DARWIN, Australia (AP) A half-century for Mehidy Hasan Miraz helped guide Bangladesh to 417-8 at lunch on Day 3 as it continued to dominate the series-opening cricket test against Australia.Resuming Saturday at 351-6, Bangladesh added a further 66 runs in the morning session for the loss of two wickets as it lifted its lead over a battered and sloppy Australia to 219 runs. At lunch, Mehidy was unbeaten on 65 from 152 balls, including a towering six off Cameron Green from the final ball of the session, to underline the tourists' dominance in all facets of this test so far.Taskin Ahmed was 12 not out at the break, sharing a handy 45-run partnership with Mehidy. Josh Hazelwood claimed both wickets to fall on Saturday and has 4-86 in his return to test cricket from injury on what was another poor session for the hosts.Dropped catches from Steve Smith, Green and Travis Head ensured yesterday's brief rally in the field fizzled out and allowed Bangladesh to bat itself into an almost impregnable position. Mehidy also shared a partnership of 46 with Hasan Mahmud (14) through Saturday morning before Hazlewood got his third wicket of the innings with a full and straight delivery that cannoned into the tailenders pads to be out leg before wicket.Hazlewood also captured Taijul Islam, taken at gully by Green for 17. Mehidy brought up his 50 shortly before lunch off 117 balls, with five boundaries.On Thursday's opening day Bangladesh dismissed Australia for 198 in 53 overs, after the hosts had won the toss and batted. The two-test Top End series starts a heavy 12-month schedule for the Australians that will feature 20 test matches, including tours to South Africa, India and England.___See APs full cricket coverage here

BOCA RATON, FL Sometimes, you just have to let your best player go make plays.That's what first-year Carol City (Miami, Fla.) coach Toro Wallace did. He put the game in Nick Lennear's hands.The five-star wide receiver answered the call in overtime, helping Carol City, which ranks No. 20 in USA TODAY Sports preseason Super 25 rankings, score a come-from-behind 24-23 win in overtime against West Boca Raton, the two-time defending FHSAA champions in Class 6A."I told the coach to put the game in my hands," said Lennear, a second-teamer on USA TODAY Sports Southeast Region ALL-USA team. "I'm gonna come down with it every time. Coach gave me a shot, and I came down with it."Lennear, who had largely been quiet up until the overtime period against West Boca Raton, had just three touches for 8 yards heading into the fourth quarter. Then the Miami commit woke up, finishing with 6 receptions for 48 yards and the game-winning touchdown against the Bulls."We can't take no credit for that," Wallace said. "That's all Nicholas Lennear. He said, 'Hey coach, it's overtime, it's my team. Give me the ball and get out the way.' I said, 'Y'all heard what he said, get him the ball.' And we all saw the rest."Follow Sports ReporterAlex Martinon X at @NP_AlexMartin or via email: amartin@usatodayco.com. For additional high school sports coverage, be sure to follow@usatodayhss on Instagram and X.This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Watch as Miami football commit, 5-star WR Nick Lennear makes wild catch in OT

COLLEGE PARK, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 03: James Pearce Jr. #27 of the Atlanta Falcons looks on during the fourth quarter between the Atlanta Dream and the Los Angeles Sparks at Gateway Center Arena on September 03, 2025 in College Park, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)Pearce, a first-round pick of the Falcons in 2025, did not appeal his suspension after a February arrest where he was charged with three felony counts, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest.The NFL handed down its punishment of Atlanta Falcons player James Pearce Jr. on Friday, suspending the former first-round pick for the first eight games of the season for violating the leagues personal conduct policy. His suspension begins on Aug. 30, and while he is eligible to participate in preseason activity for the team, he wont be eligible to play his first game of the season until November.Pearce was arrested in February after allegedly using a car to run into a vehicle driven by his ex-girlfriend, WNBA player Rickea Jackson, who was attempting to reach a police