A rematch of Super Bowl LX has produced a first-time opening-day meeting between the Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks, marking the third time the NFL has started its season on a Wednesday. Nevertheless, football fans are thrilled the season is off to a strong start.

Cornerback Josh Robe made a pivotal interception in the end zone with 26 seconds remaining, carrying the Seahawks to a 13-10 victory over New England on Wednesday night at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

Robe positioned himself perfectly to secure the final pass of the night as a talented receiver, managing to get both feet down inbounds before tumbling out of bounds, thus ensuring Seattle’s triumph. The interception thwarted New England’s opportunity to attempt a game-tying field goal.

Seattle’s secondary played with intensity, leaving little room for Drake Maye to maneuver, as it effectively swatted passes, defended the passing lanes, and created turnovers.

Backup quarterback Drew Lock shone in relief of Sam Darnold, who exited the game with 7:29 remaining in the first quarter due to a hip injury. At one point in the third quarter, Lock completed 16 of 20 passes for 185 yards but later finished with 17-of-22 for 187 yards. One of those connections resulted in a quick pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who turned it into a 45-yard touchdown.

In a thrilling comeback, the Seahawks concluded the game with 285 total yards and no turnovers. Lock successfully threw a touchdown without any interceptions, and Smith-Njigba caught eight passes for 122 yards and one touchdown.

A challenging evening unfolded as quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the Patriots’ last three possessions. Nehemiah Pritchett, Julian Love, and Josh Jobe each contributed to the Seahawks’ defense with crucial interceptions that halted New England’s momentum. The Seahawks also recorded three sacks.

New England initially held a 10-0 lead following Andy Borregales’ impressive 50-yard field goal with 11:49 remaining in the third quarter. However, the Seahawks rallied, cutting the deficit with a 30-yard field goal from Jason Myers to make it 10-3 and keep the game within one possession.

It remains unclear how much the Patriots missed their starting receiver, A.J. Brown, who left the game in the third quarter with an ankle injury, especially since they led 7-0 in the first half.

Seattle’s first-half struggles weren’t solely the Patriots’ defense.

The New England defense performed admirably for most of three quarters; however, they couldn’t recover from three late-game turnovers.

Maye topped the Seahawks’ stats with 178 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions.

Next week, the Seahawks will travel to Arizona to face the Cardinals. New England will host the Steelers.

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Here is an initial overview of the college football rankings for the 2026-27 season.

It is no surprise Ohio State is ranked among the top teams. Although there are gaps to address, the Buckeyes possess sufficient talent to remain competitive. With uncertainties on the defensive side, the red and gray will rely on their revamped offense. This offense is led by two pivotal players: Heisman finalist quarterback Julian Sayin and standout wide receiver Jeremiah Smith.

A challenging schedule lies ahead, featuring significant matchups as the Buckeyes face No. 6 Indiana, No. 22 Iowa, No. 5 Texas, and No. 15 USC.

With quarterback Dante Moore at the helm, which present a formidable challenge. Coupled with a robust defense, No. 2 Oregon has the potential to reach the playoffs again.

Meanwhile, back-to-back SEC champions could achieve a similar outcome. Coach Kirby Smart and the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs are aligned in their goals and consistently find a way to remain in the championship conversation. Quarterback Gunner Stuckton and running back Nate Frazier aim to invigorate the Bulldogs’ offensive efforts. No. 4 Notre Dame and No. 5 Texas have proven themselves to be among the elite college football teams in recent years. It’s unlikely much will change for these two teams. Don’t overlook the Irish, as quarterback CJ Carr will guide a proficient offense. However, Notre Dame will depend on its defense, which returns nine players.

Completing the top ten are No. 7 Miami, No. 8 Texas Tech, No. 9 Ole Miss, and Oklahoma.

Please see the top 25 rankings below.

1. Ohio State
2. Oregon
3. Georgia
4. Notre Dame
5. Texas
6. Indiana
7. Miami
8. Texas A&M
9. Ole Miss
10. Oklahoma
11. LSU
12. Texas Tech
13. Alabama
14. BYU
15. USC
16. Michigan
17. Washington
18. Pen State
19. SMU
20. Tennessee
21. Utah
22. Iowa
23. Houston
24. Louisville
25. Missouri

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On Saturday, the Cowboys face off against the Cardinals at State Farm Stadium, coming off a 17-7 preseason victory over the Seahawks.

If they win, the Boys will achieve a 2-0 record, marking their best preseason start since 2007. While winning is important, assessing player performance is still essential. Receiver Camden Brown has impressed the Cowboys organization so far.

