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About East Oregonian : E.O. (Pendleton, OR) 1888-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 8, 2018)
SPORTS Saturday, September 8, 2018 East Oregonian Page 3B SEAHAWKS FOOTBALL Griffin continues to inspire on cusp of NFL debut By TIM BOOTH AP Sports Writer RENTON, Wash. — Twelve-year-old Logan Powell was already a die- hard Seattle Seahawks fan, even growing up in a house- hold with a Steelers-loving dad. If possible, Powell’s enthusiasm for the Seahawks was amplified when Seat- tle selected Shaquem Grif- fin in the fifth round of the NFL draft last spring. Pow- ell didn’t know who exactly Griffin was before the Sea- hawks selected him. He just knew there was a college player with one hand who wanted to play in the NFL. “I was like ‘Ah, that would be cool if he was on the Seahawks,’” said Pow- ell, who wears a prosthetic left leg. “And then he was drafted by the Seahawks.” Powell and seemingly everyone else now knows Griffin’s story. How doctors amputated Griffin’s left hand when he was 4 years old, a day after his mother found him in the kitchen attempting to cut off his jelly-like fingers. His fingers hurt whenever he touched anything, the result of amniotic band syndrome, a congenital birth defect. The chance he was given to play college football at UCF. The remarkable col- lege career where he was the best defensive player in his conference and one of the best in the country. And ultimately being pro- vided a chance to play in the NFL for the team his twin brother already played for. Griffin’s story will likely add another unplanned chap- ter on Sunday in Denver, one nobody could have expected on the day he was drafted by Seattle. He’ll do more than just play in his first NFL reg- ular-season game. Griffin NFL Seattle Seahawks (0-0) Denver Broncos (0-0) Sunday, 1:25 p.m., at Mile High Stadium, Denver AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File Seattle Seahawks linebacker Shaquem Griffin squares off against Oakland Raiders’ Jordan Simmons and James Stone during the first half of an NFL football preseason game in Seattle. will be one of the starting linebackers for the Seahawks with K.J. Wright out due to minor knee surgery. The player who has been told countless times he can’t will make his professional debut as a starter. For kids like Powell, it’s even more inspiration. If someone missing a hand can start in the NFL, then what is possible? “He’s just proved he can do whatever he wants because he worked hard for it,” Powell said. Griffin’s work ethic has been cited by coaches and scouts as the driving reason the 23-year-old is even in the NFL. But being an NFL player has brought another responsibility, one greater than what he experienced in college. Griffin understands he will always have a role beyond just being a football player. It’s the reason why after Seattle’s final presea- son game he spent time back on the turf of Centu- ryLink Field meeting with kids from NubAbility, a nonprofit whose mission is to “encourage, inspire and instruct limb-different youth in mainstream sports.” He signed autographs. He posed for pictures. Powell was there among those listening intently to what Griffin had to say well after 11 p.m. on the field of a mostly empty stadium. Griffin said he didn’t have a specific message to share; it was simply a chance to relish in the camaraderie of being together and seeing what was possible. “There’s no exact mes- sage. It’s just us doing what we love doing,” Griffin said. “That’s living out our dreams. That’s us choosing what we want to do. There’s not really a message because we’re all on the same page. We all support each other. Having them come support me is another step along the way.” NCAA FOOTBALL PSU draws upset plan for Ducks Scoring could come in droves time in the day to talk to all the media and other coaches who will want to know how Portland State has lost