station in Doral, Florida. Officers responded to Jacksons 911 call, and Pearce fled the scene, later crashing his vehicle. He was charged with multiple felonies, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon, as well as resisting arrest.In May, Pearce entered a pretrial intervention program in which he agreed to several conditions. If he avoids any legal trouble, passes random drug tests and stays away from Jackson, all of his charges will be dismissed.Pearce opted not to appeal his suspension and the decision is final, per the league office.Yale Sanford, Pearces attorney, told The Athletic in April that his client has taken responsibility for his mental health following the alleged incident with Jackson and had full confidence that he would complete the pretrial program.His eyes have been opened, and he will continue to learn and grow and be a better person, Sanford said. He understands the ramifications of what just occurred. He knows what was on the line here. As a human being, he understands that hes in a much better place.More must-reads:Rashad Bilal of Earn Your Lesiure sounds off on Invest Fest backlash, reiterates its not a Black conferenceJudge refuses attempt to block a Mississippi countys majority Black juidicial districts, for nowJason Arday, Cambridges youngest-ever Black professor, found dead at 41

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) Stephanie White was greeted by cheers instead of boos. And the Indiana Fever and their fans had plenty of reasons to be happy before the night was over.Caitlin Clark had 29 points and 10 assists in an entertaining duel with fellow No. 1 overall pick Paige Bueckers, and the Fever beat the Dallas Wings 98-87 on Friday night in a rare game that wasn't marred by on-court or off-court controversies.We love each other in that locker room and we know there are a lot of people out there that are trying to tear it apart, White said, three days Indiana's coach denounced the divisiveness around the WNBA in a 2 1/2-minute pregame rant. When we say were a family, we mean that. It doesnt always mean we get along, It doesnt mean we always agree. But at the end of the day, it means we circle are wagons and we have each others back.White had drawn the wrath of Fever fans and even Indiana Lt. Gov Micah Beckwith after what some saw as her downplaying a flagrant foul by Chicago's DiJonai Carrington on Indiana's Sophie Cunningham.After White called the foul on Cunningham egregious during her table-pounding pregame speech on Tuesday and said she always backed her players, the Fever went out and beat the New York Liberty 106-92 as Clark and her teammates rallied around their coach.All appeared to be forgiven on Friday as the Fever picked up their third straight win.I think our fans, you know the true Indiana Fever fans, are amazing. Theyve been incredible to me for a long time, White said. But more than anything, Im thankful for this group of women and the men on our staff, and Im thankful we can all lift each other up when need to be and theyve been lifting me up. Im happy about that.All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell continued scoring at a high clip, finishing with 23 points. All-Star center Aliyah Boston scored 10 of her 16 points in the fourth quarter, and even Indianas oft-criticized defense played well through the first half and in the closing minutes.Fridays game and next weeks game in Dallas could be a playoff preview.Indiana has won eight of 10 and finished the night as the league's fourth-place team, a half-game ahead of the Atlanta Dream its opponent on Sunday. The Wings have lost seven of 10 to fall into a tie for seventh with Washington.Bueckers matched Clark with 29 points, but it wasn't enough for Dallas.Obviously, she is an incredible player, makes it really hard on us defensively, Clark said. We tried to throw a lot of different things at her. Shes so good in the mid-range. I felt like we had a few miscommunications, especially in that third-quarter spurt where she was completely wide open. Thats on our group to figure it out.___AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

