Northwest Notes Sept. 30, 2010

Start time changed for WSU-Oregon

The kickoff time for Washington State’s Oct. 9 football game against Oregon has been set for 2 p.m. at Martin Stadium. The game is part of Homecoming Weekend for the Cougars and will not be televised live.

Broncos lose Harper for season

Boise State junior tailback D.J. Harper tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, ending his season early for the second straight year, the school announced.

Harper was injured trying to make a cut during Saturday’s game against Oregon State and was also injured in the third game of the 2009 season in which he redshirted.

He had rushed for 160 yards and two touchdowns this season in a tailback tandem with Doug Martin.

Venable suspended for first half

Western Athletic Conference Commissioner Karl Benson handed down a half-game suspension to Boise State football player Winston Venable as a result of a flagrant foul he committed against Oregon State last week.

The foul was not called by the game officials.

Benson originally penalized Venable for one game, but the decision was appealed by Boise State and reduced to a half-game by the WAC Sportsmanship Committee.

The play occurred at the 9:30 mark of the third quarter when Oregon State’s James Rodgers was attempting to block for the quarterback on a scramble and was hit helmet-to-helmet by Venable. Rodgers left the game with a concussion.

Venable will be suspended for the first half of Saturday’s game at New Mexico State.

Johnson named

captain of Chiefs

The Spokane Chiefs have named 20-year-old Tyler Johnson captain of the team.

The Chiefs also named fellow 20-year old Levko Koper as alternate captain. Koper is entering his fifth season as a Chief and leads all active players with 259 career games played. He has scored 66 goals in his career.

Both Johnson and Koper were members of the 2008 Memorial Cup champions.

Johnson, a former Coeur d’Alene Laker, takes over the captain duties from defenseman Jared Cowen, who is currently playing for the Ottawa Senators. Cowen can only play in the NHL with the Senators or be returned to the Chiefs.

Shock re-sign two

for 2011 season

The Spokane Shock announced that defensive lineman Richard Clebert and offensive lineman Brandon Leyritz have re-signed with Spokane for the 2011 season.

Last season, Clebert, 6-0, 325, started in all 16 games during the regular season and recorded 12 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

A mid-season acquisition, Leyritz started and played in three games during the regular season. A three-year veteran of the af2, Leyritz 6-3 320, also spent his rookie season in 2007 with Spokane.

With the signings, it brings the total of 12 players to return from the 2010 ArenaBowl Championship roster.