##  Moroccan Duo Earns Ballon d'Or Recognition

**Two Moroccan stars, Yassine Bounou and Ayoub Bouaddi, have been shortlisted for prestigious awards at the 2025 Ballon d’Or ceremony.**


Bounou, who currently plays for Al-Hilal in Saudi Arabia, has been nominated for the Yashin Trophy. This award recognizes the world's best goalkeeper.  

Rising star Ayoub Bouaddi also secured a spot on the shortlist for […]. 




##  Moroccan Duo Earns Ballon d'Or Recognition

**Two Moroccan stars, Yassine Bounou and Ayoub Bouaddi, have been shortlisted for prestigious awards at the 2025

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awa

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awards

## Hakimi Makes Cut for Prestigious Ballon d'Or 

**Paris Saint-Germain Star Among Elite Group of 30**

French magazine *France Football* unveiled the coveted list of 30 nominees for the Ballon d’Or, recognizing the world's best footballer. Moroccan international Achraf Hakimi secured his place among the elite, earning recognition for his stellar performances last season, particularly during the FIFA Club World Cup.


The nomination highlights Hakimi’s  rise as a global football icon and reinforces Paris Saint-Germain's status as a powerhouse club on the international stage. 


## Hakimi Makes Cut for Prestigious Ballon d'Or 

**Paris Saint-Germain Star Among Elite Group of 30**

French magazine *France Football* unveiled the coveted l

Achraf Hakimi nominated for Ballon d&#039;Or award

##  Lawrence Wants His New Toy: Travis Hunter on Offense

Trevor Lawrence just got himself a new toy in Jacksonville: Travis Hunter, the two-way star who made waves at Colorado. 

### A College Star Joins the NFL


Hunter, like Lawrence a First-Team All-American, was known for his dominant performances on both sides of the ball during his college career, even running for the Heisman Trophy in 2024.  While Lawrence captured a national championship in 2018 with Clemson, Hunter’s electrifying dual-threat skills have Jaguars fans buzzing.

The Jacksonville team snagged Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, adding him to a roster that already boasts the former No. 1 overall pick from 2021: Lawrence himself.


###  Lawrence’s Wish List: More Touchdowns, Please

Despite Jacksonville easing Hunter into both positions, Lawrence has made his preference clear.

“Selfishly, yeah, I definitely want him on offense more,” Lawrence told reporters. "I told him, it's like: Do you want to come catch touchdowns or do you want to maybe break up a pass or two a game?” 


Lawrence continued, “He’ll make plays no matter where he’s at, honestly, and of course as a quarterback I hope he plays more offense. But wherever he needs to play to make our team better, because he will make us better, is what's going to happen. So I’m all for whatever that is.”


###  A Balancing Act in Jacksonville

While the Jaguars have listed Hunter as a second-string cornerback on their first depth chart, reports indicate he is considered a starting wide receiver. 

It seems Lawrence has already begun strategizing ways to unleash Hunter's offensive potential. For fans, this new dynamic pairing promises exciting possibilities for the upcoming season. 


##  Lawrence Wants His New Toy: Travis Hunter on Offense

Trevor Lawrence just got himself a new toy in Jacksonville: Travis Hunter, the two-way star who made w

Travis Hunter&#39;s teammate &#39;selfishly&#39; desires him

Travis Hunter&#39;s teammate &#39;selfishly&#39; desires him to play more offense

## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. With a postseason culminating in the state finals on November 1st, anticipation is building for another exciting season.   

### Boys: Returning Standouts

**Judah Hershberger (Dalton):** After placing 79th at last year’s Division III state meet – the highest of any Dalton boy runner – Hershberger is poised to lead his team as a senior.  

**Tripp Wingate (Norwayne):**  A Division II state qualifier last year, Wingate finished 92nd overall with a best time of 15:59.80. The Norwayne senior looks to improve on that performance this season.

**Luke Snyder (Rittman):**  Snyder is a name to watch in Division IV. The reigning back-to-back Division III state champion, he dominated the competition with wins in 2023 (14:58.13) and 2024 (15:23.10). His quest for a three-peat will be one of the season’s most compelling storylines.

**Caleb Bolender & Bryen Valerio (Rittman):** These Rittman teammates played crucial roles in their team's ninth-place finish at last year’s Division III state meet.  Valerio placed 61st with a best time of 16:30.87, while Bolender finished 109th (17:06.28).