Noah Schultz provided a glimmer of hope in his rebound start for the Knights. | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters ConnectRochester Red Wings 5,Charlotte Knights 2 In his first start since being demoted from the parent club, Noah Schultz rolled out four strong innings, sacrificing a solo home run in the first for three scoreless innings. Although hanging a cutter down the middle is far from desirable for Sox fans hoping Schultz can prove hes still the best lefty arm on the farm, Schultzs rebound in the second through fourth frames was a positive sign.The Knights worked with Schultzs adequate backing. Charlottes scoring started with Mario Camillettis RBI single in the third, and followed with Andy Webers lone jack in the fifth to capture the lead: Your browser does not support the video tag. Unfortunately, this narrow 2-1 lead wasnt sustainable. After Nick Altermatts two-frame shutout, Tyler Davis stepped on for what would be another disappointing outing. The struggling southpaw put two on early and couldnt get himself out of trouble before Rochesters Liover Peguero lined a two-run RBI drive to center field to give the Red Wings the go-ahead runs. Peyton Pallette dug the Knights further into a hole when he replaced Peguero in the eighth, giving up two runs on four pitches to seal Charlottes fate.MVPNoah Schultz: 4 IP, 3 H, R, HRRunners-UpNick Altermatt: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, BB, 3 KDru Baker: 2-for-4, R, KAndy Weber: 1-for-4, R, RBI, 2 KCold CatTyler Davis: 1 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 2 KRunners-UpPeyton Pallette: 1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 3 KTim Elko: 0-for-4, 3 KMario Camilletti: 1-for-5, RBI, 3 KRiley Unroe: 1-for-3, KColumbus Clingstones 6, Birmingham Barons 2Once again, the Barons disappointingly dropped another game. Caleb Bonemer, the games hero, supplied both of Bhams runs with a triple and a double. Meanwhile, the rest of the lineup collected eight strikeouts and combined for just five hits. Shane Murphy had a bumpy start, allowing five runs, three walks, and five strikeouts in five long frames. Phil Fox added to Columbus 5-2 lead in the eighth, but by then it was only a minor blunder. When the lineup goes 2-for-10, its easy to see why Bham is 18 games worse than .500.MVPCaleb Bonemer: 2-for-4, 2 RBIRunners-UpCarson Jacobs: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 KDylan Campbell: 1-for-4, R, KSamuel Zavala: 1-for-3, R, KCold CatShane Murphy: 5 IP, 8 H, 5 R, 3 BB, 5 K, HRRunner-UpPhil Fox: 1 IP, 2 H, R, KColby Shelton: 0-for-4, 2 KGrant Magill: 0-for-3James Taussig: 0-for-3Winston-Salem Dash 9, Greensboro Grasshoppers 4Although catching up to first-place Bowling Green in the South Atlantic League South will be a challenge, this win keeps the Dash a half-game ahead in the second-place race, a finish that will land them in the playoffs. Kyle Lodise and Shalin Polanco traded runs in the second, Lodise with a solo homer and Polanco with a bases-loaded walk.View LinkWinston-Salem began pulling ahead in the fifth when Roch Cholowsky delivered a two-out, two-run line drive past first base, before the Dash ran away with the lead in the seventh. Cholowsky tacked on another RBI, George Wolkow extended his hit streak to five games with an RBI single, and Lodise delivered a second home run, to name a few other highlights.Overall, the Dashs pitching put up one of its strongest performances in the second half of the season until the bottom of the ninth, when Landen Payne reduced Winston-Salems lead by two. But before the ninth-inning slip-up, and aside from a questionable bases-juiced walk and a well-hit double early, Winston-Salems arms had proved why this team has been competitive all season.MVPKyle Lodise: 3-for-4, 2 R, 2 RBI, BB, KRunners-UpRoch Cholowsky: 1-for-3, 2 RBI, BBJeral Perez: 2-for-4, R, BB, 2 KKaleb Freeman: 1-for-2, 2 R, 3 BB, KJack Young: 2 1/3 IP, H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 KCold CatJesus Mendez: 2/3 IP, 0 H, 2 R, BB, 2 KRunner-UpMason Moore: 1 2/3 IP, 2 H, R, 2 BBDrew Conover: 2 IP, 4 H, R, BB, 3 KNick McLain: 0-for-6, R, KKannapolis Cannon Ballers 4, Hickory Crawdads 3Everything came together for Kanny to help pull the CBs back into a tie with the August GreenJackets for third place in the Carolina League South. Fabian Ysalla redeemed himself for his last outing, twirling five innings while holding Hickory to six hits, two runs, and a walk. The bullpen mostly shut down the Crawdads from the sixth on, although Grant Cleavinger did make the final