Diamond in the Rough: Marquette King, P, Fort Valley State

ATLANTA, GA  -  It was 9:00 in the morning in Atlanta, Georgia for the 3rd Annual HBCU Bowl, and there was a repetitive “BOOMING” sound in the background. When the scouts and players looked over, they saw a 6’1, 192 pound, punter booming kicks in the air. When scouts looked over they seemed surprised to see a young African American man kicking the ball so high. It was almost instantaneous, when you looked at the NFL scouts they all began reaching for their stop clocks.

The next BOOM came with something special it was an electrifying 80 yard punt, which registered a 5.3 hang time on some scouts watches. It seemed that at this moment, young Marquette King of Fort Valley State, had begun showing the NFL scouts that he had what it takes to be in the next level.

Marquette King is a very soft spoken young man from Macon, Georgia. Marquette is a family man, a person that was raised by both his mother and father and has a little sister, who attends the University of Georgia. Marquette played high school football for Rutland High School where he was the Placekicker, Punter and Wide Receiver. Marquette was named Special Teams player of the year his senior season but that still didn’t get the looks he was hoping for. The biggest problem was that Marquette was a Punter, and we all know Punters and Kickers are never given any love. Marquette decided that Fort Valley State was a good decision for him and decided to stay close to home and play for Fort Valley State.



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16 Student-Athletes Sign FVSU Letters of Intent

Fort Valley State University Head Football Coach Donald Pittman has announced that 16 student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play football with the Wildcats beginning in the 2011 season. The class includes two quarterbacks, two running backs, four receivers, two offensive linemen, three defensive linemen, one linebacker, and one kicker.

"As a program, we are extremely pleased with the student-athletes who have decided to become a part of the Wildcat football family," said Pittman. "We believe that these recruits have the potential to help us take Wildcat Football to next level. I, and the rest of the coaching staff, look forward to working with these recruits to make them better players and quality young men."

2011 Fort Valley State Football Signees

Name                          Pos.   HGT   WGT         Hometown/Previous School

Jonathan Adams        DL      6'4     280           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W Dekalb H.S. 
Brandon Baker           OL       6'4     290          Columbus, GA/Northside H.S. 
Tony Collins                OL       6'3     270          East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Chartavious Danzy     C         6'1     285          Tennile, GA/Washington Co. H.S. 
Jonte Davis                 QB       5'8    170           East Point, GA/Tri-Cities H.S. 
Deonzo Farrie             DE       6'6    240           Stone Mtn., GA/S.W. Dekalb H.S. 
Eric Horsley                 RB      5'8    180            Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Tyler Hunt                    K         5'10   165           Jonesboro, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Alex Martin                   LB       5'10   190           Tifton, GA/Tift Co. H.S. 
Cameron Pearson    QB       6'7     215           Dallas, TX/Madison H.S. 
Travis Richmond       RB       5'7     165           Fort Valley, GA/Peach Co. H.S. 
Justin Scott                 TE        6'4     200           Bessemer, AL/Hueytown H.S. 
Tarvarus Talley           DT       6'1     270          Columbus, GA/Carver Col.H.S. 
Jevon Watson            WR       6'3    185           Hampton, GA/Lovejoy H.S. 
Jacovi White               WR       6'2     225          Cusseta, GA/Chatta. Co. H.S. 
Ronald Wilcots          WR       6'2     180          Dallas, TX/ Madison H.S 

by FVSU Office of Sports Information

Fort Valley State University Releases 2011 Football Schedule

Fort Valley, GA - The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its' 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year's meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to...

Fla. A&M, Delta St. and Bethune Cookman highlight FVSU's 2011 football schedule

Fort Valley State University (FVSU) enters the 2011 football campaign with an exponentially more difficult schedule on paper with the addition of two teams from the always-tough Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), Bethune Cookman and Florida A&M.

Both Bethune Cookman and FAMU finished with identical 7 and 1 conference records in 2010 and pose a serious challenge for the upcoming season.

Wildcats in for a "Wild' ride in 2011 Football Season

Fort Valley, GA – The Wildcats of Fort Valley State University (FVSU) will face one of its most challenging seasons with the announcement of its’ 2011 football schedule. The rigorous campaign includes trips to two of the most popular Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) programs in the nation, Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Bethune Cookman University (BCU).

This year’s meeting between FVSU and FAMU will be the first since the Wildcats upset the Rattlers (19-14) in Tallahassee in 1984. When FVSU travels to Daytona Beach to meet the Wildcats of BCU, they will be playing the defending co-Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference Champions. BCU shared the 2010 title with FAMU and South Carolina State University. The last time FVSU and BCU played was in 1964.

