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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Following years of discussions, Chris Koch will never forget the moment the Buffalo Bills sold him on the idea of transforming Ralph Wilson Stadium into what became New Era Field on Thursday.It happened near dusk on June 15, when the New Era Cap Co. president and CEO was whisked by police escort to the Bills headquarters and ushered to midfield where he was greeted by team owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Thats when the west-end scoreboard began displaying a three-minute video highlighting the legacies of Kochs late father, David, and Bills late Hall-of-Fame owner Ralph Wilson, and emphasizing what both meant to Buffalo.Ive got to tell you, I had tears rolling down my face, Koch said during an interview with The Associated Press. And Terry came up to me and said, `Look, we wont do this with anyone else. We want you.Walking off the field, Koch recalled how New Era executive Paul McAdam leaned over and, in his thick Scottish accent, said: You must do this deal.Seven weeks later, a naming rights agreement with the Buffalo-based sports headwear and apparel company was reached in a deal worth more than $35 million and spanning the remaining seven years of the stadiums lease. New Era also has the rights of first refusal to extend the deal under a new lease or if the Bills build a new stadium.For me, this partnership is personal on so many levels, said Koch during a news conference to unveil the new name. To have New Era associated with the Buffalo Bills, who are incredibly well-respected brand, with a rich history with the NFL and our community, is a significant honor and a privilege that I dont take lightly.For the Bills, the deal generates revenue to a small-market franchise that has at times struggled to remain competitive, and forced to regionalize east into Rochester and north into Toronto to broaden its base.For New Era, the agreement marks a coming-out party for a company established in 1920 by Kochs great grandfather, Ehrhardt, and has become a world leader in sports-related headwear in large part because of the inroads David Koch made during his 30-year tenure as president.The company has gone from producing 50,000 caps in 1920 to 50 million last year, which were sold in more than 80 countries. New Era also has more than 500 licensing deals, including Major League Baseball, the NFL, NBA, NHL, Manchester United and the Australian Football League.Ralph Wilsons name went up on the stadium during the 1998 season, after a 25-year agreement expired with Buffalo-based Rich Products.In 2012, Wilson gave approval for the team to pursue a naming rights agreement. That plan was put on hold when he died in March 2014. The Pegulas, who bought the Bills seven months later, elected to wait at least a year to secure a deal out of respect to the former owner.Today we look to the future, and today we turn a page in Bills history, Terry Pegula said. Ive been told by people who knew Ralph -- I never met Ralph -- that Ralph would be proud to turn this page with us.Wilsons widow, Mary Wilson, supports the name change.I love Buffalo, and with all of the resurgence that its enjoying right now, its fitting that the new naming rights agreement is with New Era, Wilson said in a statement released by the Bills. Naturally, theres an element of sadness for me personally, that I hope fans would understand. But Im excited for the Bills organization and for New Era with their successes. Its so great that a local company of this magnitude will be on this stadium.Jim Grinstead, publisher of the industry newsletter Revenues from Sports Venues, considers the naming rights agreement an ideal fit for Buffalo and for the NFL, because of New Eras ties to the league.Buffalo is probably not going to attract a Pepsi or Coke or Nike or anyone like that, Grinstead said. But a local one is going to feel good because the local folks in Buffalo do care about the local community and the ties with that.The company will get an immediate boost in prime-time exposure during the Bills home opener, a Thursday night game against the New York Jets on Sept. 15.The New Era logo will be featured on the back of the scoreboard facing the main parking lots and throughout the stadium. Because the agreement was reached so late in the summer, some of the signage wont be ready until next season.The agreement is exciting to Koch because he grew up a Bills fan and attended each of the teams four Super Bowl losses in the 1990s.I have goosebumps talking about it, Koch said. Its my hope that New Era, quite frankly, can match up to the legacy and the standards that Ralph had.And hes pleased to build Wilsons legacy by partnering with the Pegulas, who also own the NHL Buffalo Sabres.I admire the Pegulas for not going out and finding a big bank to give them a lot of money to slap a name on the stadium, Koch said.He cant help but wonder what his father might think of how far New Era has come since he died in 2002.When he died, we were a very small, U.S.-based baseball company, Koch said. So to be able to have the success weve had and grow the way weve grown, it kind of hits me right in the heart.---This story has been corrected to reflect Ralph Wilsons name went up on stadium during 1998 season.---AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://twitter.com/AP-NFL Discount Air Max Shoes . PAUL, Minn. Discount Air Max Shoes Wholesale . -- If this was Aaron Gordons final home game at Arizona, and it almost certainly was, then he went out in style. http://www.cheapairmaxdiscount.com/ . Kozun faked to the forehand and beat Monsters starter, Calvin Pickard, pad side in the second round for the winner. Spencer Abbott also scored in the shootout for the Marlies (25-13-4). Cheap Air Max Shoes With Free Shipping . PETERSBURG, Fla. Cheap Air Max Shoes Online . -- Jacksonville wide receiver Cecil Shorts will likely be a game-time decision whether hell play Sunday in the Jaguars home game against the San Diego Chargers. Each week, ESPN.com.au AFL draft expert Christopher Doerre - aka Knightmare - casts his eye over the countrys best junior footballers to give readers an early insight into the next generation of AFL stars.As well as attending live games, Doerre pores through match vision, analyses the stats and talks to industry sources to ensure he can offer the most insightful draft analysis.Aside from the weekly wrap, Doerre will also unveil his power rankings at the end of each month.And as we get closer to Novembers national draft, Doerre will also predict who goes where with his annual phantom draft.Player focusOf great influence in the AFL All Star Under-18 exhibition match was West Australian Shai Bolton. Bolton, who had produced many spectacular moments throughout the season, put on a show for the packed Punt Road Oval crowd.Bolton, a 177cm forward, demonstrated eye-popping acceleration with ball in hand and was damaging by foot. What clubs would have been most pleased to have seen was the desperation and hardness he played with.Boltons 16 disposals, four contested possessions, two marks, one tackle, two clearances, seven inside 50s, one goal and one score assist may on the surface appear consistent with what the flashy forward has done throughout much of the season, but his impact throughout the contest was profound.It was the plays that did not show up in the stats sheet that made this such an impressive game. Chase-down tackling a player from behind. Taking on the game at every opportunity at speed, breaking the lines or breaking away from stoppages; finding targets inside the forward 50m. Beating two opposition players to a ground ball then after winning it, tapping it out to a teammate on a play that from a wing resulted in a meaningful forward 50m entry. Smothering an opposition kick and having the reflexes to win the ball. Taking a mark, getting hit then playing on, finding a forward 50m target.It was an outstanding performance from one of this years most promising talents.Analysis? Bolton has improved over the course of the season, with two four-goal games during the WAFL Colts finals series. He also in Round 22 kicked a season-high seven goals. He has also maintained disposal numbers between 14 and 23 per game over his nine WAFL Colts maches following on from the AFL Under-18 Championships, demonstrating improving consistency.While Bolton is a damaging player who can turn a game, there are several areas that require further work. He has a light body at only 67kg and will need to become stronger. His contested-ball winning at this stage is limited to winning the ground balls, with greater strength around the contest needed. Endurance and work rate also require further work. As must his effort defensively, which can be good in patches but overall, he needs to apply himself more defensively, more often, if he is to win over AFL coaches.Bolton is likely to feature in the first or second round in this years AFL draft and is sure to be an immediate favourite because of his speed, agility, hurt factor with ball in hand and instinctive ground ball pickups.Victorian prospect watchUnder-18sAfter featuring prominently during the TAC Cup finals for Sandringham, Jack Scrimshaw was again impressive with 16 disposals, four contested possessions and six marks (two contested). For someone of 193cm, Scrimshaws movement through traffic is rare and on countless occasions he could be seen with ball in hand navigating through traffic without anyone laying a hand on him. Scrimshaws intercept marking and ground level pickups were also very clean and impressive.Views as to what Scrimshaw may develop into at AFL level are varied. Some feel with Scrimshaws composure with ball in hand and movement through traffic, he may become a midfielder, whereas others question his willingness to win contested ball and his capacity down back to limit the influence of an opposition forward, playing a loose, unaccountable style of game.Possible No. 1 pick Hugh McCluggage was a class above with 17 disposals, seven contested possessions, four goals and one score assist off half-forward. His finishing on goal from general play and quality of ball use throughout the game were a class above.Tim Taranto, following on from his exceptional finals series, was one of the medal winners for being the best player on his team. Taranto had 19 disposals, five contested possessions, three marks, four tackles, four goals and one score assist. He spent much of the game forward, finishing around goal and using the ball well.The other medal went to Oliver Florent, who like Taranto and Scrimshaw also played a part in Sandringhams TAC Cup grand final win. Florent had 29 disposals and 16 contested possessions to go along with four marks, three tackles, seven clearances, seven inside 50s and one score assist. Florent led all players on the ground in disposals, contested possessions and clearances, achieving season-highs in each category.It was a complete performance from Florent, who won first possession at stoppages and read ruck taps well, using the ball efficiently and working well through traffic. Florents draft stocks have risen over the past few weeks and he is now considered in the mix to be selected in the first round.After winning best on ground honours in Sandringhams grand final win, Andrew McGrath had his moments. offering meaningful run and carry from the back half, including an exciting 30m run with ball in hand off half-back. Overall though he was not as dominant as he was the week prior. McGrath off half-back had 18 disposals, eight contested possessions, four marks (one contested) and one score assist.Top-rated small forward Ben Ainsworth had a few good moments with his acceleration with ball in hand at one point particularly striking. He had 15 disposals, four contested possessions, six marks, five inside 50s, one goal and one score assist.Playing in a different role to where he has customarily played his junior football, Joshua Daicos was used off half-back. He showed some positive signs with 18 disposals, five contested possessions, three tackles and two score assists. It was a far from complete game from Daicos, dropping a mark he should have taken and while at times damaging by foot, he operated below 50 percent kicking efficiency.Having another disappointing game, Todd Marshalls draft stocks continue to