three outs interesting.At the plate, Grayson Fitzwater and Stiven Flores cranked out two hits apiece, with Flores scoring three of the nights four runs. With Billy Carlson on the IL, its not surprising that the offense was fairly limited. And although nothing went yard from Kanny, the offense stacked up plenty of chances to lengthen their lead but only managed to bring one of eight runners in scoring position around the diamond.MVPStiven Flores: 2-for-4, 2 RBIRunners-UpGrayson Fitzwater: 2-for-4, R, RBIFabian Ysalla: 5 IP, 6 H, 2 R, BB, K, HRJaden Fauske: 1-for-4, R, KMarco Barrios: 1 2/3 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, KCold CatGrant Cleavinger: 1 IP, 2 H, R, 3 KRunners-UpClay Burdette: 1-for-4, R, 3 KCrew McChesney: 0-for-3, RBI, KDSL Rockies 19, DSL White Sox 18 (8 innings)Although the DSL White Sox couldnt put a bow on it, this slugfest had a bit of everything: Two home runs by Ronald Cardozo and Samuel Luis; extra-base hits from half of the lineup, including a triple from Orland Patino; three stolen bases; and six walks. The DSLers left just six on base but only went 5-for-13 with runners in scoring position. Everyone in the lineup contributed in some meaningful way, so its hard to get down on this team. While no DSL White Sox arm could escape without allowing a few runs, the DSL Rockies equally weak pitching made it an all-around horrible day on the mound, evening it out. In extras, the Good Guys led off the top of the inning by getting the ghost runner thrown out at third on a sac bunt attempt, leading to a scoreless frame, while a passed ball and single from Colorado provided the 37th and final tally of the game.

The Washington Commanders defeated the Miami Dolphins 20-7 in the preseason opener on Friday night at Northwest Stadium. Miami jumped ahead of Washington early, going 14 plays for 93 yards on its opening drive, when running back DeVon Achane scored from one yard out to give the Dolphins a 7-0 lead. Some Commanders penalties aided Miami on that first drive. The Dolphins would not score again. Marcus Mariota started at quarterback for Washington, but exited on the first drive when he suffered some sort of leg injury. Sam Hartman relieved him, leading the Commanders on three scoring drives, as rookie running backs Robert Henry Jr. and Kaytron Allen each scored a touchdown. Instant analysis of the Commanders preseason-opening win over the Dolphins:Final score: Commanders 20, Dolphins 7Team1Q2Q3Q4QFinalDolphins70007Commanders0170320It was over when......FATMAN! #MIAvsWAS@wusa9pic.twitter.com/z3KUUyZQjC Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 15, 2026Henry Jr. gave the Commanders their first lead, 10-7, after his 29-yard touchdown run. Allen followed up on the following possession with another touchdown run to make it 17-7. With Washingtons defense playing the way it did, the game was over at this point. Numbers to know3/12: The Dolphins were 3/12 on third-down conversions, and two of those came on the opening drive. Remember how bad its been over the past few seasons?174: The Commanders rushed for 174 yards as a team, with Henry and Allen combining for 158. 3: Washington intercepted three passes, and linebacker Kain Medrano just missed an easy pick-six. Defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will mostly be pleased. 8: Miami completed only 8 passes on the night, 4 of which came on the opening drive. Game ballsRB Robert Henry Jr: 12 carries, 75 yards, 1 TD. Henry also stood out in pass protection.RB Kaytron Allen: 23 carries, 85 yards, 1 TD. A workmanlike effort from Allen. DT Ricky Barber Jr: 5 tackles, 1 sack, 1 TFL. Barber also had a key fourth-down stop.Injury updatesQB Marcus Mariota left on the first series after suffering a leg injury. CB Fred Davis II also suffered a leg injury in the second half. Davis was active, especially on special teams. Whats nextThe Commanders are off on Saturday, followed by a walkthrough on Sunday, which is closed to the media and fans. Head coach Dan Quinn will speak via Zoom. Washington has another day off on Monday, before picking things back up on Tuesday. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Instant analysis of Commanders' preseason-opening win over Dolphins

