The Eagle-Tribune
---- — TUDOR UP AT MASCO?
One of the state’s premier baseball programs at Masconomet Regional is now searching for a new coach.
Head coach Mike Valentino of North Andover has resigned. In four years at Masco, he went 61-26 overall.
Longtime assistant John Delaney of Lawrence could head up the list of candidates to replace Valentino. And word out of the tri-towns is that former assistant coach and big league lefty John Tudor would be a top candidate.
COTTON BOWL COMING UP
With all due respect to the folks in Texas, the “Cotton Bowl” — tonight’s bowl offering — is a bit of a step down on the BCS-ometer with Oklahoma and Texas A&M going at it.
Of course, with Pittsburgh and Mississippi Saturday followed by Kent State and Arkansas State on Sunday, we take a major dip before Monday night’s BCS title game with Notre Dame and Alabama.
BRADY PICKING A FAVORED FOE?
Tom Brady made no bones about it. He wouldn’t mind taking out the Baltimore Ravens and ending the career of Ray Lewis here in Foxboro.
Yesterday, Brady talked about a previous collision with Lewis and the Ravens.
“It was a quarterback sneak for a first down conversion. He is still an incredible player and a competitor. I know so many people have said so many things about him and certainly the guys that have played with him can probably speak to him the best. But it was a privilege to play against him,” said Brady, who wandered into strange territory with his words.
“I always enjoy beating the Ravens so, yeah, anytime I can beat those guys. They got us once this year. There’s nobody that’s played that position any better than him.”
FRIDAY NIGHT HOOP FEAST
A handful of key boys hoop battles dot the schedule tonight, that might interest you.
In the best darn small school rivalry out there, it’s Windham hosting Pelham at 6:30. p.m.
Over in the MVC, the marquee local game of the night sends Lawrence to Crozier Fieldhouse with a 7 p.m. date against North Andover. Andover heads to one of the toughest barns in the North as it challenges Lowell at 7 p.m.
Meanwhile, in the first key MVC small battle, the suddenly streaking Hillies, who’ve won two in a row, head to Tewksbury, again at 7 p.m.
DON’T FORGET, THE FANTASY CONTINUES
God bless the NFL, for extending its fantasy football contest into the postseason.
Make sure you go to NFL.com for the NFL’s Fantasy Playoff Challenge.
FUNNIEST MOMENT OF THE WEEKEND
Bar none, the easiest group of people to mock are sports writers. We’re too loud, often obnoxious and often say things that simply drive the everyday fan batty.
Today, I offer you the story of the Miami Dolphins’ beat guys, who were absolutely ripping Reggie Bush on press row and noting how pissed he’d be because he did not get his 1,000 rushing yards in the season finale with the Pats.
Those same bulldogs on press row waited and waited, while Bush delayed his final appearance with the press long after the Pats had finished off Bush and the fish.
Finally, Reggie was ready, and the kittens covering played like his best friend …
“Tough break, eh Reg, not getting the 1,000,” said one.
“Aw shucks (I’m embellishing here),” said Bush. “We came in for the win. I’m not about stats or numbers or any of that.”
The guy’s nose was growing as he said it, but the Dolphins’ writers backed right off and basically said, “Good try, big guy.”
The whole thing was nauseating.
