Make Mistakes

PHILADELPHIA -- The Washington Redskins' second-half swoon under coach Norv Turner is starting a bit early this year.The Redskins, who were 7-1 in 1996 before collapsing to 9-7 and missing the playoffs, were 4-1 just a month ago. But now the Redskins are 5-4 and in danger of another free fall after a frustrating 35-28 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles yesterday.The only consolation is that the Redskins are tied for first place in the NFC East with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys."We looked like a junior high team out there," wide receiver Albert Connell said after the Redskins turned the ball over six times.

River Hill tried but was swept away. Now, it is Centennial's turn.Northern-Calvert County, a perennial volleyball powerhouse that has earned four state titles in the last five years, defeated the fourth-ranked Hawks yesterday, 15-6, 15-7, 15-9 in the first of back to back homes matches against two of the area's best teams.Top-ranked Centennial takes its turn at Northern today, and has plenty of incentive. In Centennial's season-opener last year, Northern beat the Eagles in their gym, ending a 39-match win streak that included two state titles.

Donny Brady sat in front of his locker, watching his special teams cohorts with a sense of amusement.There was vociferous captain Bennie Thompson, continuing his daily, playful ritual of taunting reporters and teammates alike. There was sudden kickoff return sensation Corey Harris, dyed blond hair and all, fielding interviews as smoothly as he has sliced through coverage units in recent weeks. Punt return man Jermaine Lewis, the quiet man of the trio, laughed as he took in the scene.No one is laughing at the Ravens' special teams anymore.

He crashed the NFL scene with a big contract and a slew of big plays.As a first-round draft pick with a knack for nailing quarterbacks, he missed his first training camp in a holdout, yet lived up to his advance billing quickly.First, he garnered Rookie of the Month honors in September 1997. He finished by winning the league's Defensive Rookie of the Year award.So, what's wrong with Peter Boulware? Is it a sophomore jinx? Is it the lingering effects of an irritated rotator cuff in his right shoulder?

Liberty senior Shen Poehlman loves to talk about dolphins.Poehlman has been fascinated by them since early childhood and plans on attending Florida State University next year with hopes of becoming a marine biologist.Poehlman also loves to discuss her fascinating experience last summer at a dolphin research center in the Florida Keys. During that time, Poehlman learned even more about dolphins, such as how to swim with and train them.After a while, Poehlman will bring up another subject: tennis.

Centennial senior Briana Zolak said the No. 1-ranked Eagles still makes its share of mistakes."But compared to the beginning of the season, we're making a lot less. We don't fall apart as easily," Zolak said. That's not good news for Eagles' opponents as host River Hill learned last night. Centennial started fast against the third-ranked Hawks and never trailed en route to a 15-0, 15-13, 15-7 victory."They've got a solid team," said River Hill coach Sybil Modispacher.And a team that's happy to be playing better.

Highlights: Middle linebacker Ray Lewis, making a gradual return from a neck injury he suffered nine days ago, worked in seven-on-seven drills. Lewis could return to action in next week's third preseason game in Philadelphia. The Ravens claimed offensive lineman Craig Novitsky off waivers from the St. Louis Rams. Novitsky, a fourth-year player from UCLA, is expected to become the backup center behind Quentin Neujahr.Today: The players have a 9 a.m. walk-through and depart for New York at 1 p.m.Injury report: TE Eric Green, who has missed a handful of practices with recurring knee soreness, left practice after he injured a finger.

/TC Meghan White sat in the bleachers in Dulaney High School's gymnasium one afternoon last week and gazed across the hardwood floor at the four red and white banners that bear her sister's name."

Having tried and failed the conventional method of scoring runs -- that is to say, swinging bats and making contact -- the Orioles last night resorted to a secret weapon employed by Little League coaches worldwide. It's called the Five-Walk Rally. No hits, no errors, just walks, and with it, the Orioles scored three runs in the bottom of the eighth to beat Milwaukee, 4-3.Camden Yards came alive as it happened, as if 44,241 Little League parents gathered to proudly cheer their boys beat a team from the neighboring county.

Beverly Everson-Jones, Baltimore Comptroller Joan M. Pratt's recent appointee as city auditor, hasn't held a license as a certified public accountant for 7 1/2 years, which means she cannot officially validate the audits her office conducts of municipal agencies.Everson-Jones, who began work in the $83,300-a-year post in late April, first was licensed as a CPA by Maryland in 1984 and renewed her license two years later, state records show. But she did not renew her license after it expired a second time, on Dec. 31, 1988.