WORCESTER Seated on the grass just outside the visitors dugout Friday night, Pat Gallagher watched with family and friends as fireworks popped above Polar Park.Less than 30 minutes earlier, the Leominster native wrapped up a near lights-out performance on the mound for the Triple-A Buffalo Bisons in a 6-2 win over the Worcester Red Sox.Knowing I was going to pitch today definitely puts little butterflies in your stomach, Gallagher told the T&G. But I was really happy that I was able to kind of set that aside, attack hitters, get ahead of guys and get a couple strikeouts in there.But my goal is just to put the team in a good position to win the game, and I happened to have a good performance on top of that. But overall I felt good, felt solid. I was just happy that I got to share that moment with my family.After making his Polar Park debut on June 4, the local pitcher put on a show in his second act against the WooSox Friday.Gallagher came into the game in the bottom of the fifth inning and was dominant on the bump. The 26-year-old righty finished with a stat line of: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB and 6 strikeouts.Pat Gallagher's final stat line: 4 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB and 6 K.The Leominster native picked up the win in Triple-A Buffalo's 6-2 victory over the WooSox. https://t.co/gplwSeYS5Y Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) August 15, 2026The victory was his fourth of the season with the Bisons.This is probably the most adrenaline, or nerves, Ive felt in a long time, Gallagher said. Just being in front of my family, my friends, like people that have supported me through this journey all along.What a great experience. Thats everything right there. Thats the reason I play the game.The last time Gallagher won a game in his home state was when he played for the Westfield Starfires in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. The previous time before that: The Leominster Blue Devils.Its been a whirlwind journey in baseball for the 2019 Leominster grad.One that found him watching fireworks at Polar Park with family and friends just 25 miles from his home after picking up a win on the mound against the Worcester Red Sox.Leominsters Pat Gallagher enjoys fireworks with family and friends at Polar Park after picking up the win as a pitcher for Triple-A Buffalo against the WooSox. pic.twitter.com/MonAIgiOH6 Tommy Cassell (@tommycassell44) August 15, 2026Its a full circle moment once again," said Gallagher, who will sleep in his own bed Friday night. Im just blessed beyond measure just to be able to play on this field. I looked at this field when I was younger, I was like, Man, thatd be so cool to play here. And I never thought Id actually get here.So, to be able to share that with everybody, thats like the biggest thing I take away.Contact Tommy Cassell at tcassell@telegram.com. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @tommycassell44.This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Leominster's Pat Gallagher picks up a win pitching at Polar Park

For teams across Jacksonville and Northeast Floridahigh school football, it's official now.Week 1 begins Aug. 21 with the first complete set of gridiron matchups, and this time, the games count for both teams in the Florida High School Athletic Association and in the Sunshine State Athletic Association. Aug. 14 games were preseason kickoff classics for FHSAA schools, and thus didn't count in the standings for these programs.When will teams kick off this week? The complete list of Week 1 games in the Jacksonville area is below.Thursday, Aug. 20GEORGIACalvary Day (0-0) at Glynn Academy (0-0), 7 p.m.Friday, Aug. 21FLORIDABaker County (0-0) at Clay (0-0), 7 p.m.Beachside (0-0) at KIPP Bold City (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Bishop Kenny (0-0) at NFEI (0-0), 7 p.m.Charlton County (0-0) at West Nassau (0-0), 7 p.m.Columbia (0-0) at Bolles (0-0), 7 p.m.Cornerstone Classical (0-0) at Spring Hill Bishop McLaughlin (0-0), 7 p.m.Duval Charter (0-1) at Old Plank Christian (1-0), 7:30 p.m.Eagle's View (0-1) at Branford (0-0), 7:30 p.m.Englewood (0-0) at Bishop Snyder (0-1), 7 p.m.Episcopal (1-0) at Providence (0-0), 7 p.m.First Coast (0-0) at Ribault (0-0), 6:30 p.m.First Coast Christian (0-1) at Christ's Church (1-0), 7 p.m.Fleming Island (0-0) at Atlantic Coast (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Fletcher (0-0) at Sandalwood (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Gainesville Eastside (0-0) at Fort White (0-0), 7:30 p.m.Harvest Community (1-0) at Stanton (1-0), 6:30 p.m.Hilliard (0-0) at Winter Haven All Saints' Academy (0-0), 7 p.m.Impact Christian (0-0) at Tallahassee Chiles (0-0), 7 p.m.Jackson (0-0) at Orange Park (0-0), 7 p.m.Keystone Heights (0-1) at Interlachen (0-0), 7:30 p.m.Mandarin (0-0) at Hollywood McArthur (0-0), 7 p.m.Menendez (0-0) at Middleburg (0-0), 7 p.m.Nease (0-0) at Creekside (0-0), 7 p.m.Ocala West Port (0-0) at Bradford (0-0), 7 p.m.Parker (0-0) at Riverside (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Paxon (0-1) at Wolfson (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Raines (0-0) at Oakleaf (0-0), 7 p.m.Ridgeview (0-0) at Westside (0-0), 6:30 p.m.St. Augustine (0-0) at Palatka (0-0), 7 p.m.Suwannee (0-0) at Crystal River (0-0), 7 p.m.Tallahassee Leon (0-0) at Fernandina Beach (0-0), 7 p.m.Tocoi Creek (0-0) at Bartram Trail (0-0), 7 p.m.Trinity Christian (0-0) at White (0-0), 6:30 p.m.Union County (1-0) at Panama City Rutherford (0-0), 7 p.m.University Christian (0-0) at Ponte Vedra (0-0), 7 p.m.Young Kids in Motion (0-0) at Joshua Christian (0-0), 7 p.m.Yulee (0-0) at Baldwin (0-0), 6:30 p.m.GEORGIACamden County (0-0) at Brunswick (0-0), 7:30 p.m.Ware County (0-0) at Bainbridge (0-0), 7:30 p.m.OFF: St. JosephCatch Northeast Florida's high school sports season with NFHS NetworkThe USA TODAY Network is kicking off the high school sports rush with an opportunity for Florida Times-Union readers to get a discount on a yearly subscription to the NFHS Network.All year, fans will be able to stream their favorite teams live on the platform, while also having a chance to rewatch games on demandincluding 2026 high school football.And now, because you're part of the USA TODAY Network, you'll be able to get 15% off the subscriptions.How to sign up for NFHS NetworkFirst, head toNFHS Networkand hit the Subscribe button located on the top-right corner of the main page. From there, select the yearly plan that works best for you and your family.Once you have registered, go to the redeem sectionhere, and use this USA TODAY Network promo code:USAT15How long is USA TODAY Network running this promotion?The registration period for the NFHS Network PROMO CODE is from August 1 to September 7.Once you've signed up, you'll have access to the NFHS Network for the entire year ending in August of 2027.How to stream games on NFHS NetworkOnce you have registered, you'll be able to search from the thousands of high school games available on the NFHS Network, from must-see local showdowns to Super 25 matchups and more.This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jacksonville-area high school football FHSAA & SSAA schedule, Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons put on their new red uniforms but failed to deliver a quality product on the field in Friday's 27-7 preseason loss to the Denver Broncos at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Broncos head coach and former Falcons nemesis Sean Payton couldn't help but take another shot at his favorite NFL punching bag. In what was a highly on-brand comment by Payton, he pointed out the amount of empty seats in Atlanta's home stadium during an interview following Friday's blowout. "A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today," Payton said, referring to the notoriously empty Mercedes-Benz Stadium crowd - one that booed the Falcons loudly throughout the night. A lot of people dressed up as empty seats today.Sean Payton (still) has no love for the #Falcons. pic.twitter.com/KipI1wNJyG Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 15, 2026Broncos fans are likely just happy that Payton is no longer taking aim at his own staff or star quarterback this time around. Unfortunately for Falcons fans, Payton was far from the only one with something negative to say after the game. Here's how those around the NFL reacted to Atlanta's 27-7 loss to Denver in Friday's preseason opener. it took 1 possession for this meme to takeoverlmao pic.twitter.com/ZgAfCj5JvQ Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) August 15, 2026Sean Payton loves to troll the ATL.He is a rather loathsome fella says many around the league but the problem is Falcons have done little to shut him up over the