Author: Sports Radio Service

San Francisco 49ers game wrap: 49ers win a game for the ages in a wild 37-34 overtime thriller over the Raiders

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffery celebrates a big play against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday Jan 1, 2023. (San Francisco 49ers)

by Marko Ukalovic

LAS VEGAS — 2023 opened with an explosion of fireworks…on the field in Sin City.

In a game that resembled an old Western style shootout, kicker Robbie Gould’s 23-yard field goal in overtime gave the San Francisco 49ers a 37-34 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon at Allegiant Stadium.

San Francisco has won a season best nine games in a row and currently sit as the second seed in the NFC thanks to the Minnesota Vikings 41-17 loss to the Green Bay Packers. Las Vegas has lost two games in a row and has been eliminated from the playoff contention. It was the fifth time this season Las Vegas has blown a double-digit lead in the second half. They have lost all five games when doing so.

Las Vegas came into the game with a new starting quarterback as Jarrett Stidham replaced Derrek Carr who was benched by head coach Josh McDaniels for the final two games of the regular season. Carr has left the Raiders entirely and is expected to be either traded or cut during the off season.

What looked like a supposed blowout on paper, with San Francisco rolling and the drama that unfolded in Las Vegas, turned out to be one of the best games of the NFL 2022-23 season as both teams went back and forth in the high scoring game.

Las Vegas (6-10) drew first blood on its opening drive with an impressive six play 75-yard drive that was capped off by Stidham finding tight end Darren Waller down the right side for a 24-yard touchdown reception.

“Yeah I guess so”, said 49ers linebacker Fred Warner said if that served a wakeup call for the defense. “Obviously when they go down and score right away. I’m not sure the last time that happened, I guess (when the) Miami (Dolphins) scored on their first play of the game. I didn’t feel prior to the game that guys weren’t up for it, that they weren’t ready to go. It’s just a matter of technique and doing our job.”

San Francisco (12-4) answered back on its opening possession with an eight play 67-yard scoring drive of their own. Brock Purdy connected with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk on a slant pattern for a two-yard touchdown reception. The touchdown was set up by Christian McCaffery’s 38-yard run to the Raiders one-yard line on a 3rd and 3. McCaffery had 53 rushing yards on the drive.

After a 20-yard field goal by Daniel Carson, the 49ers marched down the field on their next possession with a 13 play 75-yard scoring drive that was aided by back-to-back passing interference penalties. Purdy found his favorite target George Kittle in the back of the endzone for a two-yard touchdown reception to give San Francisco its first lead at 14-10.

San Francisco’s number one defense in the league gave up over 500 yards of offense to a Las Vegas offense that had struggled to move the ball, especially in second half of games. They also did not record a sack in the game, the first time since Week 14 against Tampa Bay.

“I think we really needed this as a defense. That’s a really good team (Raiders). (Jacobs) is the best running back I’ve played against in my career, no doubt about it. That dude’s a beast. And they have a lot of really talented players. The NFL will humble you a 100 percent of the time,” defensive end Nick Bosa said.

Las Vegas came out to start the second half firing on all cylinders. The Raiders defense sent the 49ers off the field on and three and out then their offense needed just six plays to go up 24-14 when Stidham scrambled out of the pocket and found Adams wide open after a blown coverage for a 60-yard touchdown reception.

San Francisco responded back with an eight play 75-yard drive with a balanced attack. McCaffery hit paydirt with a 14-yard rushing touchdown.

Amik Robertson picked off Purdy after coming down with a 50-50 ball that was intended for Kittle at the Raiders 18-yard line.

49ers returned the favor when Kerry Hyder Jr tipped up a pass from Stidham and went into the hands of Drake Jackson at the Las Vegas 42-yard line. San Francisco converted a Gould 43-yard field goal to even the score.

The 49ers regained the lead 27-24 with 6:44 left in the fourth quarter when they had a seven play 59-yard drive finished off with a Gould 24-yard field goal.

The Raiders answered back with 57-yard field goal from Daniel Carlson to complete a seven play 36-yard drive with 4:08 remaining.