Dallas racked up 338 yards against the Seahawks defense. Meanwhile, Sam Howell and Joe Milton look great as they battle for the second-string position behind Dak Prescott.

Photo by James D. Smith/2026 Dallas Cowboys

When there was room to move, running back Jayden Blue, Phil Mafah, and Malik Davis performed well. Blue and Davis also displayed their ability to catch the ball out of the backfield.

Christian Parker, the defensive coordinator, addressed inquiries regarding the defense. The players successfully tackled the ball and did their jobs effectively. By stuffing the lanes, Dallas managed to restrict Seattle’s offense to seven points. Parker made adjustments, including stacking the line. This tactic exposed the secondary, but it delivered.

Overall, it’s a decent start for the Cowboys’ coaching staff and players as they strive to improve.

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Achieving a state title was sufficient to realize a team’s aspirations. However, as high school athletics have evolved, the quest for excellence now extends beyond state borders to pursue national recognition.

Every year, numerous high school football teams, both nationally and state-ranked, embark on journeys to measure their programs against the nation’s best. While it is impossible for any school to face every dominant team, this approach provides a foundation for national rankings and can determine the season’s outcome.

Historically, factors such as athletes’ performance, strength of schedule, winning percentages, and tradition were used to identify the champion of high school football. Nevertheless, matchups between states have simplified the process of crowning a national champion.

Several of the top-10 teams are set to face significant competition, which may affect their standing in the national rankings. Among these teams is No. 1 IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL), which is scheduled to compete against Lone Peak (Utah), St. Louis (Hawaii), and St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, Maryland). No. 2 Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV) will face a challenging schedule that could prove pivotal for their season. A demanding six-week period may determine the success or failure of the Gaels’ campaign. This schedule features matchups against St. John Bosco (CA), Columbus (FL), Lone Peak (Utah), Mater Dei (CA), and Faith Lutheran (LV).

Below is the compilation of the top 25 rankings.

1. IMG Academy (Bradenton, FL)
2. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, NV)
3. St. John Bosco (Bellflower, CA)
4. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore, MD)
5. Centennial (Corona, CA)
6. Mater Dei (Santa Ana, CA)
7. St. Thomas Aquinas (FT Lauderdale, FL)
8. Buford (Buford, GA)
9. Santa Margarita Catholic (Rancho Santa Margarita, CA)
10. Carrollton (Carrollton, GA)
11. Thompson (Ala)
12. Waxahachie (TX)
13. DeSoto (TX)
14. Basha (AZ)
15. Grayson (Loganville, GA)
16. North Shore (Houston, TX)
17. Carol City (Miami, FL)
18. Duncanville (TX)
19. Allen (TX)
20. Hamilton (AZ)
21. Baylor (Chattanooga, Tenn)
22. Brentwood Academy (Brentwood, Tenn)
23. Creekside (Fairburn, GA)
24. Sierra Canyon (Chatsworth, CA)
25. American Heritage (Plantation, FL)

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Over the years, Texas has produced its share of great athletes. Baseball, Basketball, football, track and field, to name a few, are sports in which the Lone Star State excels.

Currently, we highlight track and field, where 89 young athletes from USA Track and Field, representing various regions of the nation, performed in the 2026 World Athletics U20 Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

A total of 72 out of 89 athletes were selected by USA Ultimate from a combination of open and women’s teams for the WFDF Junior Ultimate Championships.

Top finishers comprised track talents Zacchaeus Brocks, Le’Ezra Brown, Madeline Cooper, Jayden DeLeon, Blake Hamilton, Mariah and Mia Maxwell, Dillion Mitchell, Kylie Neira, Simon Roselli, Tate Taylor, and Quincy Wilson. Six of the 12 are not from Texas, including Brock, representing Michigan; Brown, from North Carolina; Cooper, from Atlanta, Georgia; DeLeon, from Elkridge, Maryland; Roselli, from Washington; and Wilson, from Chesapeake, Virginia.

Tate Taylor, a prominent figure from San Antonio, Texas, was instrumental in sweeping three events: the 100 meters (9.94), 200 meters (19.83), and the 4×100-meter relay (38.16). Taylor partnered with Brown, Hamilton, and Mitchell to achieve the record-breaking time. Taylor also became the first man to earn gold in a single World U20 Championships. He picked up his second AOW award after collecting the 29th USATF athlete of the week award.

Hamilton also claimed the silver medal (20.31) in the 200-meter dash, finishing behind Taylor. Just under three months ago, the former Katy athlete secured the 200-meter title at the Texas UIL State Championships.

