AZTEC UPDATE: Keeping up with the Aztecs around the globe

Strasburg stymies the Netherlands Right-handed wonder-boy Stephen Strasburg, who turned heads and earned national recognition as a sophomore pitcher for San Diego State last year, is continuing his wave of destruction, leaving opposing batters in his wake overseas. In his Olympic debut, Strasburg, who seems to make headlines every time he takes the mound, went seven hitless innings before the Dutch were able to breakup the no-hitter. It was the only hit Strasburg gave up as an extended rain delay resulted in the game being called in the eighth inning with team USA up 7-0. As the only collegiate player on a team made up of minor-league pros, Strasburg's performance is a bright spot on what has been a disappointing beginning to team USA's run at a medal, going 2-2 to begin pool play.

Schilens shines in second game Oakland Raiders rookie wide receiver Chaz Schilens is making the most out of this preseason after being drafted out of SDSU in the seventh round of the 2008 NFL Draft. Despite failing to record any catches in Oakland's preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers, Schilens got ample playing time in his second game against the Tennessee Titans, catching three passes for 45 yards, including one 25-yard strike from JaMarcus Russell and an impressive diving catch for a first down. With two more games to go before the regular season begins, Schilens has a very good shot at making the final 53-man roster.

Hamilton catches on with Saints Despite going undrafted out of college, running back Lynell Hamilton is making his presence felt in the NFL. After signing with the New Orleans Saints as a rookie free-agent, Hamilton gained 16 yards on five carries and caught one pass for 10 yards against the Arizona Cardinals in New Orleans' preseason-opener. Hamilton did not get any carries in the Saints' most recent game against the Houston Texans, but with Reggie Bush and Deuce McAllister both becoming increasingly injury-prone, New Orleans will likely be looking to have some depth in the backfield, bettering Hamilton's chances to make the team.

Swain struggles to find rhythm Former Aztec wide receiver Brett Swain, taken in the seventh round of this year's draft by the Green Bay Packers, has also seen playing time in preseason but hasn't fared as well. Swain caught two passes for just seven yards in his first game against the Cincinnati Bengals. In his second game, against the 49ers, Swain failed to record any catches. With an already-deep roster of young wide outs, Swain's best chance to make the team will likely be on special teams or the seven-man practice squad.

-Compiled by David Pope, Assistant Sports Editor

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