**Jackson & Jaydon Varner (Waynedale):**  These senior brothers are known for their consistency. Jackson earned All-Ohio honors with a 16th-place finish at the Division III state meet, while Jaydon came in 43rd.

**Wyatt Moore (Waynedale):** Along with the Varner brothers, Moore helped Waynedale secure a sixth-place overall team finish at last year’s state meet.


### Girls: Returning Stars

**Lillith Dreibelbis (Norwayne):** Dreibelbis aims to lead Norwayne as their top runner after placing 51st at last year's Division III state meet.

**Adyson Fosen & Annabelle Snyder (Rittman):** These sophomore teammates both earned All-Ohio honors with podium finishes last season. Fosen placed 15th, and Snyder came in 18th.  

**Brooke Bowlby & Selah Amos (Rittman):** Both played key roles in Rittman’s third-place finish at the Division III state meet last year. Bowlby placed 41st, while Amos finished 85th. The team looks to build on their success with a strong return.

**Kaitlyn Carr (Smithville):** A three-time track and field state champion, Carr’s only missing achievement is a cross country title.  After placing third at the Division III state meet in both 2023 (18:02.70) and 2022 (17:49.86), she has another shot at the crown as a senior.

**Maryn Erdman (Smithville):** Carr’s track teammate, Erdman is also poised for success in Division IV. After placing 27th at last year's Division III state meet and earning All-Ohio honors, she aims to climb the podium this season.


**Piper Polen (Waynedale):**  Polen made a strong debut as a freshman, qualifying for the Division III state meet and finishing 95th. Her best time was 19:46.20.

**Iriel Mena (West Holmes):** As a freshman, Mena made the Division II state meet, placing 69th and contributing to West Holmes' tenth-place team finish.





## County Runners Gear Up for Cross Country Season

The starting gun fires August 18th as Wayne/Holmes County high schools take to the cross country course. Wit

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runne

Top returning boys and girls high school cross country runners in Wayne/Holmes County

## Patriots Offense Outshines Commanders D in Scrimmage

While the Commanders defense showed flashes of potential, the New England Patriots offense proved dominant in Wednesday's joint scrimmage. Monumental Sports analyst Mitchell Tischler offered insights into the matchup on Team 980's "Hoffman Show."

### Maye Impresses Under Center

Tischler highlighted the performance of Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye. “He looked really good," Tischler said. "He looked way better today than the limited action I saw him last year. He was decisive with the football, and he did a good job of finding open receivers.” 

### Patriots Receivers Find Success Against Commanders Secondary

Among those open receivers was Patriots slot receiver Demario Douglas, who “had a very good day,” according to Tischler. Maye connected with Douglas repeatedly, often against coverage from Commanders second-year slot corner Mike Sainristil. While praising Douglas, Tischler noted that the Patriots receivers were generally getting open throughout the scrimmage, with each of the three Commanders corners – Sainristil, Marcus Lattimore and Trey Amos – facing challenges at times.

###  Amos Stands Tall Against Diggs

Tischler singled out Amos’ performance against wide receiver Stefon Diggs. “He did a good job when they were jamming at the line of scrimmage, getting his hands on him and kind of staying in his hip pocket, right behind him. He did a really nice job on a couple of deep balls."


### Lattimore Makes Plays

On the other side of the field, Tischler praised Marcus Lattimore's consistency. “I thought he was a little more consistent on the other side,” he said. "You see these guys wanting to fill the Joe Whitt, Dan Quinn style of football with turnovers, turnovers, turnovers. You know, go get those picks, go get those picks. Mikey had a tip at the end of the two-minute drill on a tip drill off of Bobby Wagner, which is a really nice play.”

### Commanders Defense Not Quite There Yet


In his concluding remarks, Tischler acknowledged the Patriots' offensive dominance but offered cautious optimism for the Commanders defense. "The Commanders' defense wasn’t as good as the Patriots' offense, but ultimately I think some of that was playing an ultra-aggressive style and we’re going to see a little less of that come the regular season." 


## Patriots Offense Outshines Commanders D in Scrimmage

While the Commanders defense showed flashes of potential, the New England Patriots offense proved domin

How did the Commanders cornerbacks fare in practice against 

How did the Commanders cornerbacks fare in practice against Patriots?

