The Record, Bergen County, NJ

Going at His Own Pace ; Jets' Lb Set to Face Former Arizona Teammates

FLORHAM PARK -- Calvin Pace's five seasons in Arizona were anything but easy. But when they were over, he was richer for them, literally and figuratively.

Mets Notes

Maine on roster John Maine was activated Wednesday, but that doesn't mean he's going to get the chance to complete his comeback and pitch in a game.

Pep Talk: Teel Finds Ally in Eli

PISCATAWAY - Greg Schiano looked at Mike Teel and realized he'd run through all the counsel he had. A career linebacker, Schiano only ever had to try a little harder to break a slump. So, Rutgers' coach text messaged Shaun O'Hara and asked if he'd talk to Teel. O'Hara, the Giants' center and one-time Rutgers captain, wondered why a desperately struggling fifth-year quarterback and captain would want to hear from "some crusty lineman." So he walked over to Eli Manning's locker.

Football Game Plan: Week 3

NNJIL Tonight

Park Ridge Frosh Stars ; Skovira Scores Hat Trick

SADDLE RIVER -- Rebecca Skovira has made quite a first impression in the BCSL Olympic Division. The Park Ridge freshman has scored six goals in her first six games. That includes her first hat trick Thursday as the Owls defeated Saddle River Day, 3-0, in girls soccer.

Bulldogs Find Way to Score

RUTHERFORD -- Katie Landrigan has a secret. After 15 minutes, the Westwood defense figured it out, but the Cardinals couldn't do much to stop the Rutherford forward. Landrigan used her blazing speed to score the first two goals and Nicole Leonard added two late goals as Rutherford defeated visiting Westwood, 6-3, on Thursday. The victory puts the Bulldogs in control of the BCSL American after defeating River Dell last week.

Un-Bill-Ievable ; Ramapo-Hills Rivalry Unites Teammates

Ryan Neill remembers the anguish as if nearly eight years haven't passed. The Wayne native, in his third season as a long snapper for the Buffalo Bills, still can't figure out how Ramapo quarterback Tom Grohs got away from him and two other Wayne Hills tacklers on that disappointing December day in 2000. Neill, then a senior defensive end for the Patriots, jumped into Grohs' passing lane on fourth-and- 4 from the Wayne Hills 24, allowing Grohs to avoid him. Grohs also managed to slip senior d...

Road Work Alters Garret

The course records set by Mohamed Khadraoui of Kennedy in 2003 and Christi Constantin of Kittatinny in 1987 at Garret Mountain will stand at least one more year. That's no reflection on the talent that will run at major meets at the West Paterson site this season but rather that the traditional course will be affected by ongoing construction.

Studer Takes Section Title

WEST ORANGE -- Brent Studer of Manasquan River Golf Club was the only one to shoot par or better each day and won the New Jersey PGA Section Championship. Studer shot par-71 on Thursday at Essex County for a three-round total of 3-under 210 to secure his fourth NJPGA major title.

Knicks Re-Sign Houston Again

Allan Houston's comeback last preseason barely lasted a week, serving as little more than a diversion to a franchise scarred by a summer in the courtroom, but this preseason at 37, he'll be with the Knicks from Day One of training camp. The two-time All-Star guard, who averaged 18.5 points in nine seasons to become the franchise's fourth-leading scorer, but hasn't played since the middle of the 2004-05 season, re-signed with the team as a free agent Thursday.

Jim Freda's Saltwater Report

Best bet: Action for striped bass and bluefish should pick up this week as plenty of bait is now present along our beaches. Fishing for false albacore and bonito should also remain good. These pelagics usually remain in our waters until temperatures drop below 64 degrees. Surface temperatures right now are 68 degrees. Hot baits: Surface poppers are always a good artificial lure to use in the fall to catch both striped bass and bluefish. If fish are around and they are not showing on the surfa...

Vinny's Picks

The first official week of byes cuts the schedule to 13 games, and there really is not a marquee matchup among them. That doesn't mean there won't be some exciting contests during the weekend the Giants, Seahawks, Patriots, Dolphins, and Colts get to rest -- and the lowly Lions get to celebrate the departure of Matt Millen, who has made them so lowly.

Giant Opportunity for Others to Fill Wr Spot

EAST RUTHERFORD -- Reaction to Plaxico Burress' suspension continued to ripple throughout the Giants' locker room Thursday, even while players hurriedly dressed and departed for their three- day bye weekend. Rather than being characterized by the shock of the previous day, when the team announced the two-week punishment for Burress' unexplained absence from team meetings Monday, Thursday's mood already had turned to dealing with the new reality.

Nflpa On Fence Regarding Plax

The National Football League Players Association has yet to decide whether to file a grievance on behalf of Giants wide receiver Plaxico Burress, who has been suspended for two weeks by the team for violating team rules. "We are in discussions with the [NFL] Management Council regarding the suspension related to Plaxico Burris," said Carl Francis, the NFLPA's director of communications. "However, one of our options is to file a non-injury grievance, but we have not done so at this time."

Jets Notes

Jets on mend Brett Favre's limp was a lot less noticeable Thursday at practice as his injured left ankle continued to heal. In the portion of practice media members were allowed to watch, Favre did some light dropbacks, something he didn't do Wednesday, as well as more throwing than he had done the previous day.

Giambi Loves New York ; Yankee First Baseman Wants to Stay in Pinstripes

TORONTO -- This summer's "Jason Giambi Mustache Day" at Yankee Stadium was a playful event, though David Cone made Giambi realize the significance behind the 'stache. "You did it," Cone said.

Yankees Notes

Rivera's sore shoulder Due to concerns over an aching shoulder, Mariano Rivera was sent back to New York, Thursday, for an MRI. "He complained about some discomfort, so given the time of year and place in the standings, we sent him back to New York for a look-see," general manager Brian Cashman said in an e-mail.

Voros' Toughest Battle Was Off Ice ; Rangers' Rugged Left Wing Almost Lost His Left Leg to Cancer

Calling Aaron Voros an NHL tough guy doesn't begin to describe his true level of toughness. The 27-year-old left wing is entering his first season with the Rangers after signing as a free agent. But five years ago, his concern was not whether he'd make it in professional hockey, but whether his left leg would have to be amputated because of a cancerous tumor under his kneecap.

Anglers Welcome Wind Shift

The three-day northeast blow last Thursday, Friday and Saturday had many boaters wondering if the entire weekend was going to be a wash. But fortunately a wind shift to the west Saturday night flattened out the seas for Sunday. Always after an extended blow it is anyone's guess as what the effect will be on the fishery. Everyone's hope is that it will improve but such is not always the case. What makes things difficult for the recreational boater is that after three days of no fishing one mus...

Ice Hockey Always Big with Braun

For all the hockey fans out there, you know what time it is. The first chills of fall are finally biting into the morning air. The Rangers and Devils are well into their preseason schedules and the first game of the NHL regular season will be here next week. For the first time since June it's OK to get excited. And in that respect, Ramsey junior goaltender Matt Braun is no different than you.