years. https://t.co/WGS8m820qq steakshapiro (@steakshapiro) August 15, 2026pic.twitter.com/NjtFPfSalv Kev (@HollywoodxKev) August 15, 2026Matt Ryan & Ian Cunningham have a lot of work to do. Not much quality depth. @680TheFan buck belue (@buckbelue8) August 15, 2026That's it for Tua and I think it's easy to see why the door is being left open for Penix TreShon (@tre3shon) August 14, 2026Pretty cool moment on the #Falcons broadcast where Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. both made sure Jack Strand got his TD ball. pic.twitter.com/ux8o0GgUVH Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) August 15, 2026Apparently, we live bountyI mean, rentfree in his head still. I have no respect for this dude. #RiseUphttps://t.co/Ev2ZtuiCva Jordan McLeod (@McWeather1989) August 15, 2026this is a generational gif https://t.co/SfapuYmW5y Chanluh (@chxnluh) August 15, 2026This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Sean Payton trolls Falcons after Broncos' 27-7 preseason victory

"WWE SmackDown" was in Boston on Friday to deliver three title matches in the TD Garden. Outside of the ring, bad blood continued to boil between four of the brand's hottest stars. But overall, this show was very clearly about one person.The Chelsea Green showWow. Just wow. WWE really maximized the impending "absence" of Chelsea Green by giving her the entire first 30 minutes of "SmackDown," weaving her beautifully into three different angles.This. Was. Exceptional.Honestly, it's getting funnier and funnier by the week to see the investment in "SmackDown" creative rise while "Raw's" goes down.It was a rollercoaster in the best way. "SmackDown" general manager Nick Aldis welcomed Green to the ring to strip her of the recently won Women's Championship due to her broken orbital bone from last week. This segment was played perfectly between the two characters, with Green continuously leaning into her "second-fiddle" role that Michael Hayes had given her on Netflix's "WWE: Unreal."Nick Aldis has informed Chelsea Green that she must relinquish the WWE Women's Title due to injury! @RealNickAldis | @ImChelseaGreenpic.twitter.com/ohjtil4S5g WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026Then she compared the doubtful looks people gave her and Aldis ahead of the latter's SummerSlam match against Gunther. It was a nice touch, reminding the audience that Aldis did indeed return to action. You wouldn't have realized it last week.Green reluctantly gave Aldis the title before walking to the back. Aldis declined and instead gave her 30 days to get medically cleared before a title transfer must take place.Everyone in the Boston crowd was fully behind those two, and rightfully so. Stunningly, Gunther was the one to make the interruption, after missing the whole show last week.WOW Nick Aldis is giving @ImChelseaGreen 30 days to get healthy and defend the Women's WWE Title! pic.twitter.com/CsH8FDQTa1 WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026Matt Cardona wants Gunther to KEEP HIS WIFE'S NAME OUT OF HIS MOUTH!! pic.twitter.com/woZXCdBZpb WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026If there was one negative to all of this, it was how Gunther very clearly buried the importance of the Women's Championship. He labeled it as less important than his matters, demanding an explanation from Aldis for screwing him in the Fatal-4-Way contender match.The banter was great between Aldis and Gunther, then even better between Green and Gunther, of all people. As Gunther grew more aggravated, it felt inevitable for Matt Cardona to arrive on the scene to defend his wife. But the duo has never been presented together on TV, so it was a toss-up. Ultimately, Cardona arrived and was held back by Green for as long as he could be.It led to an "impromptu" match between the two in their pants! That was a very small but great wrinkle in all of this. When the wrestlers aren't in their gear, these days, you never expect them to wrestle on the spot.The match was fine, and largely a one-sided beatdown from Gunther, as it should have been.The Ring General Gunther forces Matt Cardona to tap out! @Gunther_AUTpic.twitter.com/um6DuTqO21 WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026Gunther hit the bricks from there, and out came the Irresistible Forces. Nia Jax threatened to beat down Green and take the title, while