## Jaguars Face Preseason Decisions as New Faces Arrive

The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, a crucial moment to assess the development of younger players. 

Head coach Liam Coen remains undecided on whether starters will see action, emphasizing a need to evaluate the team's performance during the next two padded practices.  "We wanted to kind of get through these next two padded days, to evaluate, see where we're at as a group, before making that decision," Coen said. "We've obviously had conversations as a staff and with Tony [Executive Vice President of Football Operations Tony Boselli] and James [General Manager James Gladstone] as well, but we're going to let these two days play out, see what it looks like, and make a decision from there."


**Hunter Adds Flexibility**

The Jaguars' newest addition, Travis Hunter, is generating significant buzz. He is expected to play both offense and defense full-time, potentially giving the team flexibility in roster decisions at receiver and cornerback. 

Despite the influx of new talent, several familiar faces are facing an uncertain future as General Manager James Gladstone aims to build a team that thrives on its collective strengths. "By being nothing more than who they are, they'll likely elevate the team," Gladstone stated.  


**53-Man Roster Projection**

Here is our projected 53-man roster after Week 1 of training camp:


* **Quarterbacks (2)**
    * Starter(s): Trevor Lawrence
    * Reserves: Nick Mullens
* **Running backs (4)**
    * Starter(s): Travis Etienne OR Tank Bigsby
    * Reserves: Bhayshul Tuten, LeQuint Allen Jr. 

* **Wide receivers (6)**
    * Starter(s):Travis Hunter, Brian Thomas Jr., Dyami Brown
    * Reserves: Parker Washington, Trenton Irwin, Eli Pancol
* **Tight ends (3)**
    * Starter(s): Brenton Strange
    * Reserves: Hunter Long, Johnny Mundt 

* **Offensive linemen (9)**
    * Starter(s): Walker Little, Ezra Cleveland, Robert Hainsey, Patrick Mekari, Anton Harrison
    * Reserves: Chuma Edoga, Wyatt Milum, Jonah Monheim, Tremayne Anchrum
    * IR: Cole Van Lanen 

* **Defensive ends (4)**
    * Starter(s): Josh Hines-Allen, Travon Walker
    * Reserves: Emmanuel Ogbah, Dawuane Smoot

* **Defensive tackle (5)**
    * Starter(s): DaVon Hamilton, Maason Smith
    * Reserves: Austin Johnson, Tyler Lacy, Jordan Jefferson
    * IR: Arik Armstead 

* **Linebackers (6)**
    * Starter(s): Foye Oluokun, Devin Lloyd, Ventrell Miller
    * Reserves: Yasir Abdullah, Dennis Gardeck, Jack Kiser
    * IR: Jalen McLeod

* **Cornerbacks (7)**
    * Starter(s): Travis Hunter, Tyson Campbell, Jourdan Lewis
    * Reserves: Jarrian Jones, De'Antre Prince, Christian Braswell, Levi Wallace 
    * IR: Montaric 'Buster' Brown

* **Safeties (5)**
    * Starter(s): Eric Murray, Andrew Wingard
    * Reserves: Darnell Savage, Caleb Ransaw, Rayuan Lane III

* **Specialists (3)**  
    * Starter(s): Cam Little, Logan Cooke, Ross Matiscik





## Jaguars Face Preseason Decisions as New Faces Arrive

The Jacksonville Jaguars are gearing up for their first preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers,

Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster prediction: Who stays, wh

Jacksonville Jaguars 53-man roster prediction: Who stays, who goes ahead of preseason?

## Gamecocks Face Brutal Road Schedule in 2025

South Carolina football will have four true road games in the 2025 season, facing a gauntlet of challenging environments. The Gamecocks kick off their campaign with a neutral-site matchup against Virginia Tech in Atlanta on August 31st before returning home for two weeks. After that, they'll hit the road for the Mayor’s Cup clash against Missouri on September 20th.

Coach Shane Beamer boasts a respectable 4-1 record on the road in 2024, with the lone loss coming by a narrow margin to Alabama.  He holds an overall road record of 8-11 through his four years with the program.


### A Road Warrior's Trials: Ranked

The Greenville News has ranked South Carolina's 2025 road games from easiest to hardest, considering factors like opponent strength, stadium atmosphere, and recent history.

