Metro Sports Report

Go-Go Lions hope to get it going

The Linn-Mar Lions plan to pick up the pace on offense this season by running more plays in a shorter period of time.

Coach Bob Forsyth thinks it's the best way to pick up more victories after struggling through a 3-and-6 campaign in 2012.

"Offensively we're going to try and play at a high tempo," he said Monday on the first day of preseason camp. "We're at two plays a minute right now and we're going to try and get a little better than that. That could be a big key for us."

Forsyth thinks the Lions have the depth to play at a high tempo, with three tailbacks and a flock of receivers to complement 6-foot-4 junior quarterback Ryan Schmidt and 6-foot senior QB Matt Ramsey, last year's backup passer.

Zach Johnson 15th on all-time money list

Zach Johnson has moved into 15th place on the PGA career money list after tying for eighth at the PGA Championship this past weekend.

Johnson, 37, has won $28,371,102 on the PGA Tour during his career.

Tiger Woods is the all-time leader with more than $108 million. Phil Mickelson is second with more than $72 million.

Local players in pro baseball

RYAN SWEENEY (Xavier, Chicago Cubs) - Placed on disabled list June 30 with fractured rib. Expected to return Sept. 1. Season stats: G - 44, Avg. - .295, AB - 112, H - 33, HR - 4, RBI - 15, SB - 1.

SCOTT SCHEBLER (Prairie, Rancho Cucamonga (Dodgers)) - Started in right field Tuesday and was 0-for-4 in the Quakes' 10-1 loss to High Desert. Season stats: G - 106, Avg. - .304, AB - 405, H - 123, HR - 25, RBI - 79, SB - 13.

KELLEN SWEENEY (Jefferson, Lansing (Blue Jays)) - The Lugnuts were idle Tuesday. Season stats: G - 96, Avg. - .177, AB - 305, H - 54, HR - 5, RBI - 22, SB - 0.

ANDREW HANSE (Linn-Mar, Bowling Green (Rays)) - The Hot Rods were idle Tuesday. Season stats: W - 1. L - 0. Sv - 0. ERA - 1.00. G - 4. IP - 9. H - 1. BB - 0. SO - 11.

CHAD CHRISTENSEN (Washington, GCL Twins (Twins)) - Started at first base Tuesday and was 0-for-4 in the Twins' 3-1 win over the GCL Orioles. Season stats: G - 35, Avg. - .220, AB - 123, H - 27, HR - 1, RBI - 16, SB - 3.

JON KELLER (Xavier, GCL Orioles (Orioles)) - Did not pitch Tuesday in the Orioles' 3-1 loss to the GCL Twins. Season stats: W - 1. L - 0. Sv - 0. ERA - 2.79. G - 4. IP - 9.2. H - 9. BB - 0. SO - 9.

James tackles new job at Wash (Part II)

Paul James could have taken early retirement from Cedar Rapids Washington High School four years ago when he turned 55.

The Cedar Rapids school district was ready to throw a good chunk of money his way, along with health benefits and other goodies, but he simply was not interested.

"I didn't want to be one of those guys that retires and then they have to go out and find a job," he said Monday. "When I retire I want to enjoy it."

Instead of trimming his work load, James has eagerly increased the number of hats he wears at Washington as he begins his 38th straight year with the Warriors. He's an Associate Principal, Activities Director and the new football coach.