Breaking News: Bills Rumored to Have Acquired QB Jackson

According to NFL.com, the Buffalo Bills will acquire quarterback Tarvaris Jackson from the Seattle Seahawks.

The Seahawks were contemplating moving Jackson after they have watched quarterbacks Matt Flynn and rookie Russell Wilson succeed this preseason.  The team paid Matt Flynn big money and did not want to invest more in a third stringer in Jackson.

This creates much speculation in Buffalo at the quarterback position.  With Ryan Fitzpatrick slotted as the team's number one guy, it is clear the Bills are not happy with the play at the position.  Now with Jackson. Vince Young, Tyler Thigpen, and Brad Smith all at QB, who knows where the Bills will go from here.

According to reports, neither team has confirmed the deal but expect it to become official very soon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Sports for any updates on the situation and all other information Bills related.

Source: Akeel Lynch Considering Iowa

Amid all the scandals and unwanted publicity surrounding Penn State and it's football program, it is tough to blame any football player for wanting out.

Players and current recruits are allowed to transfer and/or change their commitment without penalty due to the recent NCAA sanctions.  Current running back Silas Redd is visiting USC and is expected to make his decision early next week.

Former St. Francis running back Akeel Lynch withdrew his commitment to Boston College to switch to his dream school Penn State a few months back.  Today, sources have said that Lynch is strongly considering withdrawing his commitment once again and joining the Iowa Hawkeys.

Lynch, who was so spectacular in his senior season in Western New York, fr now is still committed to Penn State but it will be interesting to see who he ultimately is running the football for come September.

Source: Sabres Submit Offer for Ducks' Ryan

According to a source, the Buffalo Sabres have submitted an offer to the Anaheim Ducks for forward Bobby Ryan.

The proposed deal would send Drew Stafford, Luke Adam, Andrej Sekera, and a first round pick to Anaheim while the Sabres would receive Bobby Ryan.

The 25 year old Ryan has scored 30-plus goals in each of the past four seasons.  He has been rumored in trades since the middle part of last season and is almost certain to move sometime before the start of the regular season which is uncertain due to the lack of a new deal between owners and players.

Drew Stafford, still only 26 years of age is the key piece in the trade to go along with young center Luke Adam and defenseman Andrej Sekera.  It seems as if the Sabres are trying to lure Anaheim into the deal by offering three players 26 and younger along with the first round pick.

The other serious players in contention for Bobby Ryan include Philadelphia and Boston.

Blackwell Turns down Alabama Offer: Ball St. Bound

It was just over a month ago when recent Saint Joe's graduate James Blackwell finished second in the International Junior Masters at East Aurora Country Club.  During his tremendous week of play, he was contacted by the University of Alabama coaching staff about the possibility of joining the number one golf program in the nation.

James lost the championship match 2&1 to Joey Savoie of Canada and had a tough decision to make.  He had Ball State in one hand, and Alabama in the other.  I spoke with James not too long after the Masters and he didn't know what he was going to do.

A few weeks later, two days before the Porter Cup, he did have his mind made up.  James told me that he was going to honor his commitment to Ball State and turn down Alabama.  In a Buffalo News quote, James expressed his loyalty and how growing up around Delaware Park, it was so important to be a man of your word.

James will take his talent and phenomenal ball striking to join a Cardinals squad looking to jump back into the top 25 this season.

Werenski Holds on for Porter Cup Victory

Richy Werenski didn't shoot a round higher than 68 this week in the Porter Cup which lead to him capturing the 54th Porter Cup trophy.

Werenski made only one bogey through 72 holes this weekend, and that coming at the par-4 14th hole in the final round with a three shot lead.  He was virtually flawless through 4 rounds en route to a two shot victory over Denny McCarthy from Rockville, MD.

The Georgia Tech junior made 16 birdies and an eagle in four rounds.  He came into the Porter Cup ranked 120 in the latest GW College Rankings and 70th in the Scratch Players Amateur Rankings.

2011 champion Patrick Rodgers finished in third place after finishing at 13 under par.  He also did not post a round over par as 69 was his highest score.

Of the local players in this year's field, Clearance's Matt Stasiak posted the highest finish.  Stasiak (+11) shot a 3 under 67 in the second round but couldn't find much after that as he followed with rounds of 73 and 77.

Chris Covelli, playing in his third Porter Cup was one shot behind Stasiak as he posted rounds of 74,73,72,73 to total +12.  Lewiston's Mike Boss couldn't follow up his second round 66 which consisted of five straight birdies on the back as he shot 79 and 76 the final two days to finish at 14 over par.

