After 52 straight losses, the longest losing streak in Div. II history, Lock Haven (Pa.) wins a game ... five years to the date of its last victory

What does it feel like to lose 52 straight games? Obviously, not good. But quarterback Jarrett Kratzer can tell you first-hand how sweet it was to have watched his Lock Haven football team lose 52 consecutive games, starting in his redshirt freshman season. But in the last game of his college career, the Bald Eagles killed the streak and Lock Haven walks away a winner. My story for ESPN.com, following up on a larger story I did a year ago: http://espn.go.com/blog/playbook/fandom/post/_/id/14214/lock-haven-snaps-52-game-losing-streak

Any hopes of a quick-fix for Raiders in 2012 have faded

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: When he took over, GM Reggie McKenzie said he was focused on the long term but hoped to win this season, too. After a 55-20 loss to Baltimore Sunday to drop the Raiders to 3-6, it's obvious the victory total this season won't be very good. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/For-Raiders-Things-May-Get-Worse-Before-They-Get-Better-178911701.html

Kaepernick performs well in emergency role

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: With Alex Smith on the sidelines with a concussion, second-year quarterback Colin Kaepernick played well in his first extended playing time an an NFL regular-season game. But the 49ers are hoping Smith is back soon. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Kaepernick-Shows-49ers-Hes-Ready-if-Needed-Against-Bears-178920601.html

For 49ers, it's a wild game with the Rams, overtime and ... a tie?

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The 49ers very well could have lost Sunday's game against the Rams. Both teams had their chances to win it. In the end, the Niners and Rams settled for a tie. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Wild-Game-Between-49ers-Rams-Ends-in-Tie-178730791.html

Ravens pound Raiders in almost every way

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Oakland Raiders went into Baltimore hoping to get back on the winning track, but didn't come close, losing 55-20. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Are-No-Match-for-Ravens-178684811.html

Niners eager to get back to business vs. Rams

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 6-2, the 49ers open the second half of the season Sunday vs. a struggling Rams team that has lost three straight. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Begin-Second-Half-of-Season-vs-Struggling-Rams-178120511.html

After loss to Bucs, Raiders now face tough Ravens

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland knows it needs to rebound after loss to Bucs, but it's going to be tough to beat the Ravens in Baltimore. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Ravens-Stand-in-Way-of-Raiders-Rebound-178110671.html

Raiders' Taiwan Jones may finally get his chance

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: With injuries to Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson making them doubtful for Sunday's game, second-year speed back Taiwan Jones may finally get his chance to show what he can do. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Taiwan-Jones-Ready-to-Make-an-Impact-177879141.html

Niners' ground game reaches new heights

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: As opponents see it, the 49ers' rushing attack is a sophisticated, powerful weapon that is unlike that of any team in the NFL. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Niners-Running-Game-Gives-Rams-Plenty-to-Ponder-177890491.html

For skiers and snowboarders, USSA's Team Academy is one cool school

As more Olympic sports were added to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association lineup, officials noticed that more younger athletes were becoming members of elite U.S. national teams, and that those athletes were challenged in trying to balance school and training. So, this year the USSA's Team Academy opened, a school designed around training schedules. My story for TeamUSA.org: http://www.teamusa.org/News/2012/November/07/Skiing-Team-Academy.aspx

Raiders trying to plug holes left by Bucs' offense

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After three strong defensive games, the Raiders were blown apart by Tampa Bay. Now, what can head coach Dennis Allen do to plug the leaks? http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Allen-Says-It-Hurts-to-See-Raiders-Defensive-Breakdowns-177480321.html

Always-eager Harbaugh ready to start second half

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Jim Harbaugh, after a brief rest, is eager to get his players rolling again into the second half of the NFL season. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Harbaugh-Eager-for-49ers-to-Charge-Into-Seasons-Second-Half-177492121.html

At midway point, 49ers are in a good spot

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: At 6-2, 49ers are just a tick behind last year's midpoint record of 7-1. Plus, the Niners may be even playing more solid football -- especially when you consider their takeaway ratio isn't nearly as high as it was last season at this time. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/At-Midpoint-of-Season-49ers-Are-in-a-Good-Position-177275751.html

Raiders are limping after loss to Tampa Bay

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Oakland not only lost 42-32 to the Bucs, but the Raiders came out of the game with some serious injury concerns. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Are-Limping-After-Loss-to-the-Bucs-177266111.html

'Muscle Hamster' leads the Bucs over Raiders

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Little rookie running back Doug Martin runs wild on the Oakland defense, rushing for 251 yards and four TDs in the Tampa Bay Bucs' 42-32 victory. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Raiders-Get-Run-Over-by-Bucs-Muscle-Hamster-177188491.html

Raiders have won two in a row, but Bucs loom as tough foe

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: After beating the Jaguars and Chiefs, the 3-4 Raiders will face a more offensively dangerous team in the Bucs this Sunday. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Bucs-Provide-Bigger-Test-for-Raiders-Than-Jags-and-Chiefs-176970411.html

49ers will be well rested for second-half push

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: The Niners will have played just one game in 23 days when they come off their bye week to play the Rams on Nov. 11. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/Well-Rested-49ers-Will-Start-Second-Half-Push--176963881.html

Bicycle shop owners in Santee are enjoying the ride together

Pete Balzereit and Sylvia Knust met each other because of bicycles, married and now run A&B Cycle in Santee. Together, they enjoy running their shop together and believe in what they do. My story on their experience for the "On the Job" in Santee series for the Santee Patch website: http://santee.patch.com/articles/bike-shop-owners-enjoying-the-ride-together#photo-11914489

49ers' Vernon Davis has become the Invisible Man

Daily 49ers blog for NBC Bay Area website: Where did Vernon Davis go? Over the past two games, the San Francisco tight end has vanished. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/Vernon-Davis-Has-Vanished-From-49ers-Passing-Game-176796751.html

Huff has turned the corner at new position

Daily Raiders blog for NBC Bay Area website: Safety-turned-cornerback Michael Huff admits his first two games at his new position were rough. Since then, however, he's been coming on fast. http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/After-Rough-Beginning-Raiders-Huff-has-Turned-the-Corner-176789201.html