Bucs At first, yards scarce [Times photo: Joseph Garnett Jr.] The Bucs get 1 yard in the first quarter, then rally but fall short on a Hail Mary at the end. Gary Shelton Johnson learns QB shuffle TAMPA -- You have to hand it to Brad Johnson. The guy sure is a quick study. D is less dominating than promised With its starters on the field in the first quarter, the defense gives up several big plays to a team without its top RB. Given chance, Hamilton plays brilliant QB Playing time has been scarce for Bucs quarterback Joe Hamilton since his sterling career at Georgia Tech ended in 1999. Outside of sack, top pick makes solid debut Kenyatta Walker called his first game "a learning experience." But he says he knows he can play in the NFL. Bucs schedule

Up next: Yankees
7:05 tonight, 7:05 Wednesday, 1:05 Thursday

Seay enjoys major turn of fortunes
ST. PETERSBURG -- Bobby Seay thought the summons into Orlando manager Mike Ramsey's office Sunday evening meant he was on his way to Triple-A Durham.

Easy pickings? Not for Twins
The one-time AL Central leaders blow shot to feast on lowly Rays but say they're not going to panic.

Rays hire sales adviser
JP Morgan investment bankers will seek buyers for all or part of team.

Lightning
Lightning rebuffs talk of trading Lecavalier
Montreal has inquired about the restricted free agent. But GM Rick Dudley says he will not make any deals.

Motorsports
Mr. Popular stands aside for Earnhardt
It's over.

Outdoors
Daily fishing report
While most inshore fish flee the soaring water temperatures in August, on the grass flats, one species remains: redfish.

Et cetera
College football briefs
Florida's Sheppard may play in opener

Pro basketball briefs
All-stars lift Houston to needed win

Sports briefs
Civil rights group wants probe of "racism' at USF

Preps
Jefferson completes 4A-8 schedule
TAMPA -- Jefferson cleared its biggest obstacle to the postseason before even playing a game.

Palm Harbor starts out with 9-3 win
To advance to the Little League World Series, the Palm Harbor seniors have twice survived the losers bracket.