Le’Ezra Brown delivered an outstanding performance, clinching the gold medal in the 110-Meter Hurdles while equaling the U20 World record time of 12.72 seconds. Zacchaeus Brocks secured the bronze medal in the same event with a time of 12.98 seconds. He is also recognized as an elite athlete, having won the title at the USATF U20 Championships in June 2026.

In the women’s events, two of the most thrilling competitions of the evening were the 100 and 200 Meter dashes, where Mia triumphed over Jamaica’s talented Shanoya Douglass to claim the gold in both events. Mia’s twin sister, Mariah, finished in fifth place. The races unfolded almost like two distinct narratives, as spectators witnessed Mia (22.37) initially trailing Douglass in the curve (22.68) before ultimately surging ahead. Twin sister Mariah concluded the race with the bronze medal in a time of 22.77 seconds.

Other World U20 Championship winners saw Maddi Cooper emerge victorious in the women’s 100 Hurdles, clocking in at 12.91 seconds. In the men’s discus, Simon Rosselli not only won gold but also established a new American record with a throw of 66.39 meters, exceeding the former record by more than a meter. Furthermore, Jayden Deleon claimed victory in the men’s 400 meters with a time of 44.47 and was instrumental in securing gold for the men’s 4×400-meter relay team. Maddi Cooper won the women’s 100 Hurdles in a time of 12.91.

Photo credit: Ben Longergan/The Register Guard

The competition commenced on August 5th and concluded on the 9th.

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Andre Odums

The 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games brought together some of the nation’s most talented young athletes for a memorable week of competition at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa.

From the opening events through the final races, the 2026 AAU Junior Olympics delivered outstanding performances, personal breakthroughs, friendships, and moments that these young athletes and their families will remember for years to come.

The weather also played a major role. Temperatures generally remained in the 86-to-92-degree range, providing considerably more favorable conditions than the previous year’s competition in Houston, Texas, where athletes battled through days approaching 100 degrees. With the weather cooperating, athletes had an opportunity to compete at their highest level.

And they took advantage of it.

A Meet Filled With History

The 2026 AAU Junior Olympic Games produced 20 record-breaking performances, highlighting just how competitive this generation of young athletes has become.

One of the most remarkable stories came from Emeri Cotton of The Cotton Club Posi, a youth running club based in Bear, Delaware, founded by her grandfather.

Cotton dominated the 8U Girls division, producing an incredible three national-record performances in one week.

She broke the 100-meter national record, previously held by Cerenity Bell since 2023, improving the mark with a 13.67-second preliminary performance before lowering it again to 13.56 seconds in the final.

She also shattered her own 200-meter record of 27.99 seconds, which she had established as a 7-year-old, running 27.36 seconds in the semifinals before finishing the final in 27.63.

Then came the 400 meters, where Cotton broke her own 2025 national record of 1:04.33 with an outstanding 1:03.32.

Her success is part of a family track-and-field legacy. Her father, Sam Cotton, is a coach and former all-state running back, while her mother, Amber Wise, is a former track athlete.

More Record-Breaking Performances

Emeri Cotton wasn’t the only young athlete making history.

Brandt Cook, competing in the 13-year-old boys division, became the first athlete in his age-group history to break the 11-second barrier in the 100 meters, setting the record at 10.92 seconds.

Asher Denman, just 9 years old, produced an extraordinary performance by establishing a world age-group record in the long jump, while also setting a new AAU Junior Olympics record in the 200 meters with a time of 26.23 seconds.

In the 17-18 Girls division, Vivian Salerno established a new 800-meter record with an impressive 2:06.54.

These performances helped make the 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games one of the most memorable editions of the competition.

Texas Athletes Make Their Mark

For athletes traveling from Texas, the journey to Des Moines was about more than competing. It was about representing their families, clubs and communities on one of the biggest youth track-and-field stages in the country.

Among those athletes was 11-year-old Troy Minick II, who finished ninth in the Turbo Javelin. Rather than leaving after his own competition, Troy stayed around to support his friends and fellow Texas athletes.

That spirit of sportsmanship was on full display as he cheered on Mat and Obinna Uzowulu, both from the Houston area.

For Obinna Uzowulu, the trip ended with a special milestone. After competing at the AAU Junior Olympics three previous times, he finally captured his first gold medal, winning with a throw of 37.41 meters.

Sometimes the biggest victory isn’t simply winning. It’s continuing to come back, continuing to work and finally seeing the breakthrough.