the Vikings did it. 14 football games in a row, “I understand it’s a David including 72-19 at Nevada vs. Goliath, but David got last week. that stone in, I’m pretty Oregon is ranked 23rd sure. So who knows?” Bar- Portland Oregon in the nation by Associated St. Vikings num says, with a twinge of Ducks a smile and a chuckle. Press, has won 21 consec- (1-0) (0-0) utive nonconference home “(The Ducks) still have games, has arguably the to play us. Are they bet- Saturday, 11 a.m., at ter? Yes. Are they bigger? nation’s top college quarter- Autzen Stadium, Eugene back, beat Bowling Green Yes. Are they faster? Yes. 58-24 last week, and so on and so forth. Do they have three defensive coordinators The last time PSU and Oregon played, and we only have one offensive coordina- tor? Yes. the Ducks won, 69-0 (in 2010). And, yes, Portland State does have a “But we’re going to line up and do our plan for how to beat Oregon when they best. We’ll give our players a scheme that meet again at 11 a.m. Saturday in Autzen will work. We just have to be able to match Stadium. Oregon’s athleticism. “I’ve got a game plan, and I like it,” PSU “Shoot, they’re one of the best teams in coach Bruce Barnum says. “If it works, I’m the country, let’s be realistic.” going to be a hero.” And, if things don’t work perfectly, If it works, he also won’t have enough shockingly, for Portland State on Saturday? By STEVE BRANDON Portland Tribune DUCK FOOTBALL Jonathan Smith. That left the impression the starter will be sopho- Everything points to a more Conor Blount, who high-scoring shootout when took over and performed Southern Utah invades Cor- well through the rest of vallis for a 5 p.m. match-up the first half. Blount also sufffered an injury — to with Oregon State at Reser Oregon St. Southern his shoulder late in the Stadium on Saturday. Utah Beavers half — and gave way to The Big Sky Thunder- (0-1) (0-1) birds, who play at the FCS third-stringer Jack Col- letto for the entire second level, racked up 30 first Saturday, 5 p.m., at Reser half. Blount’s injury is not downs and 532 yards total Stadium, Corvallis believed to be serious, and offense in a season-open- ing, 34-30 home loss to North Alabama last Smith said Blount will be “the first up” if week. Luton is unable to play. “Conor did some really good things,” Oregon State managed 392 yards total offense — 196 in both the run and pass Smith said. “It’s tough on a guy if he’s not a game — in its opening 77-31 annihilation starter to prepare like a starter, but the way Conor played, it showed that he did that. He by fifth-ranked Ohio State. The Beavers likely will be without start- operated at a high level at times. There are ing quarterback Jake Luton, whose sta- things to clean up, but he gave us a spark. tus after suffering a concussion on the first “It pays off that (Blount and Colletto) offensive series against the Buckeyes was got so many reps through August. Those termed “day to day” on Monday by coach guys have to be ready to go.” By KERRY EGGERS Portland Tribune SPORT EASTERN OREGON marketplace Place classified ads online at www.easternoregonmarketplace.com or call 1-800-962-2819 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, leave a voicemail and we’ll confirm your ad the next business day. Email us at classifieds@ eastoregonian.com or fax: 541-278-2680 East Oregonian Deadline is 3 p.m. the day before publication 211 S.E. Byers Ave. 333 E. Main St. We accept: Pendleton, OR 97801 Hermiston, OR 97838 See www.easternoregonmarketplace.com for classified ads from all over Eastern Oregon EAST OREGONIAN • HERMISTON HERALD • BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE • WALLOWA COUNTY CHIEFTAIN 104 Special Notices 166 Good Things to Eat Davis Orchards Fruit Stand 9am-5pm Closed Saturdays PLEASE CHECK YOUR AD ON THE FIRST DAY OF PUBLICATION. While we are happy to make any necessary corrections, we can not be responsible for errors