Panthers, but did not play. Steele had one catch for four yards against Carolina and played in two games overall.

The other backs on the roster are Saquon Barkley and Dameon Pierce. Barkley has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - OCTOBER 13: A Los Angeles Dodgers groundscrew worker paints the postseason logo on the field before the Milwaukee Brewers workout prior to the NLCS at Dodger Stadium on October 13, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Well, it looks like we’ll be sitting tight for a few days. Game 1 of the World Series won’t be until the night of October 23, so that means there will be no more baseball until then.

In the mean time, what are y’all planning on watching tonight? If you’re a basketball fan then you’re well aware that it’s Opening Night in the NBA, so there are a pair of really exciting games planned tonight as the Knicks host the Sixers and the Thunder host the Spurs. I’m still happy that the classic NBA on NBC theme is back, so that lone is enough to entice me.

Outside of that, is there anything else that y’all are planning on watching? If you’re still having trouble finding something to watch, here are some 2021 NLCS highlights to enjoy.

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PARSIPPANY — Ian Johnson had already been doing plenty of running around before the gun even went off to start the Morris County cross country championships. The Mountain Lakes sophomore had misplaced his race bib, which is used to track him around the course at Central Park of Morris County. But Johnson didn't realize it until only minutes before the varsity boys race was set to start.

A teammate looked for the Lakers' bus, but it was nowhere in site. So Johnson and Mountain Lakes coach Vicki Allison got him a new number at the timing truck. He quickly pinned onto his orange tank top and dashed out to the starting line just ahead of official Scott Noonan.

Johnson estimated he had two minutes to spare before the gun went off. Lakers assistant coach Brandon Chen told him to take a few deep breaths and try to forget about the drama.

Johnson had renewed motivation, if only to keep Allison from reminding him about the mistake.

He got into a quick pack, including NJAC large-school champion Andrew Ulto of West Morris, Montville junior Christopher Smith, and Mendham junior Nicholas Leo. At the eagle statue, Johnson was running with Leo, and "made my move to get past him. The last quarter mile was all arms pumping."

Johnson crossed the finish first in 16:02.97, narrowly missing his season goal of sub-16.

It's Johnson's first Morris County title since the middle-school 800 and 1,600 when he was in eighth grade.

"It feels great," said Johnson, who last won a Morris County title in the middle-school 800 and 1,600 meters when he was in eighth grade. "That was my favorite race all season. It was tactical. There were moves all around. I try to stick on people when they make moves. I try not to be dropped."

More: New champions crowned at NJAC cross country

Tradition continues

As the Mendham runners passed by at the top of the last hill, longtime coach Roy Hamblen yelled out, "Every point counts." For senior Rafe Dickens, that was all the motivation he needed to push on ahead for the final 500 meters or so.

The Minutemen edged Delbarton by just three points for the team plaque, 113 to 116. It's their first time at the top since 2023.

Mendham and Chatham are the only boys teams to win Morris County cross country titles for the past 10 years.

Leo, a senior and the NJAC large-school champ from a week ago, was the Minutemen's top finisher (16:47.97) at the Morris County meet. Juniors Jackson Idle (16:50.94) and Jon Pejman (17:15.06) both turned in personal bests to place in the top 20.

"We always race like it's super close. The worst thing would be to lose by one point," Dickens said. "The moment you turn, you see Coach on the hill, you try to get as many guys as you can."

All in the family

Montville hadn't won the Morris County girls team title since going back to back in 2001 and 2002. The girls checked on the base of the trophy, during a brief pause in their celebration.

Mustangs sophomore Gabriella Pelov led the way in 18:32.34, about two seconds off the school record. It's a nice PR for Pelov, who was fourth – and almost a minute slower – on the same course in the NJAC large-school race on Oct. 13.

Vote! Morris/Sussex Athlete of the Week

Pelov surpassed 18:36, the time which had been randomly haunting her all week. She also matched plaques with her older brother, Georgetown sophomore Alex Pelov, won the Morris County XC title as a senior in 2024.

"I wasn't really running as well as I wanted. I'd had a slow start to training, and I was behind what I was capable of," said Pelov, who competes in a pink headband. "I think it's going to work out, because I want my season to go as far as I can. Really seeing everyone else, and where I am, it motivated me a lot."

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Montville, Mendham claim team titles at Morris County XC championships

PARSIPPANY — Ian Johnson had already been doing plenty of running around before the gun even went off to start the Morris County cross country championships. The Mountain Lakes sophomore had misplaced his race bib, which is used to track him around the course at Central Park of Morris County. But Johnson didn't realize it until only minutes before the varsity boys race was set to start.