**4. Missouri:** 
While this game at Faurot Field holds historical significance for Beamer, who is finally looking to break his losing streak in Columbia (0-2), the Tigers won't be easy targets.  Last year’s thrilling Gamecocks victory, capped off by Rocket Sanders’ late touchdown, will undoubtedly fuel Missouri’s fire for revenge. However, compared to other road trips, the environment at Faurot Field might not be as intimidating. Kickoff time is yet to be determined and could fall between 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET or 6-8 p.m. ET.

**3. Ole Miss:**
Facing Ole Miss late in the season, potentially after a string of wins, presents a different challenge compared to last year's home matchup on October 5th, where South Carolina suffered a crushing 27-3 defeat right after an open date.  The Gamecocks’ knowledge of their previous performance could prove valuable, giving them an edge despite playing in the notoriously hostile Vaught Hemingway Stadium. Kickoff time is also yet to be announced and will likely fall within the same windows as the Missouri game. This marks Beamer's first trip to Oxford, but South Carolina holds a 4-5 all-time road record against Ole Miss.

**2. Texas A&M:**
South Carolina has never tasted victory at Kyle Field. Their 0-2 record under Beamer and an overall 0-5 mark in College Station speak volumes about the daunting task ahead. The Aggies, still smarting from their 44-20 loss to the Gamecocks in 2024, will be eager for revenge in front of their passionate fans. Fortunately for South Carolina, the game is scheduled for an early kick-off sometime between noon and 1 p.m. ET on November 15th, potentially easing some pressure compared to a night game.

**1. LSU:**
Playing at Tiger Stadium is always a nightmare for visiting teams.  South Carolina's history at LSU is dismal, with a 1-13 record all-time, making this Beamer’s baptism by fire in the notoriously hostile environment. The combination of an undefeated LSU team, potentially hungry for revenge after last year's nail-biting loss to South Carolina at Williams-Brice Stadium, and the electric atmosphere in Baton Rouge makes this a near-impossible challenge. Kickoff time is yet to be announced but will likely fall between 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. ET or 6-8 p.m. ET.





## Gamecocks Face Brutal Road Schedule in 2025

South Carolina football will have four true road games in the 2025 season, facing a gauntlet of challenging envi

Ranking every stadium on South Carolina football&#39;s 2025 

Ranking every stadium on South Carolina football&#39;s 2025 schedule from easiest to hardest

## Falcons Retain Injured Prop Bello

**Veteran Forward Aims to Make Impact After Rehab**

Newcastle Falcons have retained prop Eduardo Bello for another season despite the Argentinian missing all of last year through injury. The 29-year-old, who has 26 caps for Los Pumas, suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a Rugby Championship match in 2024.

Bello, who joined Newcastle from Saracens in 2023 and played 16 games before his injury, is now fully recovered and ready to contribute to the team's campaign next season.  

"It's been a hard year not being able to play after injuring my knee," Bello said. "But I'm determined to make a big contribution during what is a really exciting time for the club."

Newcastle finished bottom of the Gallagher Premiership last season, but a potential takeover by energy drink giant Red Bull looms on the horizon. 

"It will be great having Eduardo on board for the new season," said Newcastle consultant director of rugby Steve Diamond. "When he's fit, he's a starting tighthead for a tier-one nation, and he'll add to the competition we've got on that side of the scrum." 




## Falcons Retain Injured Prop Bello

**Veteran Forward Aims to Make Impact After Rehab**

Newcastle Falcons have retained prop Eduardo Bello for another season

Argentina prop Bello signs new Newcastle deal

##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the first race, it’s time to crown Beaver County's top cross country runners. 

**Last Year's Standouts**

West Allegheny's Grace Fritzman made waves last year, snagging silver at the WPIAL Championships and placing 11th at PIAA. She's one of many impressive young athletes poised for another stellar season.

**Vote for Your Favorites**

Think you know who deserves to be crowned? Cast your vote by August 14th at noon for the best boys and girls runners in the county. The results will be revealed on Tuesday, August 19th.  


 **VOTE:** Who are the Beaver County Times preseason high school cross country runners of the year? 


##  Beaver County Cross Country: Fans Choose Preseason Stars

The whistle blows, the leaves crunch, and the 2025 season is about to kick off! But before the fir

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country p

Vote for the Beaver County Times high school cross country preseason runners of the year

## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next generation of volleyball superstars. Among the Shore Conference's Class of 2027 juniors, who stands out as the top prospect?  You decide!