appearing for mul- tiple days. Thank you! CLASSIFIED LINE AD DEADLINES East Oregonian 3pm the day prior to publication Hermiston Herald 10am Tuesday Apples: Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith; Bartlett Pears; John Henry Peaches; Nectar- ines; Italian Prunes 53285 Appleton Road Milton-Freewater, Oregon 541-938-7093 ext 2 184 Personals Contact Dayle or Grace at classifieds@eastoregonian.com 1-800-962-2819 to place your classified ad! 204 Automobiles 228 Tires & Wheels 354 Auction Sales 360 Garage Sales 504 Homes for Sale 4 tires and wheels for Chevy pickup LT245/75R16 $400 (541)278-4013 AUCTION US Government Bank Repos. September 8th preview date - 9am-4pm September 9th, 9 am 312 N 20th Avenue Pasco Over 70 passenger cars & vans, Mo- tor Homes, Snorkel lifts, Cooper Wire, Computers, crane truck, Commercial Restaurant Equip- ment and Tools, 13.5% BUYERS PREMIUM FOR CATALOGUES www.vailauctioneers.com On- line bidding. 509-543-3566 WALIC #2175 ESTATE SALE 2 Refrigerators, 2 Freezers, Washer/Dryer, Wingback Chairs w/ Ottoman, Serger, Lingerie Chest, Wicker Chest, 2 TVs. More small furniture. Many household, decorative & kitchen items, outdoor & indoor Xmas & fall holiday decorations. 900 West Donna Ave. Hermiston Saturday September 8 9am - 3pm TURN HERE for Seller financ- ing. Call Kerry at 541-377-6855. TURN HERE at 305 SW Court and drop by or call 541-377- 6855 TURN HERE REALTY & TRAVEL 305 SW Court Ave 301 RVs & Travel Trailers 2015, 27 foot Salem by Forest River, sleeps up to 6 $23,500. Umatilla, OR 509-499-0207 silanesam@aol.com UPCOMING GARAGE OR ESTATE SALE? Call 1-800-962-2819 to advertise it in our classified section and get your sale out there! 1-800-962-2819 classifieds@eastoregonian.com Reach the buyer you are looking for with a low cost, effective classified ad. 2014 Honda Civic Coupe Low mileage, good condition, excellent maintenance record. $11,500 or OBO. 509-844-5963 2003 Nu-wa Hitchhiker 31.5’ 5th wheel Good condition $15,500 425-319-3757 CLASSIFIEDS GET RESULTS! 360 Garage Sales GARAGE SALE 2108 SW Olson Ave, Pendleton Saturday September 8th 10 - 4pm Sunday September 9th 9-4pm +size womens clothes some new, double baby stroller, 2 printers/copiers, boys clothes, sander, child bike trailer, electric moped(s), books, infinity candle, large outside light bulbs, cast iron skillet(s), large suitcases, planters, glass computer table, humidifier, oak bed frame com- plete, misc cables and LOTS of other stuff! BUY IT! SELL IT! FIND IT! CALL 1-800-962-2819 Classified Ads work hard for you! 502 Real Estate How Much is your Home Worth? Call Matt Vogler, The Week- end and After Hours Realtor, for a free Market Analysis. 541.377.9470. More Listings needed to meet current buyer demand! John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 Current MLS listings include several 3 and 4 bedroom, 2 bath homes for sale in popular loca- tions. Call Matt Vogler, “The Weekend and After Hours Re- altor” for addresses and pricing. John J. Howard & Assoc. 541.377.9470 Call the “Weekend & After Hours Realtor” to view homes at a con- venient time for you. Available on Short Notice, Special Financ- ing Program Information! Call Matt Vogler, 541.377.9470 John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 TURN HERE for Profession- al Courteous Representation -Find your new home- 3 or 4 bedroom home, garage or Shop? Call Kerry at Turn Here Realty to find the one on your wishlist. 541-377-6855 TURN HERE REALTY & TRAVEL 305 SW Court Ave 504 Homes for Sale Prices are up! Now may be the time to gain some equity and move up to a larger home. Call Matt Vogler for a free Market Analysis. John J. Howard & Assoc. (541) 377-9470 $182,500- UPDATED North Hill Craftsman. Home interior a must see! Maple floors, gas fireplace insert. Modern heating, plumb- ing, electrical. Backyard great for BBQ. Jef 541-969-9539 cell. #18086387 Coldwell Banker Whitney & Associates 541-276-0021