Then things got wild in the final four minutes of the game. San Francisco drove down in less than two minutes to regain the lead when Jordan Mason scored in a 14-yard rushing touchdown. The touchdown was set up by a 38-yard reception by McCaffery on a screen pass.

“To have that kind of game, it was great to feel like that. It’s the fourth quarter, the game’s on the line. Now we gotta go and put up points. It was great for me to go through that and feel that again. The last time I felt that was when I was in college, winning the tight game,” Purdy said.

The Raiders weren’t done as they returned the favor getting the equalizer in just four plays. An impossible catch that only Adams could make went for 45 yards and then Warner’s passing interference against Waller inside the endzone set up Josh Jacobs one yard rushing touchdown with 1:11 remaining in the fourth quarter.

San Francisco had a chance to win the game at the end of regulation when two big receptions by Aiyuk set up a 41-yard field goal, but the veteran kicked sailed the kick wide right forcing overtime.

The Raiders won the toss but on the fifth play, defensive end Nick Bosa pushed Kolton Miller into Stidham that forced the ball to popup in the air and then intercepted by Tashaun Gipson as returned it to the Las Vegas three-yard line that set up Gould’s game winning field goal.

Purdy finished 22 of 35 for 284 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. McCaffery led all rushers with 121 yards on 19 carries to go along with his one touchdown. Aiyuk led the 49ers in receiving with nine catches for 101 yards.

Stidham, who had a great debut in his first ever NFL start, went 23 of 34 for 365 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions. Adams had a monster game as he led all receiver with seven catches for 153 yards to go along with his touchdowns. Jacobs chipped in with

GAME NOTES: San Francisco finished 4-for-8 on third down conversions. Las Vegas went 4-for-10.

The 49ers have won five of the past six meetings against the Raiders and now lead the all-time series 8-7.

UP NEXT: San Francisco concludes the regular season when they host the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday 1/8 TBD at Levi’s Stadium

San Jose Barracuda podcast with Marko Ukalovic: Barracuda attempt to snap out of eight game losing streak against Henderson Wednesday

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

The San Jose Barracuda who battled against the Coachella Valley Firebirds on Sat Dec 31, 2022 at Tech CU Arena in San Jose in AHL action. The Barracuda host the Henderson Silver Knights Wed Jan 4, 2023 in San Jose (photo by the San Jose Barracuda)

On the San Jose Barracuda with Marko:

#1 The San Jose Barracuda (13-18-0-1) continue to struggle, last Saturday the Barracuda fell behind two goals to the Coachella Valley Firebirds in an eventual 4-1 loss at Tech CU Arena.

#2 The Firebirds Jimmy Schudt scored at 2:28 in the first period top shelf and teammate Kole Lind scored on a turnover to make it 2-0 at intermission.

#3 In the second period the Barracuda’s Thomas Bordeleau scored from the right side of the crease to cut Coachella’s lead to 2-1.

#4 Third period the Firebird Max McCormick scored top shelf on Barracuda goaltender Eetu Makiniemi and Firebird Ryan Evans scored his third goal of the season 60 second later at 10:48 to round off all the scoring for the night.

#5 Marko, the Barracuda continue this four game home stand Wednesday night against the Henderson Silver Knights a 7pm face off at Tech CU in San Jose.

Join Marko for the Barracuda podcasts at http://www.sportsradioervice.com

Las Vegas Raiders game wrap: Raiders Challenge Best Defense In Football But Lose In Overtime 37-34

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams (17) reacts after scoring a 60-yard touchdown during the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

Raiders Challenge Best Defense In Football But Lose In Overtime 37-34

By Barbara Mason

It sure has been an interesting week for the Las Vegas Raiders (6-9) as they prepared to take on the San Francisco 49ers (11-4) at Allegiant Stadium. With two games left in the season there has been a changing of the guard if you will as Derek Carr was benched giving 26-yr-old Jarrett Stidham the nod for the final two games. This would be his first career start.

