Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/423785
ByJanieMcCauley The Associated Press SANTA CLARA Richard Sher- man's leaping deflection of a pass headed for Michael Crab- tree in the corner of the end zone was the defining moment to seal last January's NFC championship game that sent the Seattle Seahawks on their way to a Super Bowl win. The tip landed right in the hands of Malcolm Smith for the interception. Sherman's mouthy response afterward — along with a choking gesture toward Co- lin Kaepernick and the 49ers bench — will certainly fuel San Francisco as the NFC West ri- vals face off tonight for the first of two important match- ups in a three-week span. "It was cool just to clinch the game like that," defensive end Cliff Avril said. "No better per- son to do it than Sherm and Malcolm getting it." Sherman made the play, then patted Crabtree on the backside while extending his hand for a shake, prompting the 49ers wideout to shove the brash cornerback in the face. After that 23-17 victory at CenturyLink Field, Sherman took it much further. "I was making sure every- body knew Crabtree was a mediocre receiver," Sherman said. "And when you try the best corner in the game with a mediocre receiver that's what happens." NFL Seattle,49ersmeet forfirsttimethisyear Last year's NFC title game in the past, says Kaepernick as San Francisco gets ready BENMARGOT—THEASSOCIATEDPRESS San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) runs from Washington Redskins linebacker Keenan Robinson (52) during the second half Sunday in Santa Clara. TONY AVELAR — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs from San Francisco 49ers linebacker Aldon Smith (99) during the first quarter Sunday in Santa Clara. Online: For more stories on the San Francisco 49ers visit the website REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM/49ERS. By Janie McCauley The Associated Press SAN FRANCISCO Those over- sized panda heads are being put away — at least the ones seen in the first row at AT&T Park. Pablo Sandoval's bamboo-eating buddies aren't following him to Beantown. Sam Li, a San Francisco Giants fan often inside one of the four humongous panda heads, said Wednesday he and his friends have decided they must find a new way to honor their team. They had worn those heads in tribute to Sandoval, nicknamed "Kung Fu Panda" by teammate Barry Zito in September 2008. After his $17.15 million, three- year contract ended with the Gi- ants, Sandoval agreed to a $95 million, five-year deal with Bos- ton this week, saying he needed a "new challenge." Li, best friend Michael Jessen and about eight others have ro- tated under the panda heads in recent years. Li said in an email to The Associated Press that the group became Giants fans while attending college at Cal- ifornia-Berkeley across the bay and found the "original head" on Amazon.com for about $130. They acquired the rest from a toy manufacturer who is a friend of Li's. BASEBALL Panda heads put away, Sandoval's gone Giants fans enjoyed wearing tributes to third baseman during his tenure in San Francisco CHARLIE RIEDEL — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE The San Francisco Giants' Pablo Sandoval walks past fans wearing panda heads a er he strikes out during the third inning of Game 4of baseball's World Series against the Kansas City Royals in San Francisco on Oct. 25. By Schuyler Dixon The Associated Press ARLINGTON, TEXAS Tony Romo still talks about wishing he had been on the field instead of at home following back surgery when the Cowboys lost a playoffs- or-bust finale to Philadelphia last season. Eleven months and yet an- other back injury later, the Dal- las quarterback will be out there today against Mark Sanchez when these NFC East rivals play on Thanksgiving for the first time in 25 years with the division lead on the line. No postseason fates will be sealed this time. Instead, a pair of 8-3 teams in good playoff position at the mo- ment will play the first of two games against each other just 18 days apart. "I don't think you're going to decide the division right here," Romo said. "But we also under- stand the importance of it." Romo will see how his back responds to the first quick turn- around since surgery for a herni- ated disk last December, followed by two small fractures in his back sustained last month on a sack against Washington. The Cow- boys will kick off about 90 hours NFL Cowboys play Eagles for NFC East lead Game today pits Dallas QB Romo against Sanchez KATHY WILLENS — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) reacts a er beating the New York Giants 31-28on Sunday. By Noah Trister The Associated Press DETROIT This is a familiar sit- uation for Matthew Stafford and the Detroit Lions: They are in de- cent position to make the playoffs, but after a couple of poor perfor- mances, that's hardly a certainty. The 2013 Lions wasted this type of opportunity, and the 2014 team is looking just shaky enough to leave its frustrated fan base feeling antsy. "Nobody is happier than us that our game is on Thursday. We're ready to get back out there and play," Stafford said. "Obviously, any time you lose a game it's dis- appointing. Two in a row is that much more." Detroit fell out of first place with losses to Arizona and New England, and now the pressure will be on during a crucial three- game homestand that begins to- day against the Chicago Bears. The Lions are favored in that Thanksgiving matchup, and af- ter that they'll take on Tampa Bay and Minnesota. Lose even once during that stretch, and Detroit (7-4) could be in trouble. The previous time the Lions faced the Bears, they won 21-19 NFL Lions face Bears in start of crucial homestand The normally bucolic state at the tip of Mexico's Baja pen- insula has become a battle- ground, with dozens of killings in a power struggle following the capture of drug lord Joa- quin Guzman a year ago. INTERNATIONAL KillingssurgeinMexico state at tip of Baja FULL STORY ON PAGE B6 Enterprise (10-1) hosts Pleasant Valley (10-2) at 7 p.m. Saturday in the Northern Section Division II title game. Enterprise beat Pleasant Val- ley 19-16in a game earlier this season. DIVISION II FOOTBALL Enterprise seeking third straight section title Sutter (12-0) hosts Lassen (9-3) at 7p.m. Saturday in the Division III title game. The teams met in last year's quar- terfinals with Sutter winning. Sutter is hoping to advance to a state bowl game with a win. DIVISION III FOOTBALL Undefeated Sutter hosts Lassen Saturday Get your puzzles fix with the NEA Crossword, 7Little Words and Celebrity Cipher, start your day off right with your horoscope, and read the latest advice doled out by Carolyn Hax. YOUR DAILY BREAK Fun and games inside today PAGE B3 49ERS PAGE 2 PANDA PAGE 2 COWBOYS PAGE 2 LIONS PAGE 2 SPORTS » redbluffdailynews.com Thursday, November 27, 2014 MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS B1