The 2011 schedule also features a bout between the FVSU Wildcats and region opponent, the Statesmen of Delta State University of the Gulf South Conference. The match up will be played at Wildcat Stadium and is the first between the two schools since the Wildcats defeated the Statesmen in the first round of the 1998 NCAA Division II Playoffs.

The start of the 2011 also marks the beginning of the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) transition to an East/West Divisional format with the winner of each division competing for the conference title on November 12th in Columbus, Ga.

As a member of the East division, FVSU will play seven conference games in 2011.

Conference match ups include away games at Clark Atlanta University, Benedict College, and Kentucky State University. Home, conference contests include visits to Wildcat Stadium by Tuskegee University, Morehouse College, and Stillman College. The October 22nd game against Stillman College has been designated as Homecoming 2011 for the Wildcats.

The Wildcats will conclude the regular season on November 5th in the 22nd Annual Fountain City Classic when they meet the Golden Rams of Albany State University at McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Ga.



“Talk about a challenging schedule! This is about as demanding as they come,” said third-year FVSU Head Coach Donald Pittman. “The combination of two FCS schools, a region opponent who made last year’s NCAA playoffs, and an always tough conference schedule, provides us with an opportunity to show just how competitive FVSU football can truly be. While challenging, we embrace the chance for a real breakout season for Wildcats Football. From start to finish, this will be an exciting year for the Wildcats.”

Those wishing to reserve tickets for the 2011 season can contact the FVSU Cashier's Office at 478-825-6433 or go to the following link on FVSU's website: http://www.wildcatticketoffice.com.

2011 FVSU Football Schedule

DATE OPPONENT CONFERENCE GAME HOME / AWAY LOCATION TIME
9/3/2011 Florida A&M University A Tallahassee, FL 6 p.m.
9/10/2011 Delta State University H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
9/17/2011 Clark Atlanta University * A Atlanta, GA 2 p.m.
9/24/2011 Benedict College * A Columbus, SC 6 p.m.
10/1/2011 Tuskegee University * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
10/8/2011 Kentucky State University * A Frankfort, KY 1 p.m.
10/15/2011 Bethune Cookman University A Daytona Beach, FL TBA
10/22/2011 Stillman College (Homecoming) * H Fort Valley, GA 2 p.m.
10/29/2011 Morehouse College(Senior Day)* * H Fort Valley, GA 6 p.m.
11/5/2011 Albany State (22nd Annual Fountain City Classic)*N Columbus, GA 2 p.m.
11/12/2011 SIAC Championship * N TBA TBA

By: FVSU Office of Sports Information
LINK: FVSUSPORTS


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Salley gets 20 as Claflin drops Fort Valley State

The outside was cold and rainy, but inside the Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center, things heated up between two SIAC rivals.

As the Claflin University Panthers (5-3) (4-2) stopped the Fort Valley State Wildcats in their tracks with a 71-58 victory. The Panthers went into the break leading by five points, 30-25, shooting a blistering 65 percent (11-17) from the field and going 7-9 from the free throw line for 78 percent to keep the Cats at bay.


Efe Odigie scored eight points and Eric Salley scored seven points in the first stanza for the Panthers. Desmond Lofland, Detritus McCall, and Brandon Davey each scored five points for Fort Valley at the midway point.

Claflin Lady Panthers fall to Fort Valley State Lady Wildcats

The Lady Wildcats of Fort Valley State are the preseason favorites to capture the Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship. The Claflin University Lady Panthers got an up-close look at the Lady Wildcats Saturday afternoon, and what to expect this season.

The Lady Wildcats upped their league mark to a perfect 4-0 with a 72-54 win over the Lady Panthers at the Edward L. Tullis Arena on the Claflin University campus. The victory also improved the Lady Wildcats to 6-3 overall, while the Lady Panthers fell to 2-3 in conference play and 2-5 for the season.

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Albany State Golden Rams win SIAC title in a thriller!

ALBANY, GA (WALB) - It wasn't easy or pretty but Albany State got the job done. The Rams held off Fort Valley State 12-7 in the Fountain City Classic to claim their first SIAC title since 2006. Stanley Jennings connected on 2 touchdown passes to Ronnie Childs in the second half after both teams failed to get on the score board in the first half.

The Rams' defense stepped up big in the 4th quarter with less than a minute left. ASU held Fort Valley out of the end zone after a blocked punt gave the Wildcats possession at the Ram 10 yard line. The win closes out a 10-0 regular season for the Rams.