This was not all that surprising when you look back on the season; the losses mounting, the blown leads: so many games that they should have won. You could see the writing on the wall long before today’s game.

Since the emergence of wonder kid quarterback Brock Purdy San Francisco has looked invincible. Nothing could have prepared us for what we would see in this game.

You would expect some early adjustment with changes at the helm. Nothing could have been further from the truth. Jarrett Stidham commandeered his team downfield culminating in a 24 yard. pass to Darren Waller for the touchdown and the early 7-0 lead. San Francisco would answer at 7:06 to tie up the game. Brock Purdy would find Brandon Alyuk for a couple yards and the touchdown. The first quarter ended with a 20 yard Daniel Carlson Field Goal giving the Raiders a 10-7 lead after the first 15 minutes of play.

The 49ers would take the lead in the second quarter 14-10. Purdy would connect with George Kittle for 2 yards. The extra point was good and San Francisco would take their first lead of the game. When it looked as if the 49ers would take the lead into the half, Las Vegas struck again. With ten ticks left on the clock Stidham found Davante Adams for 4 yards and it was the Raiders that took the 17-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.

It had been a crazy and unlikely first half but the best was yet to come. Las Vegas would extend their lead in the third quarter. At 10:22 Stidham would throw his third touchdown pass of the game. He found Davante Adams for 60 yards giving the Raiders a 24-14 lead. At 5:22 SF running back Christian McCaffrey rushed for 14 yards and the touchdown pulling to within three points of Las Vegas.

San Francisco would tie up the game in the fourth quarter at 24. Robbie Gould kicked a 43 yards Field Goal. Gould would make a second kick at 6:44. This was a 24 yards Field goal giving the 49ers the lead 27-24 in a wild and wooly game. With the clock winding down, Las Vegas tied up the game again. Carlson made an amazing 57 yards Field Goal to knot it up at 27. The number one defense in football was being sorely tested by the Raiders.

The 49ers came right back taking the lead 34-27 with 2:17 left in this game. The Raiders were far from finished even with so little time left on the clock. Stidham would complete a pass to Adams for 45 yards which set up a one yard rush from Josh Jacobs to tie up the game at 34 with 1:11 left in the game. When it looked as if it would be a certain win for San Francisco Robbie Gould missed a 41 yard Field Goal and this game would go into overtime.

Las Vegas won the coin toss to start overtime. On the fourth play of the first possession Stidham tried to hit Adams but ended up throwing his second interception of the game setting San Francisco up deep in Raider territory. Robbie Gould would redeem himself kicking a 23 yard field goal giving the 49ers their ninth win in a row.

You may have not been acquainted with Stidham prior to this game but he sure made an impact and very nearly came away with an amazing win. Stidham finished with 365 passing yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Davante Adams had 153 receiving yards. Stidham found six different receivers; all of them for at least 19 plus yards. It was probably the best game Las Vegas had played this season.

Brock Purdy finished with 284 passing yards and two touchdowns . He had one interception. The San Francisco running game was all about Christian McCaffrey with 121 Yds.

Las Vegas will finish the season next Sunday taking on the Kansas City Chiefs. There will be no post-season for the Raiders but all eyes will be on Stidham next week. If the Raiders see another game like today’s game, the Raiders just may have a real diamond in the rough for next season. Kickoff Is January 8th but the time is still TBD.

Las Vegas Raiders podcast with Rich Perez: 49ers overtime field goal eliminates Raiders from post season

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers place kicker Robbie Gould (9) kicks a 23-yard field goal during overtime that defeated the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sun Jan 1, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Raiders podcast with Rich:

#1 Rich, the Las Vegas Raiders (6-10) had a ten point 24-14 lead with 10:22 left in the third quarter after wide receiver Devante Adams caught a 60 yard pass from quarterback Jarrett Stidham at that point it looked as if the Raiders might just have a shot at this game.