Lash Legend stood there menacingly. That forced the ill-advised Tiffany Stratton save attempt.Stratton got destroyed, yet she maintained that she would defend her U.S. title against Jacy Jayne later on. So there was the easy out regarding a Stratton loss. Not that she needed protection from a Jayne loss, but that's exactly what we got, as they put on an absolute banger match rather than a quick title change.OH NO The Irresistible Forces have brutalized Tiffy Time! pic.twitter.com/NyEmH7tmVx WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026NEW WOMEN'S UNITED STATES CHAMPION @jacyjaynewwe has DONE IT! pic.twitter.com/ucvPD9dpMt WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026The change, however, was the right move, more for Jayne's sake. All of this Green utilization that flowed through the show together was fantastic. You know. Like a real TV show.And in the end, Green cost Stratton the title by essentially distracting Stratton by staring down with Fatal Influence on the outside.Therapy sessionMother of God. I have no words. Kevin Owen and CM Punk have made magic. This is one of those rare cases where you should just watch the full segment and take it in. These guys went everywhere you would hope before their epic first match next week.And spoiler alert, I feel like Owens almost has to win.Aside from the fact that Owens has only wrestled once since his return, the story is so good with the history and relationships shared. Every line delivered feels like it isn't a line from either, but Owens' mic work is wildly refreshing. He has a different believability. Gripping doesn't even begin to describe this interaction. Car Crash of the NightWWE went ahead and crowned the Tongans, who are, for some reason, still going by MFT despite Solo Sikoa's absence. Presumably, the integration of Haku will stir up some intrigue between the new champions.The triple-threat title tilt was a pretty solid, expected car crash. Mostly, it's just nice to have a real tag team as champion again.We have NEW WWE Tag Team Champions! With Haku by their side, the MFTs have stormed to the Titles! pic.twitter.com/7VUy6VEs1t WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026Out of nowhere!Another Cody Rhodes vs. Sami Zayn match was supposed to happen to close "SmackDown." That came about when Zayn continued to point out Rhodes' backstage privileges. So, should he have won, he'd be next in line for the winner of Punk vs. Owens.Unfortunately for Zayn, Randy Orton still exists..@CodyRhodes vs @SamiZayn TONIGHT pic.twitter.com/w8cXtmsDQY WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026The match didn't happen, thanks to Orton attacking Rhodes during Zayn's entrance. It was largely a Rhodes beatdown that bled into the crowd, where he would rally until they got near the announce table. Orton aimed to repeat his pre-WrestleMania steps-chair spot, but Rhodes turned the tables (literally) and went for it himself. The producers who came out to halt and break everything up grabbed the chair, and that was that. Their match will seemingly go down at Sunday Night's Main Event.OH MY GOD Randy Orton is hearing VOICES IN HIS HEAD! pic.twitter.com/MrKhfn6DuK WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026An absolutely WILD ending to SmackDown! @CodyRhodes | @RandyOrtonpic.twitter.com/RHdbmxpFWD WWE (@WWE) August 15, 2026Admittedly, the whole time that final sequence was going down, I couldn't help but wonder why the hell Aldis didn't get physical with either. The man just returned to in-ring action. How are we supposed to believe he's scared of anyone when in "GM" mode? A nitpick, to say the least. Uncrowned Gem of the Night This whole show was a gem, as you'll see by the score. But, obviously, if one single entity deserves the shine, it was Green. She was the main character in this episode of "SmackDown" and hopefully continues to play a major role while injured.More of this, please. I give Friday's "SmackDown" a crown score of: 10/10 WWE SmackDown full-card results and grades:Women's U.S. Championship: Jacy Jayne def. Tiffany Stratton (c.) 4.5/5 WWE Tag Team Championship: The MFTs (Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga) def. Damian Priest & R-Truth (c.), The War Raiders (Erik and Ivar) 3/5 U.S. Championship: Baron Corbin (c.) def. Carmelo Hayes 3.5/5 Gunther def. Matt Cardona 2.5/5