Rams Edge FVSU for SIAC Title

This year's Fountain City Classic was more than a rivalry game. The SIAC Championship was at stake in Columbus between the 6th ranked undefeated Albany State Rams, and No. 25 Fort Valley State, winners of seven straight.

After battling to a scoreless tie in the first, the Wildcats' Emanuel Williams scooped up a fumble by LiRonnie Davis and took it to the end zone to give FVSU a 7-0 edge. The Rams responded with back-to-back touchdown passes from Stanley Jennings to Ronnie Childs to put Albany State ahead 12-7.



Wrong shade of blue: Fort Valley State falls short against Albany State

COLUMBUS — Tony Reid could only kneel down and watch, listen and stare blankly ahead as fans in blue and gold celebrated. The problem for the junior running back was simple — the wrong fans in the wrong blue and gold were happy.

“We came in and won last year and Albany State looked at it as a fluke, it just so happened we got lucky,” the Fort Valley State running back said. “We knew that it wasn’t luck last year. We had to do it again and make them respect us. We didn’t do that.”

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ATTENDANCE: 23,966


ASU Golden Passionettes 11/6/10

FVSU rises in national poll, makes regional list

Fort Valley State has finally made it into both national Division II football polls, in time for the Fountain City Classic against higher-ranked Albany State. The Wildcats improved to No. 22 in the American Football Coaches Association poll and made their season debut at No. 25 in the D2football.com poll.

And the Wildcats are No. 7 in the first NCAA Region 2 poll, behind No. 1 Albany State and No. 6 Morehouse. Albany State is fifth in the AFCA poll and sixth with D2football.com, as well as first in the region poll. The top six teams in each region earn invitations to the Division II playoffs.

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ASU: We pay no mind to VSU trash talk

ALBANY, GA — The verbal rivalry between Albany State and Valdosta State is no secret. Rams and Blazers? They just don’t mix. But despite the fact the two teams haven’t played each other this year — and haven’t faced off since 2007 — the smack talk has been as prevalent as ever this season.

“I have not seen them play this year, but everyone is going to cheer for their team,” said ASU head coach Mike White when told about the anti-Rams talk perpetuated by Valdosta fans over the Internet message boards, and specifically stories written by The Herald about Albany State this season. “We cheer for ours and I’m quite sure they cheer for theirs, so I’m not surprised.”

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KSU Thorobreds' rally falls just short in home finale‎

Frankfort, KY - One yard and a missed extra point. Combined, those two things cost the Kentucky State football team a victory on Saturday against Fort Valley State. The Thorobreds lost 14-12 despite a rally in the final minute that gave them a chance to tie with no time left on the clock.

Trailing 14-6 with 1:05 left in the game, KSU recovered a fumble on the FVSU 45-yard line. After stalling on the first three downs, KSU got new life with a pass interference call on a fourth down Hail Mary pass. Taking over at the 11-yard line, quarterback Martez James (who took over for Jerrell Noland) flipped a pass out to Jamaree Gordon in the right flat. Gordon spun around and shed two tackles before making a final dive at the pylon.

FVSU holds off Kentucky State

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said Kentucky State was scary. Defensive coordinator Haskel Buff expected the Thorobreds to give the Wildcats a test. FVSU almost failed it.

The Wildcats gave up a touchdown on the game’s final play, but the defense came through with the stop on the two-point conversion as FVSU avoided the upset and nipped Kentucky State 14-12 on Saturday afternoon. FVSU improved to 7-1 overall and 6-1 in the SIAC, while Kentucky State fell to 3-6 and 2-5.

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FVSU Wildcats looking to keep things clean on road

FORT VALLEY, GA — The MUFLY tour is done for Fort Valley State. The Wildcats have made up for last year — aka MUFLY — by avenging 2009’s conference losses with consecutive wins over Benedict, Clark Atlanta and Tuskegee.

Now, for two weeks, the mantra might as well be TCOB — as in take care of business. And that starts with Saturday’s long road trip to Kentucky State. FVSU is 6-1 overall and 5-1 in conference action, sharing second with Morehouse, both a game behind unbeaten (7-0, 6-0) Albany State. The Wildcats will be keeping their ears open to in-game scoring updates at Alumni Stadium, since Morehouse hosts Albany State with the same 2 p.m. kickoff Saturday.

KSU's Derrick Addai proves he's more than Joseph Addai's little brother

Saturday afternoon will be a day of lasts for Kentucky State senior linebacker Derrick Addai. Last game at Alumni Stadium, last day to excite Thorobred nation with a jarring tackle or interception, last pre-game fight with nerves in the KSU locker room. But in spite of all the lasts, it’s the first that may stand out the most.