**Vote Now for Your Choice:**

Head over to the poll below and cast your vote for the rising junior you think will dominate the court. Polls close on August 21st at 10 PM sharp.


[Poll embedded here] 

 **Technical Notes:**
If the poll doesn't load immediately, try refreshing the page. Voting issues within the app?  Switch to a mobile or desktop browser for a smoother experience. 





## Who Reigns Supreme? Vote for the Shore's Top Rising Volleyball Star

The countdown to next year's season is on, and that means one thing: uncovering the next

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among

VOTE: Who is the Shore girls volleyball No. 1 prospect among rising juniors?

## Moroccan Football Federation Implements Sweeping Reforms

**New Rules Aim to Enhance Performance Ahead of Major Events**

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) announced sweeping reforms on Wednesday, August 6, following an executive board meeting chaired by President Fouzi Lekjaa. The meeting focused on Morocco's recent success in hosting continental competitions and outlined preparations for upcoming events, including the 2025 U-17 Women’s World Cup and the 2030 men's FIFA World Cup bid.

**Disciplinary Action & Regulatory Changes**


The reforms include stricter disciplinary rules and regulations aimed at promoting fair play and accountability within the Moroccan football landscape.  Details of these changes were not immediately disclosed.

**Focus on Youth Development & Future Success**

"The FRMF is committed to nurturing young talent and building a strong foundation for the future," said President Lekjaa during the meeting. The federation’s focus on youth development programs will be instrumental in preparing for the 2025 U-17 Women's World Cup bid and beyond. 


## Moroccan Football Federation Implements Sweeping Reforms

**New Rules Aim to Enhance Performance Ahead of Major Events**

The Royal Moroccan Football Federat

Moroccan football federation enacts new rules ahead of 2025,

Moroccan football federation enacts new rules ahead of 2025, 2030 tournaments

## Shelton Stuns De Minaur, Eyes Fritz in Cincinnati Showdown

**American Rallies to Semifinal After Crushing Win Streak**

Ben Shelton reached his first Masters 1000 semifinal Tuesday, dismantling Alex de Minaur 6-3, 6-4. The victory marked Shelton's 101st ATP Tour win and came after a grueling three-set battle against Flavio Cobolli in the previous round.  Shelton dominated on serve, firing 11 aces and eight forehand winners while de Minaur struggled with 28 unforced errors, ending his seven-game winning streak.

"De Minaur is known as one of the best returners out there," Shelton said after the match. "If there's a game designed to slow me down, it's his. But today, I felt in control."

The American secured the crucial break battle 2-1, showcasing his attacking prowess against the typically solid de Minaur.  Shelton will now face World No. 4 Taylor Fritz, the only American ranked higher than him. The semifinal showdown follows a match between Alexander Zverev and Karen Khachanov, scheduled for not before 7 p.m. ET.

**Ranking Climb Within Reach: Can Shelton Crack the Top 5?**

Shelton's victory against de Minaur solidifies his grip on the No. 7 spot in the ATP rankings. He currently sits at 3,720 points with a chance to add another 250 with a win over Fritz Wednesday night. A tournament win would propel him to 4,320 points, enough to surpass legend Novak Djokovic and claim the No. 6 spot.

While the top three of Jack Draper (4,650), Fritz (5,525), and Alexander Zverev (6,380) are seemingly out of reach for now, Shelton is starting to plot his ascent towards the elite.  Beating both Fritz and Zverev in this tournament would be a significant step in that direction.


**A Look Ahead: Toronto & US Open Opportunities**

The Cincinnati Masters begins Thursday, but Shelton enjoys a first-round bye, allowing him extra rest between back-to-back 1,000-point Majors. He reached the quarterfinals in Cincinnati last year before losing to Zverev in three sets.

Shelton will skip the Winston-Salem 250, ensuring at least a week off before the US Open, where he's expected to be a home-court favorite as one of America's top contenders. The tournament kicks off on August 24th and runs through September 7th.




## Shelton Stuns De Minaur, Eyes Fritz in Cincinnati Showdown

**American Rallies to Semifinal After Crushing Win Streak**

Ben Shelton reached his first Master

#Sports

Morocco’s Bounou, Bouaddi nominated for 2025 Ballon d’Or awards

Achraf Hakimi nominated for Ballon d'Or award

Travis Hunter's teammate 'selfishly' desires him to play more offense