James Blackwell, the youngest player in this Porter Cup opened with a 75 and couldn't get the putter going all week.  Blackwell struck the ball beautifully for four days but never had a chance to score as well as he could with the lack of consistency on the greens.  He finished at +26, posting a final round 72 on Saturday.  Rounding out the local players was Brian Jurkiewicz of Hamburg.  He too opened with 75 but struggled to get into his usual groove throughout the week.  His rounds of 75,79,80,77 put him at +31.

Werenski on Cruise at Porter Cup

Richy Werenski's second round 62 was not only the lowest round of the tournament, but it also has put him in a position to capture his first Porter Cup title this afternoon.

Opening with a 66, Werenski has only bettered his total score each day.  A third round 67 has given him a four shot lead heading into today's final round.  He is being chased by Justin Thomas (-11) of Kentucky and a group of players at 10 and 9 under par including defending champion Patrick Rodgers.

The final group goes off at 12:40 this afternoon while the local players are already on the course.  It has not been the best of weeks for the five local players in the field.  Scores are below for all the local players.  Check back tonight for a full recap and review of the 54th Porter Cup.

Matt Stasiak (Clearance, NY) 74,67,73 (+4)
Michael Boss (Lewiston, NY) 73,66,79 (+8)
Chris Covelli (Buffalo, NY) 74,73,72 (+9)
James Blackwell (North Tonawanda, NY) 75,77,82 (+24)
Brian Jurkiewicz (Hamburg, NY) 75,79,80 (+24)

McCarthy Takes Early Lead at Porter Cup

The 54th playing of the Porter Cup kicked off today at Niagara Falls Country Club.  This year's field featured some of the top amateurs in the world including defending Patrick Rodgers of Stanford.

On a hot and muggy day, there were 37 players under par.  Denny McCarthy (Univ. of Virginia) posted the best score of the day of 64 (-6).  After a bogey at the opening hole, his scorecard was clean with seven birdies.  Mike McCoy, playing in his 13th Porter Cup from WesDesmoines, Iowa shot an opening round 66 (-4).  Rodgers started off his title defense with a three under par 67.

There are five local players competing in this year's Porter Cup.  Chris Covelli, from Buffalo opened with a 74.  Covelli, coming off his T6 finish at the Erie County Open, is playing in his third Porter Cup.  Mike Boss, son of Niagara Falls CC head golf professional John Boss fired a 73 to start his second Porter Cup.  Matt Stasiak, recently graduated from Miami (Oh.) opened with the same score as Covelli, 74.  There are also two locals making their Porter Cup debuts.  Brian Jurkiewicz of Hamburg, NY qualified for this tournament a few weeks ago by shooting an even par 70 and winning a five man playoff.  He opened with a 75 today.  After struggling to a 40 on the front side, he came back with three birdies on holes 11, 13, and 15 before bogeying his final three.  James Blackwell of North Tonawanda, recent International Junior Matsers medalist and runner up also shot 75.  He too opened with a 40 on the front before making two birdies on the back along with a double bogey to shoot a 75.

A complete leaderboard and list of second round tee times can be found on www.portercup.com.  Check back tomorrow for more updates and a second round recap as Downtown Sports will be in Niagara Falls all day to cover the tournament.  You can follow @J_Snyder613 on twitter as I will be live tweeting scores and updates all round.

Sabres Blue & Gold Prospect Scrimmage Tonight

Some current and future young stars of the Buffalo Sabres organization will put their talents on display tonight as they will scrimmage at 6:00 tonight at First Niagara Center.

Today is the final day of the four day developmental camp that opened Monday.  This is the first year the Sabres used the actual ice at FNC for their camp.

Some of the players that will be featured include Mikhail Grigorenko (2012 1st round pick), Zemgus Girgensons (2012 first round pick), Joel Armia (2011 first round pick), Brayden McNabb, Cody Hodgson, Marcus Foligno, Luke Adam, and many more.

There will be a $10 general admission charge to the public for this scrimmage.

2012 NHL Conference Finals Preview

This years NHL Playoffs have proven to be a shocker to many. And it was still showing last round. Eight teams last round still had a dream of having their name engraved into the Stanley Cup.
In the Eastern Conference the #1 seed New York Rangers took on the #7 seed Washington Capitals. In a series that lasted seven games, including a game that went into three overtimes, the Rangers came through as the victors in a 4-3 series win. The #5 seed Philadelphia Flyers battled with the #6 seed New Jersey Devils as the other Eastern Conference Semi Finals game. A series in which people thought would be seven games came down to a series were the Devils were the better team in a 4-1 series win.
In the Western Conference, a Stanley Cup favorites, the #2 St. Louis Blues, vied with a #8 seed, the Los Angles Kings. The Kings came out fast, and that proved to be a huge factor in this series. The #8 Kings kept cruising in this years playoffs, with a sweep of the series 4-0. As a person would say, "That was "Quick"." #3 seed Phoenix Coyotes and the #5 seed Nashville Predators were a pair of teams that have possibly two of the best NHL goalies in the league. Unlike in the last series only one game went to overtime, and the Yotes prevailed as the winner with a 4-1 series win.