Football was an unexpected path for the 22-year-old defensive standout. Derrick never played the game until his senior year at Sharptown High School in Houston, Texas. By his second season with the Breds he had become the team leader in tackles. This year he is leading the entire SIAC in the category.

Derrick’s a conference standout, no doubt; one that should get a shot to play on Sundays. Maybe that’s not as surprising considering his cheering section for Saturday’s 1 p.m. Senior Day game against Fort Valley State, which will include his older sister Josephine and older brother Joseph.

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FVSU Beats Tuskegee 26-0 for 5th Straight 'W'

Two SIAC heavyweights did battle in the Valley Saturday. Fort Valley State and Tuskegee rolled in at 5-1, tied for 2nd in the conference behind undefeated Albany State.

The Wildcats scored on their opening drive, thanks to a six-yard TD run from Tony Reid to make it 6-0. In the second quarter Aaron Courtney punched it in, followed by a failed two-point conversion to make it a 12-0 game. FVSU QB Eugene Smith connected with Demario Barber before halftime to make it 19-0.

Wildcats dominate Golden Tigers in SIAC showdown

FORT VALLEY, GA – Back in August, there was talk about the old Fort Valley State “blue death” defense. That was talk. The live 2010 version showed up against Tuskegee. When FVSU’s offense actually let Tuskegee have the ball, FVSU’s defense made it pay.

Tuskegee was held to only 92 yards in total offense and blanked for the first time since 2003 as the Wildcats were dominant on both sides of the ball in pounding the 16th-ranked Golden Tigers 26-0 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium. FVSU improved to 6-1 overall and 5-1 in SIAC play on senior night while Tuskegee fell to 5-2 and 4-2.

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FVSU Wildcats gain their homecoming revenge

FORT VALLEY, GA — About two-thirds of the way through the third quarter, running back Aaron Courtney was stopped at the line, but he disposed of the two Benedict tacklers who had him wrapped up and raced 22 yards for a touchdown.

That gave Fort Valley State a two-touchdown lead, and the Wildcats could breathe a little bit. Homecoming appeared to be saved, and the weekend would be a good one for FVSU. FVSU’s defense surrendered only a few big plays and the Wildcats blocked two punts and rolled past Benedict 41-13 on Saturday afternoon at Wildcat Stadium.

The crowd was announced at 12,455 watched FVSU improve to 4-1 overall and 3-1 in SIAC play. Benedict fell to 1-5 and 1-4.

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Smith leads FVSU to 56-2 rout over Stillman

FORT VALLEY, GA — Eugene Smith has waited a long time for his Fort Valley State debut. He was in school last year but didn’t play. And assorted paperwork and administrative issues kept him off the field for FVSU’s first three games. His debut was the kind one dreams of.

“It’s about time,” the 6-foot-3 quarterback said. “It’s been a long time. The strong right-hander had 167 yards worth of touchdown passes before halftime as FVSU rolled past Stillman 56-2 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium.

FVSU improved to 3-1 overall and 2-1 in the SIAC while Stillman fell to 0-4 overall and in conference play. The Wildcats are off before hosting Benedict on Oct. 2 for homecoming.

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Wesley makes most of his chance with FVSU Wildcats

FORT VALLEY, GA — Denzel Wesley was late for practice Tuesday and stretched while the offense started its drills. But Wesley’s tardiness was more than acceptable. He had to finish a class, and it ended after football practice at Fort Valley State had started on this particular afternoon.

A year ago, it wasn’t a problem. Wesley’s grades weren’t good enough for him to suit up, and he had to watch. Now, he’s making the most of the new opportunity. “He has taken control of that position,” head coach and offensive coordinator Donald Pittman said. “He’s tough. He has speed and quickness. He can take it all the way at any moment.”

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Fort Valley State overpowers Savannah State

Savannah State was in need of a win, and so was Fort Valley State. Both teams were coming off losses that left a different flavor of bitter tastes, and each wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible. The Wildcats will enjoy their meals Sunday a lot more than the Tigers.

FVSU scored 41 straight points and shut the door on the Savannah State offense for the final three quarters en route to a 41-10 win Saturday afternoon at Henderson Stadium.
The Wildcats, 47-34 losers at home last week to Morehouse, improved to 2-1 with the win over the FCS Tigers, who dropped to 0-2. FVSU outgained Savannah State 345-131 and ran 73 plays to 56 for the Tigers.

Final: Division II Fort Valley State 41, SSU 10

Fort Valley State scored 41 unanswered points to beat Savannah State, 41-10, in the Music City Classic at Henderson Stadium in Macon on Saturday. FVSU, an NCAA Division II team, improved to 2-1. SSU, a member of the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA), dropped to 0-2.

