“It’s so damn hot. Milk was a bad choice.”- Ron Burgandy

You know? I’m probably considered world class in at least one thing–making the most enticing cup of coffee and forgetting it on the counter. It’s happened three times this week, and I must say, it’s not my favorite thing in the world to do. Only a minor inconvenience in the span of the day, but worth noting that since Monday, it has happened three times. Each time it happens, it reminds me to take my own advice–‘find the humor and keep on movin’. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this Saturday.

I’m also keeping a side-eye on Como 1907 as they host FC Sudtirol in the Coppa Italia. The picturesque Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia is nearly at half capacity and the crowd sounds as tranquil as the waters of Lake Como that can be seen in the background. Como currently lead 3-1 at halftime after scoring three goals in a span of five minutes just before the half concluded. Consecutive crucial errors by the visitors led to two relatively easy goals for the Cesc Fabregas led squad. The former Arsenal captain manages this team, and he’s been calmly strolling the sideline in khakis and a navy polo looking as fit as the day he left North London for Barcelona. His club will not relinquish this advantage, but I’ll keep the second half on for now.

Earlier this morning the Premier League welcomed back Sunderland after being relegated nearly fifteen years ago. The Stadium of Light was packed to the gills as the “Black Cats” hosted the Hammers and West Ham. From as early as ten minutes before kickoff until nearly ten minutes after the final whistle, the fans brought the Stadium of Light to life. The 45,000+ responded in unison to nearly every pass and tackle throughout the game, but when the first, then second, and third goal hit the back netting, there was enough acoustic energy generated to power half of North England for a day.

True pent-up unbated passion being released by a fanbase that truly deserves to be the Premier League. Inspiring to watch. I’ve said it since they were relegated to the Championship that the Premier League needs them, and it’s because of this stadium’s environment. It reminds me of the “Grindhouse” in the early 2010’s but with thirty thousand more voices. Each one educated to the game and attuned to the situations. With one voice they cheer and sing, yell and boo as the moment calls, similar to the FedEx Forum crowd back in the ‘Grit n Grind’ days. This environment is needed in the Premier League.

Sunderland will be a strong challenge for any opponent they face at home. There is a belief in that building that will not soon be shunned, and the players proved that today.

West Ham will be fine. Sunderland was going to win today no matter who they played.

Switching gears, this is the last Saturday without college football for a while. Iowa St and Kansas St kickoff roughly 165 hours from right now in Dublin. That will be a great game. There is no way it’s not. Two stacked teams with great expectations this season will lay it on the line in this early season conference game. I expect Rocco Becht to make the difference, but I’ll save that for a later “Dublin Preview.”

Staying in football but backing down a level–Corner Canyon dominated in their season opener 45-0. Coming into the game, I was specifically watching for USC commit Esun Tafa on the o-line and A&M commit Helamon Casuga at QB. Both impressed at their positions.

Casuga is crisp and confident with lighting quick release and strong arm. I see room for him to grow in big ways as he progresses into college. Tafa is strong, confident, and physically dominant, but I think he will want to immediately improve upon his in-game judgement as he was tagged with two fifteen-yard penalties that could have been avoided. That said, he is an elite Offensive Tackle and can go far with his large frame and jack rabbit feet.

During one play last night, Tafa impressively ran side by side with Senior Running Back Weston Briggs as he broke through the middle on a big chunk gain. His effort along with the rest of the offensive line allowed Briggs, who also impressed, to tally over 150 yards on the night and the team to rush for nearly 250.

It was a dominant home win.

To name a couple of other players that impressed me:

• Minnesota commit Kai Meza caught six passes for 145 yards. He’s razor sharp on his post routes and has the speed to break away when the ball is in his hands. I can see him developing into a productive slot receiver at the college level. We will wait and see how the Golden gophers utilize him

• 6’2″ Diesel Dart (class of 2027) at Free Safety. While not making many plays himself as Bingam did not generate much offense, he was right where he was supposed to be on every play. So, while he was never really tested, he looks the part. Another year of getting stronger and a bit quicker will do him good as he prepares for college. His brother Jaxson went to USC and then Ole Miss as a QB, so I’m curious what school he chooses.
• Mason Wood looked solid at the Mike Linebacker. He’s uncommitted to a college at this point, but I think he’s got UTE written all over him.
• My favorite player of the night. #88 Manase Brown. The six-foot seven Junior TE/ DE is a straight ‘I just wanna play ball’ kind of guy, and sweet Christmas, he looks like he has fun doing it. A giant human with a giant personality and a ton of potential.

Corner Canyon proved their #1 ranking last night in a big way that’s for sure. They travel to Florida to take on West Broward next week.

A few other relevant scores:

• Davis visited Brighton Thursday evening and obliterated their host 56-21. Boise St commit Tradon Bessinger tossed five touchdowns. #3 recruit in the state for 2027 ATH Bode Sparrow is going to be special
• Lone Peak 49-Crimson Cliffs 14. Corner Canyon travels to LP 9/18
• Orem 42-Granger 12. Orem travels to LP 8/22
• Fremont 42-Weber 10. Recent Tennessee Volunteer commit Salesi Moa caught a TD on the third play. Corner Canyon travels to Fremont August 29th

Corner Canyon is running the gauntlet this season. Will they survive unscathed? Travelling to Florida, hosting the number one 6A team from Arizona (Liberty), travelling to the number two team in 6A Lone Peak, travelling to Fremont to face the #1 overall recruit in the state, and then navigating a tricky conference schedule, which a local dubbed “the sec of conferences.” Getting through unscathed will not be easy, but a road to a third state championship in a row was always going to be more challenging.

Difficult as it will be to accomplish, this team has elite high school players at the right positions to make such a threepeat possible. Casuga is the real deal.

At 11:54 CST it feels like 104 in Middle, MS and 102 in Fayetteville and Orlando. It’s hot. Don’t drink the milk.

Como won 3-1. This is certainly a Cesc led team. Possession football at its finest. Passing, passing, passing, and more passing, but that leads to winning. Cesc has learned under Wenger and Pep, and it certainly shows. He’s working with an energetic bunch this season, so let’s see if Como can make some noise in Serie A this season.

Arsenal travel to Old Trafford tomorrow morning at 9:30 to begin the 2025/26 PL season. Sweaty palms for this one.

Speeding to a finish, this has been a General Update. My goal will be to have one General Update every Sunday Evening recapping the important sports moments of the weekend. Football and Soccer mostly, but who knows what else will catch my eye.

Thanks for reading.

Find the Humor and Keep on Movin’

Whit W.