The Record, Bergen County, NJ

Big 1st Lifts Rp to Title

PALISADES PARK - Only 24 hours removed from coming back to save its season, the Ridgefield Park Little League team was nervous but confident entering Tuesday's district final. It didn't take long for the nerves to go away.

Elmwood Park has Big Plans Up Front

Elmwood Park football coach Garry Luciani looks at his team and a few numbers stand out -- 6-foot-5, 265 pounds and 6-4, 275 pounds. Those are the measurements of returning senior tackles Jacob Pustkowski and Ibrahim Malki. And Luciani and his team are going to follow them.

Paramus Catholic Star On a Mission

PARAMUS - Dan Foose has seen the football program for which he plays at Paramus Catholic go from contender to starting over and back again. From his perspective, the one constant in rebuilding success is a willingness to push beyond the limits in an attempt to exceed the expectations of everybody, not just others but the Paladins themselves.

Deo Continues Roll ; Amateur Champ Leader at State Open

WEST ORANGE - The confidence Mike Deo gained from finally winning the State Amateur is carrying over into the State Open. The reigning State Amateur champ is the leader after the first round of the 89th State Open after scoring five birdies and shooting a 3-under 67 on Tuesday at Rock Spring Club.

Rivera, Jeter Still Making Grade ; Midseason Report Cards

Here's a look at how the Yankees grade out at the All-Star break: Mariano Rivera: A

Baseball Notes

Pedro joins Phillies Pedro Martinez has agreed to a $1 million, one-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Tuesday night.

Mets' Overachievers Are Few ; Midseason Report Cards

Here's a look at how the Mets grade out at the All-Star break: Carlos Beltran: A

Bulls, Thomas Cut Ties Again ; Former Pc Star Bought Out

CHICAGO -- Former Paterson Catholic star Tim Thomas and the Chicago Bulls have agreed to their second contract buyout in three years, ending the veteran's second stint with the team. The Bulls, who announced the move Tuesday, acquired Thomas from the Knicks for the second time since 2005 on Feb. 19. Thomas, a 6- foot-10 forward, averaged 5.8 points and 2.3 rebounds in 18 games with Chicago.

Romo Dumps One Off

With NFL training camps set to open before the end of the month, it soon will be time for every team and every player to look for a fresh start. Except for Dallas quarterback Tony Romo, who couldn't wait that long.

Esky Coming Home ; Montvale Native to Visit Red Bulls

Take a look in the closets of some of Alecko Eskandarian's friends and you'd think they couldn't make up their minds. There are jerseys from Major League Soccer teams in Washington, Toronto, Salt Lake City and now two from Los Angeles. The only thing they have in common is Eskandarian's name on the back. The former Bergen Catholic standout is on his fifth team, having been traded to the Los Angeles Galaxy on July 1. In addition to David Beckham making his 2009 debut with the Galaxy at Giants ...

Managing to Smile ; Girardi has Reason to Be Optimistic

The scene was more like something out of a summer camp than a major league camp. Here was the manager of the Yankees, gathering his players for the daily meeting on a late-February morning and telling them not to dress in their uniforms.

Managing to Smile ; Manuel Stays Upbeat Despite Met Troubles

When Jerry Manuel took over as Mets manager just over a year ago, he joked that GM Omar Minaya would not fire a manager in uniform, so he wasn't about to take his off. Once he secured his two-year contract after last season, he took to a regular dress code, but maybe he should replace the suits in his wardrobe with more No. 53 jerseys -- just in case.