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Fort Valley State Wildcats focused on turnovers after loss

FORT VALLEY, GA — The good news was that Fort Valley State’s offense moved the ball, to the tune of more than 400 yards and four touchdowns. The bad news was that same offense had more turnovers than touchdowns, and Morehouse made the Wildcats pay dearly. No matter what happens the rest of the season, Fort Valley State won’t forget Saturday’s 47-34 loss.

“Wooo, boy,” FVSU linebacker Ricky Johnson said, shaking his head. “We never should have lost that game.” But FVSU gave up points on a 95-yard fumble return and 60-yard interception return while watching Morehouse convert two more fumbles into touchdowns. “Without the turnovers, I think we win that game,” Johnson said. “Point-blank, period. But we can’t win with too many turnovers.”

The Wildcats depart SIAC competition — perhaps just in time — when they take on Savannah State on Saturday at Henderson Stadium.



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FVSU loses home opener to Morehouse

FORT VALLEY, GA — Morehouse took advantage of a variety of Fort Valley State mistakes and made the Wildcats’ defense work extra in downing FVSU 47-34 on Saturday night at Wildcat Stadium. FVSU fell to 1-1 while Morehouse improved to 2-0, the same for both in SIAC play. The Wildcats play Savannah State on Saturday at Henderson Stadium in Macon.

Morehouse avenged last year’s 36-13 loss by coming out strong, making FVSU pay for mistakes and then holding off the Wildcats’ rallies throughout the night. The Maroon Tigers won 38-35 at FVSU in 2008.



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Fort Valley State opens with win over Miles Golden Bears

FAIRFIELD, Ala. — With its starting quarterback, running back and left tackle all injured for the season opener against Miles, Fort Valley State knew its defense had to dominate. Miles quarterback Carlton Hill can attest that the Wildcats did just that.



A relentless Fort Valley State defensive front seven kept Hill under pressure all game and helped limit the Golden Bears to 141 yards of offense in a 24-3 road victory Saturday. “Offensively, we knew we were going to struggle,” Fort Valley State head coach Donald Pittman said. “Defensively, we knew we were going to control the game.”

Hill never could get comfortable in the pocket while completing 16-of-33 passes for 135 yards. The Wildcats entered halftime with only 36 yards passing, couldn’t sustain scoring drives in the final two quarters and finished the game with minus-3 rushing yards.

FVSU Wildcats dealing with issues of early start

When Fort Valley State head football coach Donald Pittman got the chance earlier this month to get ahead of things as far as classes and registration for his players, he was ecstatic. “It’s huge,” he said. “You can focus on the season.”

But he also knew that there odds were long that the Wildcats would have absolutely everybody in uniform for the season opener Saturday at Miles, mostly because of assorted paperwork and transcript issues regarding transfers and players regaining eligibility. And he was right.

The Wildcats did get some key players back on the practice field recently, like wideout...

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FVSU Enters Year Two Under Pittman

The FVSU Wildcats had their uniforms on Saturday afternoon, but won't do so in a true game situation until August 28th. Instead, it was picture day at Fort Valley St., another sign that the football season is fast approaching. For the blue and gold that means year two under head coach Donald Pittman, who guided the Wildcats to a 7-4 mark in 2009.



In year two Pittman has a squad that features seven preseason all-conference picks, and plans to go beyond their projected 3rd place finish in the SIAC. Both players and coach say their familiarity with one another in season two will help them do just that. "We know each other, we know the different temperaments, we know what kids we can really approach in a certain way," Pittman said. "We became more of a team, we're a family now."

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FVSU Wildcats make their return to practice field

FORT VALLEY, GA — The first day of football practice at Fort Valley State was like most of the ones at nearly every college throughout the land: fairly routine and injury-free. Everybody head coach Donald Pittman expected to be in uniform was there Wednesday for the first day of practice, and the returning Wildcats came back in shape. But Pittman and his staff will have a little less stress as they prepare for the season and the opener Aug. 28 at Miles College.

“I’ll tell you what the most important part of it is,” said Pittman, beginning his second season at FVSU. “The president, Dr. (Larry) Rivers, he gave us an opportunity to come in two days before (camp) started and gave us the chance to register and get cleared and do all of those things.

“We don’t have to worry about that at the end. It’s all cleared now.” Pittman and his predecessors regularly went through August camp with players having to wait on a variety of administrative and financial aid issues to be cleared with players. And often, some of those matters weren’t taken care of before the season started, so a player might miss a game or more.

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