#2 But the reputation of not holding onto leads befelled the Raiders as the San Francisco 49ers (12-4) in pursuit of their ninth straight win tied up the game with at 12:34 when kicker Robbie Gould booted a 43 yard field goal to make it 24-24 and the 49ers never looked back at that point.

#3 Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson hit a 57 yarder with 4:08 remaining in the game to tie it up 27-27 and their was just that faint light at the tunnel for the Raiders.

#4 It was not to be for the Raiders every time the Raiders would tie the game the 49ers would come back and take the lead. With the score tied 34-34 with 6:53 left in overtime Robbie Gould delivered again for the 49ers kicking a 23 yard field goal to hand the 49ers a 37-34 win at Allegiant Stadium.

#5 The Raiders close out the 2022-23 season with a match up against the Kansas City Chiefs (13-3) at Allegiant Stadium. The Chiefs also come into Allegiant one of the NFL’s hottest teams with a four game winning streak. What is your prediction for the outcome of this contest?

Join Rich Perez after all Raiders games for the Las Vegas Raiders podcast at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

San Francisco 49ers podcast with Joe Hawkes: While Raiders Carr out 49ers Omenihu says to watch out for Josh Jacobs

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu says to watch out for the Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs who could do some damage on offense (file photo ninernoise.com)

On the 49ers podcast with J Hawkes:

#1 San Francisco 49ers defensive end Charles Omenihu was concerned about Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs because he’s a back that can run the ball down the 49ers throats.

#2 Joe, Another thing about Jacobs he and wide receiver Devante Adams were key guys during that short Raiders four game winning streak spurt how concerned do the 49ers need to be with that tandum.

#3 49ers pass rusher Nick Bosa who is tops in the NFL with 17.5 sacks is just two sacks away from tying former 49er Aldon Smith for the team record in sacks set in 2012.

#4 The Raiders who are 6-9 are being questioned about how committed they are to this game today in Vegas after benching quarterback Derek Carr. The Raiders wanted to avoid any injury for Carr and that would put them on the hook for his 2023 salary at $32.9 million.

#5 Finally Joe the 49ers are rolling their looking for their ninth straight win today and the Raiders have lost two out of their last three in less than a minute of play. Give us your prediction how you see these two teams matching up today at Allegiant Stadium.

Join Joe Hawkes for the 49ers podcast each Sunday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal women dominate in 101-69 win over ASU

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Stanford guard Indya Nivar, right, celebrates with forward Cameron Brink after scoring against Arizona State during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum
Saturday, December 31, 2022

Hannah Jump sank three early 3-pointers, and the Cardinal post players dominated inside from start to finish for No. 2 Stanford, setting the pace for the Cardinal’s 101-69 women’s basketball win over Arizona State Saturday at Maples Pavilion.

It was the eighth consecutive win for the Cardinal (14-1 overall, 2-0 Pac-12), who opened the game with a 22-5 run. ASU shot 4-for-20 from the field in the first quarter and never recovered.

Jump eventually made six 3’s en route to a 20-point night. Cameron Brink celebrated her 21stbirthday by scoring 17 points, to go with 14 rebounds, four assists and two blocked shots. Haley Jones had 16 points, seven rebounds and two steals.

Tyl Skinner led the Sun Devils (7-6 overall, 0-2 Pac-12) with 20 points, followed by Treasure Hunt with 19. Hunt is a transfer from Kentucky.

Stanford is ranked No. 2 for the 21st straight week, going back to last season. The Cardinal women have won nine straight games since losing in overtime to defending national champion South Carolina on Nov. 20.

The Cardinal have won 50 straight games against unranked opponents.

Stanford hosts Arizona on Monday, then travels to Berkeley on Jan. 8 to face California at Haas Pavilion.

New year’s eve not kind to Barracuda who drop eighth in a row against the Firebirds 4-1

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda Twitter. William Eklund stick-handles in front of a Firebirds defender.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE – In the second of back to backs against the Firebirds on home ice the Barracuda one again turned in a disappointing performance this time losing 4-1.

It was a quick start compared to yesterday’s game between these two teams as just 44 seconds in Ryker Evans took a holding penalty putting San Jose on the power play.

