Game Faces

Fans from Wharton’s Blue Crew throw their “dubs-up” for a Hawaiiain-themed football game against Durant last week. In the photo at left, from back left: junior JC Ulbrich, senior Drew Vanderbrook, senior Nick Siciliano, senior Tucker Neuhaus, senior Connor Hinds, junior Scott Sollazzo. From bottom left: senior Mike Delisle and senior Chase Beale. Even with a strong cheering section, the Wildcats lost to the Durant Cougars, 13-12. Tomorrow’s Times Hometeam Game of the week is Nature Coast Tech at Sunlake. If you’re caught there showing your spirit to our photographer, your photo will be posted in our Game Faces galleries.

Next Big Thing: Lineup announced

tb-two* music critics Max Asayesh-Brown and Hannah Elliott had to keep a secret. A few weeks ago they attended rock station 97X’s sneak preview announcement of the lineup for its annual Next Big Thing concert. Attendees had to pledge not to spill the beans until the station made the news public. Finally, they can unzip their lips! This year’s concert is Dec. 1, at a new location: Vinoy Park in St. Petersburg.

Here’s the lineup:  Hard rock group Rise Against, grunge veterans Bush, Grammy-nominated Silversun Pickups and We Are Young flag-bearers Fun., are the biggest names at Next Big Thing 12. Joining them are up-and-comers Grouplove, the Joy Formidable, Paper Tongues, Twenty One Pilots and Icelandic alterna-folk troupe Of Monsters and Men, who will be making their first appearance in Tampa Bay. At least one or two national bands will be added to the bill in the coming weeks, say station execs. Tickets are $45 through Nov. 30 and $60 at the gate. For full details, see 97xonline.com.

Steve Carell wants you

What’s wrong with you? Why don’t you care?

That’s what actor Steve Carell asks in a video urging you to register to vote. “If you don’t vote, I will probably show up at your house and give you a smack, right across the ear. I’d box your ear.”
Don’t make Steve Carell come to your house. If you are 18, you have until Oct. 9, or FOUR MORE BUSINESS DAYS, including today. You can get registration forms online (votepinellas.com, votehillsborough.com, pascovotes.com), then fill them out and deliver in person or mail them to the elections office near you.

Don’t waste this chance to be part of democracy. As Carell says, you should care.
If you are 16 or 17, you may preregister so there’s no rushing around when you turn 18.

Step up, Pinellas leaders

Youth Leadership Pinellas is looking for 30 high school students in the county (sophomores, juniors and seniors) for this year’s class. Participants spend eight months learning about and interacting with their community, building teamwork and developing leadership skills. Applications are available online at ymcasuncoast.org or leadershippinellas.com. Extended deadline: Oct. 12.