Barkley and McCaffery among a host of key NFL players to go down with serious injuries in week 2 of the NFL season
Nicholas Tramazzo, Staff Writer
September 24, 2020
Week 2 of the National Football League was a tough one to watch with some of the biggest names taking the cart to the locker room with serious injuries. Unfortunately for fantasy football players, you’re number one pick might be gone for the long haul. Starting with one of the biggest names, Saqu...
Lionel Messi to stay with Barcelona, at least for now
Christopher Santos, Staff Writer
September 22, 2020
Since the days of La Masia, Lionel Messi, one of the best to ever play the game of soccer, has only known Barcelona. From his debut in 2004 for the first team, Messi has been a vital part of Barcelona history. So, when he handed in his transfer request this summer after an 8-2 thrashing from Bayern Mu...
The Torch’s 2020 NFL Power Rankings
Joshua Wolf, Staff Writer
September 13, 2020
1. Kansas City Chiefs: Coming off an incredible Super Bowl run, the Chiefs are returning 10 of 11 starters on one of the most high-powered offenses we have ever seen. Their only addition, rookie running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, had 2.000 scrimmage yards and 17 TDs last year with LSU. With quarterba...
Way too early Booms and Busts of the 2020 NFL draft
Joshua Wolf, Staff Writer
May 26, 2020
THE BOOMS: Isaiah Simmons LB, Arizona Cardinals (Round 1/Pick 8): Simmons was the ultimate weapon last year for the Clemson defense. He took snaps in every position on the field including 239 as a box linebacker, 256 out of the slot, and 130 as the deep safety. Not only can he rush the passer of th...
The Last Dance an intriguing glimpse into the mind of Michael Jordan and the drama of the Chicago Bulls dynasty
Andrew Kaye, Sports Editor
May 9, 2020
The ESPN and Netflix joint production of The Last Dance, a 10-part documentary miniseries on the career of Michael Jordan with emphasis on the 1997-98 Chicago Bulls season, is nothing less than fascinating. The series features rare behind-the-scenes film footage from a crew that had been given comple...
Pro sports leagues devising ways to get back to work
Joshua Wolf, Staff Writer
May 1, 2020
With some states starting to allow businesses that had been ordered closed in order to limit the spread of the coronavirus, sports fans are starting to wonder how long it will be before the major sports will be able to swing back in action. With the businesses that are being allowed to be opened havi...
TORCH NFL MOCK DRAFT: Dolphins pass on Tua, but still have solid first day of draft
Andrew Kaye, Sports Editor
April 22, 2020
This year‘s NFL draft class looks to be a really talented group. From the top names, including Joe Burrow and Chase Young, to the lesser known guys, this prospect class is really deep. Here we will take a look at how the first round could turn out for the much anticipated 2020 NFL draft Thursday, April ...
Olympic Heights softball team’s undefeated streak put on hold by coronavirus shutdown
Jordan Lanson, Staff Writer
March 15, 2020
The last thing the Olympic Heights softball team and new head coach Dylan Lee needed was for the blistering streak the team is off to in its 2020 season to be put on hold. But that is exactly what has happened with the coronavirus forcing the closing of schools and the suspension of all high school a...
New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson may be the best new NBA talent since LeBron James
Andrew Kaye, Sports Editor
March 4, 2020
NBA fans are seeing possibly the best physical specimen in NBA history. At six foot seven and 285 pounds, Zion Williamson has an explosive 45-inch vertical. Zion has given fans a glimpse at future stardom with his amazing first few weeks of games wherein he has scored 20 points in all but one game s...
How fair was the NBA dunk contest? How can the contest be improved? Basketball geek Torch staffers weigh in
Andrew Kaye, Sports Editor; Matthew Nebenzahl, Entertainment Editor; Joshua Wolf, Staff Writer
February 26, 2020
The NBA Slam Dunk Contest occurred on February 15, 2020. Participants Aaron Gordon, Dwight Howard, and Pat Connaughton all gave fans an unreal show; however, it was the Miami Heat’s Derrick Jones Jr., who brought home the title of NBA dunk champion. Jones Jr.’s victory was highly debated, so we asked...
NBA legend Kobe Bryant killed in helicopter crash
Matthew Nebenzahl, Entertainment Editor
January 26, 2020
This story has been updated to reflect that there were nine individuals killed in the helicopter crash that took the lives of retired NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter Gianna, not five individuals as originally reported. (Jan. 27, 2020) Retired NBA great Kobe Bryant, 41, was kill...
TORCH PREDICTION: Joe Burrow will lead LSU to the national championship in a close game
Joshua Wolf, Staff Writer
January 13, 2020
Coming off what was the greatest performance in college football playoff history, Joe Burrow and the number one ranked LSU Tigers (14-0) are looking to repeat exactly what they did against Oklahoma in the championship semifinals when they face off with the number three ranked Clemson Tigers (14-0) in...
Andrew Kaye, Sports Editor
April 9, 2020 • No Comments
Every high school athlete dreams of winning a state championship. However, this accomplishment is only awarded to one team or one competitor per state...
April 1, 2020 • No Comments
The Olympic Heights wrestling team closed out its season with a very strong showing in postseason competition with the highlight being senior Leidaly Rivera...
Marie Preuss, Editor-In-Chief
April 20, 2020 • No Comments
The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has completely changed life as we know it. States across the U.S. have implemented social distancing measures and closed nonessential businesses...
- Despite shortcomings, College Board’s online AP review sessions are invaluable tools to prepare for May exams April 14, 2020
- EDITORIAL: District should abandon class rankings March 2, 2020
Matthew Nebenzahl, Entertainment Editor
May 5, 2020 • No Comments
Phew! We finally have new music from a rap legend. It was rumored on social media that a Drake mixtape was set to drop upon midnight on Friday. Rumors were confirmed hours...
Matthew Nebenzahl, Entertainment Editor
April 4, 2020 • No Comments
On Valentine's Day of 2020, the music culture was blessed with an unbelievable amount of releases. From A Boogie wit da Hoodie’s Artist 2.0 to a single collaboration from...
MUSIC REVIEW: Lil Uzi Vert drops two versions of Eternal Atake, and both are amazing
March 16, 2020
The best hip hop albums of 2019 highlight a stellar year
January 7, 2020
Despite shortcomings, The Rise of Skywalker should satisfy most Star Wars franchise fans
December 28, 2019