Recognizing the Athletes Who Represented Their Clubs

The 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games also provided an opportunity to recognize athletes who represented their organizations with pride and determination.

Among those deserving recognition are:

• Sergio McFarlane — DeSoto Nitro Track Club
• Liam McFarlane — DeSoto Nitro Track Club
• Chloe Moye — Wings Track Club
• Vance Moye — Wings Track Club
• Dorian Howard — Wings Track Club, 18U
• Devan Howard — Wings Track Club, 11U

Each athlete contributed to the larger story of the meet — a story built around preparation, perseverance, competition and the pride of representing their communities.

Jai Brown Sweeps the 8U Events

Texas Track Clubs’ Jai Brown also had a standout performance in Des Moines.

Brown won the Boys 8U 100 meters, 200 meters and Long Jump, producing personal-best performances across all three events.

His results included:

• 100m Finals: 13.39 seconds (+0.7)
• 200m Semifinals: 28.17 seconds (+0.7)
• Long Jump: 4.37 meters

Winning three events at the AAU Junior Olympics is an accomplishment in itself. Doing it while establishing personal bests in every event makes the performance even more impressive.

More Than Medals

The AAU Junior Olympics are about much more than medals and records.

Behind every race is a family that traveled hundreds or thousands of miles. Behind every personal best are hours of practice. Behind every medal are coaches, parents, teammates and supporters who helped young athletes believe that they could compete at the highest level.

The photographs from Drake University captured those moments — athletes proudly displaying medals, celebrating accomplishments, supporting teammates and standing together after competition.

For some, Des Moines was the place where they made history.

For others, it was where they earned their first major medal.

For others still, it was simply another step in a much longer journey.

But for everyone who participated, the 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games will be remembered as a celebration of youth, athleticism, perseverance and dreams.

Looking Ahead to Houston

As the 2026 games came to a close in Des Moines, the attention now turns toward 2027.

The 61st AAU Junior Olympic Games will return to Houston, Texas, bringing the nation’s top young athletes back to the Lone Star State.

After experiencing the heat of Houston in 2025 and the more moderate conditions of Des Moines in 2026, the athletes will once again have an opportunity to compete on Texas soil.

The next chapter is already waiting.

Des Moines gave them the stage.
The athletes gave us the memories.
And Houston is next.

The 60th AAU Junior Olympic Games proved once again that the future of track and field is bright — and that some of tomorrow’s stars are already making history today.

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Training camp begins on July 28, 2026, with rookies and veterans reporting as the Cowboys aim for a fresh start under the leadership of new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. The same expectations will be placed on Schottenheimer: Can he position the team to contend for a championship?

On the following day, July 29, practice will be open to the public starting at 11:45 AM. As usual, many spectators are expected to show up.

Schottenheimer was promoted to head coach after serving two seasons as the offensive coordinator (2023-24). He joined the organization as a coaching analyst in 2022. Before his arrival in Dallas, Schottenheimer held the position of passing game coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021 and spent three years as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020.

The organization is actively working to finalize details and strengthen its structure. Following a season record of 7-9-1, the Cowboys are witnessing the integration of various components, particularly after the appointment of new defensive coordinator Christian Parker. At 34 years old, Parker is the youngest coordinator in the history of the franchise. He became part of the team in January 2026, having previously held the roles of passing game coordinator and secondary coach for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Edge rusher Rashan Gary and cornerback Ameer Speed are set to bolster the Cowboys’ defensive lineup. Jaydon Blue, a former Klein Cain High School football standout from the Houston area, has shown significant improvement, earning the attention of the Cowboys’ coaching staff. Blue acknowledged his previous issues with focus and maturity, which contributed to his setbacks. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2025 draft from the University of Texas, being the 149th overall pick.

Despite limited playing time last season, Blue has the potential to complement 1,200-yard rusher Devonte Williams. The speedy, talented tailback, who recorded a 4.38 in the 40-yard dash at the 2025 NFL Combine, is one of Blue’s significant advantages.

Schottenheimer indicated he engaged in a productive conversation with Blue, who responded favorably. He also highlighted Blue’s intelligence and football savvy. Should Blue continue to progress, he has the potential to become a significant contributor to the Cowboys’ offense. The 22-year-old possesses game-breaking and receiving capabilities.

Still, the Cowboys can remain optimistic the cohesion will improve during a season filled with uncertainty.

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Summer has arrived in Houston, marking the time when training camp intensifies across the NFL. Conflicts arise as players strive for advantageous positions and initial roles.

