Big Game

Even though rain and thunderstorms are expected to continue this morning, forecasters are predicting cool, cloudy weather with a 30% to 40% chance of rain by the time the Super Bowl kicks off today. "It might be a good idea to bring an umbrella," said metrologist Steve Burback of WeatherData. Afternoon temperatures should be in the low- to mid-60s. The chance of showers should decrease by evening.

Coach Craig Hartsburg desperately wanted to give backup goalie Dominic Roussel a start over the last few weeks, but he also hoped to play him in a meaningful game. There was one big problem for Hartsburg until Roussel shut out the Colorado Avalanche, 1-0, Tuesday at Denver. "Guy [Hebert] has been so good we've never been able to give Dom a chance to play [recently]," Hartsburg said. "I wanted to give him a big game to play in and [Tuesday] was a big game for us."

In an effort to discourage unauthorized companies from using the Super Bowl to peddle their products, the NFL is seeking to trademark the phrase "the Big Game." But a college football rivalry that began in 1902 might have something to say about that. Stanford and California, whose annual showdown is known as "Big Game," have taken initial steps to oppose the trademark through Collegiate Licensing Co., and have obtained a three-month extension to mull their next move.

Jim Caldwell , coach of the undefeated Indianapolis Colts, will try this week to sell his players on the notion that Sunday is just another game. Good luck with that. The Colts (8-0) play host to the New England Patriots (6-2) in the latest chapter of the rivalry of the decade. As usual, the matchup pits future Hall of Fame quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Tom Brady , as well as two of the best teams in football. Brady is 7-3 as a starter in the series and holds a 3-1 advantage over Manning in Super Bowl rings.

It was nervous time for the Chicago Bears. It was overtime and Chris Boniol was lining up to try a 36-yard field goal. A week earlier, he missed a 41-yard attempt in overtime that would have given the Bears a victory over Minnesota. But not this time. Boniol's kick 4:58 into the overtime was good and the Bears beat the free-falling San Diego Chargers, 23-20, Sunday.

It was a long day's journey into day when I flew from San Diego to Fairbanks. It was, in fact, the longest day of the year. From a California dawn I headed north and west to the midnight sun of Alaska. It was that giddy time in June when baseball games--played without lights--get under way at 10:30 p.m. and picnics and barbecues follow. As I waited for my suitcase I scanned Fairbanks' airport.

Shaquille O'Neal got his basketball back and his ceremony this week, but in the throes of Sacramento's Ball-gate he'd promised, "This is something I won't forget, and I'll see you soon." The Lakers would be happy to have O'Neal motivated for tonight's game with the Sacramento Kings, as they are in sixth place in the Western Conference, but even in the loss column with the Minnesota Timberwolves and one loss behind the Portland Trail Blazers. Besides, it's the Kings, which often times is enough.

In an era of specialization, Stesha Selsky was an all-around bundle of energy as she led the Los Angeles Marymount girls' volleyball team to its fourth consecutive state title last month. The 5-foot-10 senior set the ball when the rotation took her into the back row, hit it when she played in the front row and, defensively, was all over the court. She was selected the most outstanding player of the Division IV state final.

Washington takes its 8-7 record (0-5 in the Central League) and invades Palisades (13-3 and 3-2) to face the Dolphins at 4 p.m. Friday . The Generals hope to avenge an earlier 81-52 loss to the Dolphins. Washington Coach Andrew Davis said his team will have to hit the boards and play sound, aggressive defense. "They killed us on the boards the last time we played them," said Davis. "We're going to have to improve on offense also, and not hit any dry spells where we go without scoring."

In what has become a very important basketball game for Fairfax High School, Coach Harvey Kitani takes his 10-4 Lions (2-2 in Valley League) to Hamilton to face the Yankees at 7:30 p.m. Friday. "It's a big game for both schools," said Kitani. "I don't believe if you're going to contend for the league championship you can have more than two losses." Kitani said the season is young and there is time for his team to turn it around and capture the league title.