A teammate looked for the Lakers' bus, but it was nowhere in site. So Johnson and Mountain Lakes coach Vicki Allison got him a new number at the timing truck. He quickly pinned onto his orange tank top and dashed out to the starting line just ahead of official Scott Noonan.

Johnson estimated he had two minutes to spare before the gun went off. Lakers assistant coach Brandon Chen told him to take a few deep breaths and try to forget about the drama.

Johnson had renewed motivation, if only to keep Allison from reminding him about the mistake.

He got into a quick pack, including NJAC large-school champion Andrew Ulto of West Morris, Montville junior Christopher Smith, and Mendham junior Nicholas Leo. At the eagle statue, Johnson was running with Leo, and "made my move to get past him. The last quarter mile was all arms pumping."

Johnson crossed the finish first in 16:02.97, narrowly missing his season goal of sub-16.

It's Johnson's first Morris County title since the middle-school 800 and 1,600 when he was in eighth grade.

"It feels great," said Johnson, who last won a Morris County title in the middle-school 800 and 1,600 meters when he was in eighth grade. "That was my favorite race all season. It was tactical. There were moves all around. I try to stick on people when they make moves. I try not to be dropped."

More: New champions crowned at NJAC cross country

Tradition continues

As the Mendham runners passed by at the top of the last hill, longtime coach Roy Hamblen yelled out, "Every point counts." For senior Rafe Dickens, that was all the motivation he needed to push on ahead for the final 500 meters or so.

The Minutemen edged Delbarton by just three points for the team plaque, 113 to 116. It's their first time at the top since 2023.

Mendham and Chatham are the only boys teams to win Morris County cross country titles for the past 10 years.

Leo, a senior and the NJAC large-school champ from a week ago, was the Minutemen's top finisher (16:47.97) at the Morris County meet. Juniors Jackson Idle (16:50.94) and Jon Pejman (17:15.06) both turned in personal bests to place in the top 20.

"We always race like it's super close. The worst thing would be to lose by one point," Dickens said. "The moment you turn, you see Coach on the hill, you try to get as many guys as you can."

All in the family

Montville hadn't won the Morris County girls team title since going back to back in 2001 and 2002. The girls checked on the base of the trophy, during a brief pause in their celebration.

Mustangs sophomore Gabriella Pelov led the way in 18:32.34, about two seconds off the school record. It's a nice PR for Pelov, who was fourth – and almost a minute slower – on the same course in the NJAC large-school race on Oct. 13.

Vote! Morris/Sussex Athlete of the Week

Pelov surpassed 18:36, the time which had been randomly haunting her all week. She also matched plaques with her older brother, Georgetown sophomore Alex Pelov, won the Morris County XC title as a senior in 2024.

"I wasn't really running as well as I wanted. I'd had a slow start to training, and I was behind what I was capable of," said Pelov, who competes in a pink headband. "I think it's going to work out, because I want my season to go as far as I can. Really seeing everyone else, and where I am, it motivated me a lot."

This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: Montville, Mendham claim team titles at Morris County XC championships

The Somerset Christian School Lady Cougars knew they had a tough task on their hands when they faced off with the Lady Cardinals of Wayne County in the first round of the 48th District Tournament.

But much to the delight of a raucous home crowd at the Cougar Den the Lady Cougars gave the favored Lady Cardinals all they wanted and then some before falling three sets to one.

The Lady Cardinals came out on fire in the first half and jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead and never really let Somerset Christian get anything going.

Somerset Christian was trailing 18-9 midway through the set and was never able to get closer than eight the rest of the way as Wayne County took the set 25-15.

The second set was a much tougher battle as the Lady Cougars came out battling and wouldn’t let the Lady Cardinals repeat their quick start of the first set.

The Lady Cougars led six times in the early part of the set and after a three consecutive points held a 17-14 cushion forcing Wayne County to call a time out.

When the Lady Cardinals pulled even at 20-20, it was the fifth time in the set that the score had been tied.

Wayne eventually took a 23-20 lead and held on for the 25-22 victory to go up 2-0 in the match.

Set three was even tighter than the second as the two teams battled back and forth with neither being able to take more than a three-point lead.

After the 11th tie of the set at 14-14, the Lady Cougars took a lead they never relinquished the rest of the way, eventually pulling away to take the hard-fought set 25-19 to get back into the match.

Unfortunately for the Lady Cougars faithful, the fourth set was much like the first as Wayne County quickly raced out to a quick 18-9 lead and never looked back, rolling to a 25-12 win to take the match three sets to one.

Somerset Christian's season comes to a close with a record of 18-11. Best of luck to seniors Caroline Mounce, Catherine Hardy and Callie Davis on all of their future endeavors.