Training camp for the Texans’ veteran players is set to commence on July 28th at the Houston Methodist Training Center, while rookies are expected to report a week earlier.

Fans will have the opportunity to attend eight open practices starting on August 1, with additional sessions on the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and the 18th. This schedule includes a joint practice with the Las Vegas Raiders on August 18th.

Admission to the practices is complimentary; however, fans without tickets who wish to attend one of the eight public practices can visit the Houston Training Camp page to sign up on the waitlist in case of no-shows.

The Texans have recently added three new players to its roster, including tight end Marlin Klein, running back David Montgomery, and rookie guard Keylan Rutledge.

The Texans are looking to bolster its running game after drafting and acquiring top-tier offensive linemen. Montgomery could play a role in boosting the ground game as well.

Expect the Texans to initiate changes, particularly in the offensive line. New veteran Wyatt Teller is projected to adapt seamlessly, while younger tackles like Aireontae Ersey contend for a starting position. Furthermore, veterans like offensive lineman Jarrett Patterson and tight end Brevin Jordan could be at risk of securing places on the roster.

On defense, two prominent figures, Will Anderson Jr. and Azeez Al-Shaair, have signed contract extensions to ensure they remain influential components.

In celebration of the franchise’s 25th anniversary, the organization will introduce a comprehensive array of home-game themes and new uniform unveilings at NRG Stadium for the 2026 season. Supporters can look forward to exclusive merchandise and distinctive experiences designed for each game. For details regarding the Texan Game Theme, please visit www.houstontexan.com.

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Spain wrapped up the season with back-to-back wins, culminating in a storybook conclusion as they defeated Argentina 1-0 in the FIFA World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

To reach the final, Spain emerged victorious against France 2-0, a team many speculated could take the championship with its attacking style offense.

Ferran Torres, who came on as a substitute, scored the vital point in the 39th minute during the second half of extra time to grant Spain its second championship in the nation’s history. 

In 2010, Spain claimed its first World Cup title by overcoming the Netherlands 1-0 in extra time at Soccer City in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Torres seized the opportunity presented by Spain’s strong defense to score shortly after the start of the second half of extra time. 

Spain’s defense maintained a clean sheet against Argentina. During the 120 minutes of play, Spain conceded only two shots while effectively shutting down Argentina’s offensive capabilities. 

Argentina, which ended the match with just 10 players following a late red card, struggled to break through Spain’s defense.

Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez established a new world record by making 11 saves, which ultimately allowed Argentina to remain competitive in the match.

Yet, Lionel Messi was unable to find a solution against the Spaniards’ defense. The tension escalated as time dwindled.

.Spain’s historical experience in the World Cup is profound; they have participated in 17 of the 23 tournaments, finishing fourth in 1950 before its recent championship success.

Unbeaten for two years, the European champs extended its streak to 38, with its last win eliciting cheers of jubilation. 

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In the 22nd minute of the 2026 FIFA World Cup semifinals, forward Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty kick, propelling Spain to a 2-0 triumph at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, renamed (Dallas Stadium) for the FIFA World Cup tournament. The victory secured an opportunity to vie for the World Cup Title in MetLife Stadium (referred to by FIFA as New York-New Jersey) in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

In a moment of misfortune, left-back Lucas Digne inadvertently kicked Lamine Yamal inside the box, resulting in the penalty that Oyarzabal converted to secure a 1-0 lead for Spain. In conjunction with the early goal, Spain’s defense was characterized by a fierce determination.

Since 1982, France has emerged as the most exhilarating attacking force, but it encountered its own set of challenges, vividly depicted in the events that transpired. The situation deteriorated as expressions of disappointment among French supporters grew more pronounced. Leading up to their match against Spain, the French scored 16 goals in six games.

Spain will compete against the victor of Argentina/England, while France heads to Miami to battle for the third-place playoff.

In the latter half, France, the champions of the 2018 World Cup, improved their performance; however, the day grew dismal after Spain’s second goal. Right back Pedro Porro provided the European Champions with a crucial advantage in the 58th minute, establishing a 2-0 lead, to which France had no reply. Porro maneuvered past midfielder Dani Olmo to send the ball beyond goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

Spain maintained a slight advantage in possession of time, 51% compared to 49%, as well as in shots on goal, recording 10(2) against 10(3), and completed passes, totaling 428 to 395.

France was confronted with additional challenges, such as Arsenal center-back William Saliba’s severe back injury sustained in the first half.

The French team had little to demonstrate, achieving an expected goal percentage of 0.30. In contrast, Spain concluded with a score of 1.63.

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