Notes from the Sports Desk by Tyler Julson

 

The Albert Lea football team has now won two games in a row after winning its first playoff game since 2012 on Tuesday night. The team has played extremely well over the past couple weeks and it’s great to see them put everything together. They have a tough game coming up against Winona, but I’m confident the game won’t be a lopsided one — as long as the Tigers can continue their type of play.

Many of the other football teams in the area still remain in the postseason, as well. United South Central and Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons are the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, respectively, in the same section. NRHEG cruised to a victory Tuesday night and will face LeSueur-Henderson on Saturday, a team NRHEG has already beaten this season. Northwood-Kensett has a tough matchup ahead after losing its final game of the regular season, falling into a three-way tie for the district championship.

Tuesday night also marked the final game that will be played at the current Hammer Complex. I only experienced two years-worth of games and meets at the complex, but I’m excited to see the new facilities once they are completed. From what I’ve been hearing at the games, so is the community.

The Gophers didn’t fare too well against the Cornhuskers last Saturday. With only five games remaining, the Gophers need three wins to become bowl eligible. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but the odds of them making it are one step above impossible.

My opinion on this is admittedly a little biased, but the Cyclones are on a roll right now and I don’t think it’s too much of stretch to say they finish the season going 5-1 — finishing the season with an 8-4 record.

One of the teams I’ve been rooting for to fall finally did Saturday. Ohio State got hit in the mouth by Purdue and fell outside the top ten in the AP poll. Now we just need Alabama and Clemson to take a tumble. But that’s not my biggest fear at the moment. I have this terrible feeling in the pit of my stomach that Iowa is going to win out the season, win the Big Ten title game and sneak into the playoffs. Please, football gods, don’t let that happen.

As of writing this column, LeBron and the Lakers have yet to win a game. I would assume they could beat the Suns Wednesday night, but I can’t say for sure at the moment. LeBron goes through this stage every time he starts with a new team, and if history has shown us anything, they’ll be just fine. I mean, it’s LeBron James; he’s the best basketball player on the planet and he’s in his 16th year. What doesn’t help him is the chaos that ensued against the Rockets. Losing Brandon Ingram and Rondo for a few games each is not going to help bring the team together. 

 

Tyler Julson is the Tribune’s sports reporter. Contact him at tyler.julson@albertleatribune.com.