The power play however did not go to plan as shorthanded Jimmy Schuldt scored his fourth of the season putting the Firebirds on the board.

For San Jose the power play continued to struggle going 0/3 in the first though no more shorthanded goals were scored.

At the 9:59 mark Kole Lind extended Coachella Valley’s lead to two scoring his 14th goal of the season with no assists on the play.

That ended up being all the scoring in the first with the shots favoring San Jose at 14-9.

The following period saw San Jose’s power play unit get another chance as Kole Lind was sent to the box for slashing.

This time on a beautiful passing play Thomas Bordeleau scored his 15th goal of the season on the power play as Danil Gushchin and William Eklund assisted on the goal.

The rest of the period played out closely with neither team pulling away offensively and so the score finished at the end of the second 2-1.

The shots at the end of the second still favored San Jose at 24-17.

Unlike the first two period the third period ended up being a penalty fest as in total 11 penalties were called.

On one of these penalties the Firebirds responded as Max McCormick scored his 12th goal of the season. Both Brogan Rafferty and Cameron Hughes assisted on the goal.

Coachella Valley looking to pull away got another goal this time it was Evans scoring his second of the game. Tye Kartye and Alexander True both assisted on the goal.

The score now becoming out of reach 15:12 into the third Patrick Sieloff took a boarding penalty as well as receiving a game misconduct and penalty for abuse of an official.

With that play the game was essentially over as the Barracuda had to spend the rest of the game killing off Sieloff’s penalties.

The shots at the end of the game favored the Barracuda at 31-30.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Jimmy Schuldt 2nd: Thomas Bordeleau 3rd: Joey Daccord

San Jose’s next game will be Wednesday at home at 7 p.m. against the Henderson Silver Knights.

Stanford De-Barked by Utah Inside Maples Pavilion on the Last Day of 2022, 71-66

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Utah guard Rollie Worster (25) shoots against Stanford forward Brandon Angel (23) during the first half at Maples Pavilion in Palo Alto on Sat Dec 31, 2022 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (5-9, 0-4 Pac-12) remain winless in conference play after being chopped down by the undefeated (division) Utah Runnin’ Utes (11-4, 4-0 Pac-12), on a rainy New Year’s Eve on the Farm, 71-66.

Stanford trailed most of the initial 20 minutes of play, and fell behind by ten points early in the half. Utah had a 10-0 run to sustain their advantage on the road. The Cardinal managed to make a 7-0 charge, and had a deficit of that same amount of points (7) at intermission, 30-23.

Sophomore forward Harrison Ingram led the Cardinal with seven points and five rebounds, while senior center Branden Carlson topped the Utes with 11 points.

In the second stanza, Utah pushed the lead back up to double-digits within the first three minutes after the break in action.

Although the Utes pushed their advantage to as high as 16 points, the Cardinal kept chipping away and cut the margin to single digits several times, getting as close as two points away from their guest from the Beehive state with just over two minutes left in regulation.

However, Utah was able to hit crucial free throws down the stretch, while Stanford did not, resulting in a five point loss, 71-66.

The Cardinal was led by senior forward Spencer Jones’s 16 points and four rebounds. Sophomore guard Isa Silva added 11 points, junior forward Max Murrell chipped in ten points. Ingram only added two second half points to his halftime total, tallying nine points, seven rebounds and five assists, but 0-3 from the free throw line in crunch time.

The Runnin’ Utes had four players in double-digits: Sophomore guard Lazar Stefanovic (20), Carlson (18), junior guard Gabe Madsen (10 points & 7 rebounds) and senior guard Marco Anthony (10).

Stanford will next be in action Friday, January 6, 2023, across the Bay in Berkeley, for part one of the Battle of the Bay versus Cal. Utah will be back in Salt Lake City to host Oregon State, January 5, 2023.