The following is the schedule for the NHL Conference Finals
x- If necessary
TBA- To Be Announced

Eastern Conference Finals
#1 New York Rangers vs. #6 New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Devils @ Rangers Monday May 14th 8:00 CBC NBCSN
Game 2: Devils @ Rangers Wednesday May 16th 8:00 CBC NBCSN
Game 3: Rangers @ Devils Saturday May 19th 1:00 CBC NBC
Game 4: Rangers @ Devils Monday May 21st 8:00 CBC NBCSN
x-Game 5: Devils @ Rangers Wednesday May 23rd 8:00 CBC NBCSN
x-Game 6: Rangers @ Devils Friday May 25th 8:00 CBC NBCSN

x-Game 7: Devils @ Rangers Sunday May 27th 8:00 CBC NBCSN
Prediction: Rangers in 6

Western Conference Finals
#3 Phoenix Coyotes vs. # Los Angles Kings
Game 1: Kings @ Coyotes Sunday May 13th 8:00  NBCSN
Game 2: Kings @ Coyotes Tuesday May 15th 9:00 NBCSN
Game 3: Coyotes @ Kings Thursday May 17th 9:00 NBCSN
Game 4: Coyotes @ Kings Sunday May 20th 3:00 CBC NBC
x-Game 5: Kings @ Coyotes Tuesday May 22nd 9:00 CBC NBCSN
x-Game 6: Coyotes @ Kings Thursday May 24th 9:00 CBC NBCSN
x-Game 7: Kings @ Coyotes Saturday Mat 26th 8:00 PM CBC
Prediction: Kings in 7

Young Signing Stirs National Buzz

People of Buffalo as well as people within the Bills organization knew that the signing of Vince Young would cause the city and team to be talked about around the nation.  The didn't know however, the manner in which they would be spoken about.

Opinions have sprung about it being a bad signing and it's effect will be drama and unwanted attention while some believe this makes the Bills even more relevant in the AFC East than ever before.  There is no question that Ryan Fitzpatrick is the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills but that isn't to say there will not be some competition throughout the season.

Vince Young, when mentally and physically healthy is as lethal as any scrambling quarterback in the league.  One of Young's  biggest supporters, ESPN's Skip Bayless consistently advocated that if Young were the starter for the Eagles last year they would have been a playoff team.  He tweeted Friday about the Bills signing him.

Skip Bayless ‏ @RealSkipBayless

"Vince Young eventually will be the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, who'll start causing problems in the AFC East."

\

We will see if that statement holds true but however Young helps the Bills, the signing is definitely a show of the commitment to win by the Bills.

Bills Sign QB Vince Young

The fascinating off-season that has already featured the signings of defensive stars Mario Williams and Mark Anderson just got a lot more interesting as the Buffalo Bills announced Friday afternoon that they have signed former Titans and Eagles quarterback Vince Young to a one year contract.

Young, who spent last season as the backup in Philadelphia to Michael Vick visited with and worked out for the Bills last week.  Wide receiver David Nelson told reporters at a local charity event that he thought Young looked good and was in good shape.  Earlier this week, Young's agent said that Buffalo was "still an option" and they definitely were.

Vince Young over his 6 year career has compiled a total quarterback rating of 74.4 to go along with 46 touchdowns and a 57.1% completion percentage.  He has never been know for dazzling passing statistics rather his 31-19 record and his ability to run and move out of the pocket has been his trademark.

The Bills will play Young two million dollars for his base contract with another one million in additional possible playing bonuses.

This move definitely brings national attention to the team if it wasn't there already from the off season they have had.  It also will bring heat to starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick who will hear the Vince Young chants in Ralph Wilson Stadium if he or the team struggle this season.  The heat and competition can prove however to be a good thing for Fitzpatrick and the Bills as he and they will be forced to step their game up to avoid a quarterback controversy.

Regardless of his stats and baggage he brings, the luxury of having Vince Young as a backup option for an injury is something no one can complain with.

