Metro Sports Report

White installs new offense at Kennedy

Brian White had some big news to share with Sammy Lizarraga last February.

First of all, White was going to become the new head football coach at Kennedy High School. And second of all, the Cougars were going to throw the ball a lot more this season.

Make that A LOT more.

Lizarraga, a promising quarterback with a strong arm, was all ears.

"When I got the job, he was one of the first kids I went up to and started talking to," White said this week. "I said, 'Hey, things are going to change a little bit for you, Sammy,' and his eyes lit up."

Lions optimistic with Schmidt & Scott

Ryan Schmidt attended college football camps all over the country this summer to try and improve and possibly land a Division I scholarship.

Perrion Scott traveled to Mississippi for personal reasons, but he's back and determined to have a successful season as a senior. He's eligible and ready to run.

They are two of the big reasons the Linn-Mar Lions are "cautiously optimistic" they'll have a good season this year after suffering through a 2-and-7 campaign in 2013.

There's another reason Coach Bob Forsyth and his players like their chances. They have 33 seniors on the roster this year, compared to only 15 a year ago.

"We're getting great leadership from our seniors from that big group," Forsyth said Wednesday before practice. "They've been through some wars as juniors."

Hot Kernels clicking at right time

The Cedar Rapids Kernels have used 51 different players this season, which is more than enough for two full teams.

There's been a lot of shuffling, but Manager Jake Mauer likes the 25 guys he has on the club right now as the Kernels make a strong push for the Midwest League playoffs.

The Kernels spanked Peoria, 11-0, Friday before 3,886 fans on Hawkeye Sports Night at Veterans Memorial Stadium for their fourth straight victory.

The Kernels have used a steady flow of players due to injuries, promotions, demotions and guys being outright released, but they've managed to piece it together and are playing some of their best baseball of the season right now.

Warriors look good with Snitker at helm

Reid Snitker reported for the first day of football practice at Washington High School last season and found out he wasn't going to be a receiver for the Warriors anymore.

Nope, he was going to become a full-time quarterback. And what's more, he was going to be the starting quarterback.

Right now. Today. This minute.

"It was pretty tough," Snitker says now, "but you have to adapt, I guess."

He adapted quite well, thank-you.