NHL podcast with Matt Harrington: Forsberg and Sissons lead Nashville to 6-1 win in Anaheim; Canes Raanta shutsout Panthers 4-0; plus more NHL news

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Nashville Predators center Juuso Parssinen, center, misses the puck on a rebound with Anaheim Ducks goaltender John Gibson, left, and right wing Troy Terry defending during the second period at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Fri Dec 30, 2022 (AP News photo)

On the NHL podcast with Matt:

#1 The Nashville Predators Filip Forsberg had a goal and two assists, Colton Sissons scored a goal and an assist as the Predators defeated the Anaheim Ducks at the Honda Center in Anaheim 6-1.

#2 Matt the Predators also got scoring help from Yokov Trenin, Thomas Novak, Roman Josi, and Nino Niederreiter the win ended Nashville’s two game loss streak.

#3 Jesperi Kokaniemi supplied the offense for the the Carolina Hurricanes in a 4-0 defeat over the Florida Panthers. Hurricanes goaltender Antti Raanta saved 19 shots on goal by the Panthers and picked up his first shoutout for the 2022-23 campaign.

#4 The New Jersey Devils got a two goal win over the Pittsburgh Penguins 4-2. The Pens Jack Hughes scored two goals and teammate Nico Hischier scored a shorthanded goal as the Devils (13-2-1) are one of the hottest road teams in the NHL.

#5 Colorado Avalanche center Nathan MacKinnon skated for the first time since his Dec 5 upper body injury. MacKinnon practiced at the morning skate on Friday and might get into Saturday’s line up against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Join Matt Harrington for the NHL podcasts Saturdays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Barracuda shut out on home ice against the Firebirds 4-0

Published on by Sports Radio ServiceLeave a comment

Photo courtesy of San Jose Barracuda Twitter. Patrick Sieloff battles for the puck.

By Titus Wilkinson (@TitusWisme)

SAN JOSE- Continuing their home stand the Barracuda dropped another one in front of their fans this time against the Coachella Valley Firebird by a final of 4-0.

The Barracuda got off to a good start in the game with a couple good chances against Coachella Valley goalie Christopher Gibson. However the goalie held his own long enough for the Firebirds to get his team in the game.

With the momentum carrying the other way 16:49 into the first period Ville Petman scored his seventh goal of the season to get the Firebirds on the board. Both Austin Poganski and Carsen Twarynski assisted on the goal.

That ended up being all the scoring in the first with the shots finishing at the end of the first in favor of Coachella Valley 16-8.

The second period got off to a quiet start with the first major play of the period coming 10:42 in when Alexander True took a cross-checking penalty.

San Jose was given a great opportunity though when John Hayden took a delay of game penalty for batting the puck with his hand on the face-off. Giving the Barracuda a five-on-three.

Coachella’s penalty kill rose to the challenge and killed off what could have been a huge momentum swing for San Jose.

Then in the dying moments of the period John Hayden made up for his penalty by scoring his tenth goal of the season with both Kole Lind and Alexander True assisting on the play.

The score at the end of the second finished 2-0 in favor of the Firebirds with the shots also in favor of Coachella Valley at 28-18.

Heading into the third the Barracuda needed a big push on offense but got off to a rough start as just over five minutes in Danil Gushchin took a slashing penalty.

San Jose’s penalty kill also was just as strong on the night killing off the penalty and every other penalty they took on the night.

With the score still close the Barracuda pulled Aaron Dell to try to equalize the score.

Jesper Froden had other plans though as he scored on the empty net to get his 15th goal of the season. Tye Kartye got the lone assist on the goal.

San Jose pulled Dell again and this time Hayden scored on the unguarded cage getting his second goal on the night. Both True and Lind assisted on the goal.

The shots at the end of the game favored the Firebirds 37-24.

The three stars of the game were: 1st: Ville Petman 2nd: Christopher Gibson 3rd: Aaron Dell

“I liked our start tonight I thought we came out we were ready to play. Took some penalties and they got a little momentum they found their game a little bit and I felt they controlled the play after that,” Barracuda head coach John McCarthy commented after the game.

The Barracuda’s next game will be at home tomorrow at 3 p.m. against these same Firebirds.