NHL Semi Finals Predictions

Sixteen teams had a dream at the starting of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. As the Quarterfinals ended yesterday, eight teams had their dreams ended, and the other eight continued the dream.
In the Eastern Conference last round, the #1 seed New York Rangers barely escaped elimination last night as they won their series 4-3 against the #8 seed Ottawa Senators.

The #2 seed and defending Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins, were a favorite by many to repeat as the Champions. That dream ended in 4-3 series defeat by the #7 seed Washington Capitals, who were said to be very inconsistent headed into the playoffs. #3 seed Florida Panthers battled hard against the #6 seed New Jersey Devils, who won the series 4-3 last night in a double overtime thriller.

The most talked about series in the NHL this year, #4 Pittsburgh Penguins #5 Philadelphia Flyers, was basically what everyone wanted. Fights, scoring, and hard hits. The Flyers won in 6.

In the Western Conference last round, the Vancouver Canucks, who also won the Presidents Trophy, pretty much shocked everyone in the first round as they were done in a 4-1 series defeat to the #8 seed Los Angles Kings.  The St. Louis Blues won the hearts of alot of people as they made the playoffs as a #2 seed, and had no problem with the #7 seed San Jose Sharks in 5 games.

Despite no owner, being bankrupt, and a possible relocation, the #3 Phoenix Coyotes battled hard with the #6 Chicago Blackhawks. The two teams played five of six games in overtime,and the Yotes won the series 4-2. The #4 Nashville Predators played against the #5 Detroit Red Wings, as the Preds took the series 4-1.

Below is the schedule of the Stanley Cup Semi Finals.
x-= if necessary
TBD= To Be Determined

Eastern Conference Semifinals
#1 New York Rangers Vs. #7 Washington Capitals
Game 1: Capitals @ Rangers Saturday April 28th 3:00 PM NBC, CBC
Game 2: Capitals @ Rangers Monday April 30th 7:30 PM NBCSN CBC
Game 3: Rangers @ Capitals Wednesday May 2nd 7:30 PM NBCSN, CBC
Game 4: Rangers @ Capitals  Saturday May 5th 12:30 PM NBC, CBC
x-Game 5: Capitals @ Rangers Monday May 7th 7:30 PM NBCSN, CBC
x-Game 6: Rangers @ Capitals Wednesday May 9th TBD  TBD CBC
x- Game 7: Capitals @ Rangers Saturday May 12th TBD    TBD CBC
Prediction: Rangers in 6

#5 Philadelphia Flyers Vs. #6 New Jersey Devils
Game 1: Devils @ Flyers Sunday April 29th 3:00 PM NBC, CBC
Game 2: Devils @ Flyers Tuesday May 1st 7:30 PM NBCSN CBC
Game 3: Flyers @ Devils Thursday May 3rd 7:30 PM NBCSN CBC
Game 4: Flyers @ Devils Sunday May 6th 7:30 PM NBCSN CBC
x-Game 5: Devils @ Flyers Tuesday May 8th TBD NBCSN CBC
x-Game 6: Flyers @ Devils Thursday May 10th TBD TBD CBC
x-Game 7: Devils @ Flyers Saturday May 12th TBD CBC
Prediction: Flyers in 6

Western Conference Semifinals
#2 St. Louis Blues Vs. #8 Los Angles Kings
Game 1: Kings @ Blues Saturday April 28th 7:30 PM NBCSN
Game 2: Kings @ Blues Monday April 30th 9:00 PM CNBC
Game 3: Blues @ Kings Thursday May 3rd 10:00 PM NBC
Game 4: Blues @ Kings Sunday May 6th 3:00 PM NBC
x-Game 5: Kings @ Blues Tuesday May 8th TBD CNBC
x-Game 6: Blues @ Kings Thursday May 10th TBD TBD
x-Game 7: Kings @ Blues Saturday May 12th TBD TBD
Prediction: Kings in 7

#3 Phoenix Coyotes Vs #4 Nashville Predators
Game 1: Predators @ Coyotes Friday April 27th 9:00 PM NBCSN
Game 2: Predators @ Coyotes Sunday April 29th 8:00 PM NBCSN
Game 3: Coyotes @ Predators Wednesday May 2nd 9:00 PM CNBC
Game 4: Coyotes @ Predators  Friday May 4th 7:30 PM NBCSN
x-Game 5: Predators @ Coyotes Monday May 7th 10:00 PM NBCSN
x-Game 6: Coyotes @ Predators Wednesday May 9th TBD TBD
x-Game 7: Predators @ Coyotes Friday May 11th TBD TBD

Prediction: Predators in 7