plummet. Marshall this season in the TAC Cup averaged only two goals and three marks per game. He again went missing with only nine disposals, three contested possessions, two tackles, one mark and two hitouts.With key forwards, the key indicators are production, points of difference and rate of improvement. Marshalls points of difference are clear at 198cm, with his rare cleanness at ground level and athletic attributes. The rate of improvement and production over the course of the season though are what have let Marshall down, and why there are question marks as to how good he will become and where he should be selected.While still in the first round mix, he may now slip into the second round depending on how clubs have viewed his finals campaign, and how strongly they feel about Marshalls chances to develop into an AFL-grade key forward.Under-17s In the AFL grand final curtain raiser, Lochie OBrien, a 184cm, 74kg midfielder, played a complete game. His ball use was exceptional, hitting targets around the field and finishing reliably in front of goal from difficult positions. The outside run he offered also was impressive as was his evasiveness. He avoided several tackles, showing anticipation, sidestepping opposition players on a couple of occasions.OBrien proved able to have an impact at centre bounces, winning first possession and distributing effectively by hand. His marking also waas impressive both around the ground attacking the ball in flight and having the smarts to win the one-on-one contests through good body positioning and in one of the contests nudging his opponent at the right time.dddddddddddd OBrien had 20 disposals, 12 contested possessions, seven marks (two contested), four clearances, six inside 50s, two goals and three score assists.Also impressive was Hunter Clark, a 186cm, 79kg midfielder. He had 21 disposals, 10 contested possessions, six marks (one contested), eight tackles, four inside 50s and two score assists. Clark showed class with ball in hand, navigating well through traffic and doing damage by foot, using both feet effectively and weighting his kicks well. He showed promising athletic ability, taking a strong leaping, contested mark. He showed his acceleration over some short bursts. Clarks contested-ball winning and tackling also was very solid.Playing a desperate, hard style of game, James Worpel, a 185cm, 82kg midfielder, impressed with 18 disposals, eight contested possessions, four marks, three inside 50s and three rebound 50s. He won the contested ball and showed his strength with a strong fend-off late in the match. On several occasions, when tackled, Worpel maintained the strength to get his kicks and handballs off to targets. His diving smother and diving tackle also were impressive effort plays that would have been noted by those in attendance.Cameron Rayner, a 185cm, 84kg forward contributed well with 16 disposals, four contested possessions, four marks, four inside 50s, one goal and one score assist. His ball use was damaging and evasiveness also was good.Playing to a best-on-ground standard through the first half was 176cm, 73kg midfielder Jack Higgins. Splitting his time between the midfield and front half, he had 24 disposals (19 in the first half), 11 contested possessions, four marks, four frees for, five clearances, one goal and three score assists. His work at ground level was exceptional, as was his technique to draw free kicks. He was however wasteful in front of goal with an uncharacteristic four behinds.Exciting with his acceleration, Ethan Penrith a 179cm, 74kg running half-back flanker impressed. He had 10 disposals, seven contested possessions, five tackles and three rebound 50s. His impact per possession is what made him stand out. He broke the lines at every opportunity, displaying excellent acceleration.Under-18 All Australian and highly regarded 200cm, 90kg ruck prospect, Sam Hayes was effective through the ruck and up forward. He had eight disposals, five contested possessions, 20 hitouts and one goal. He led all ruckmen in hitouts and also took an impressive one-on-one mark, attacking the ball in flight and proving too strong in the contest.South Australian prospect watchUnder-18sForward William Hayward continued his impressive form with a 14 disposals, nine contested possessions, four clearances, two goals and one score assist. Hayward as he has shown throughout the SANFL Under-18 finals series has shown how dangerous he is up forward. He was effective, showing goal kicking range beyond 50m and also exciting with a chase-down tackle on an opposition defender.What was unexpected was seeing Hayward pushing through the midfield. He showed he could win first possession and get the clearances which may be something with further work and opportunities he may be able to add to his game in the future.Under-17sArguably South Australias most advanced draft prospect, Callum Coleman-Jones, a 199cm, 98kg ruckman was impressive with 14 disposals, seven marks (two contested), four tackles, six hitouts, three inside 50s and two score assists. His physicality, intercept marking and tap work impressed.Western Australian prospect watchUnder 18sProviding a spark through the midfield was Sam Petrevski-Seton. Through the midfield he had 23 disposals, 12 contested possessions, eight tackles and six clearances. Petrevski-Seton was not as damaging as he can be, finding a lot of the ball at stoppages rather than on the outside, but his attack on the ball and tackling energy were positives.Through the ruck, Tim English was clearly on top with his tap work better than it was earlier in the season. At centre bounces he has the elevation and reach to tap the ball down and his work to gain front position from boundary throw-ins also helped. He had just seven disposals and 16 hitouts in what was by Englishs standards a quiet game. This likely was in part due to the heavy minutes he played in the front half.What was disappointing from English was when he was used forward was how poor his hands were. On at least three occasions inside the forward 50m he had three simple opportunities to take marks out in front, uncontested but spilled them.Sam Powell-Pepper was one of the more influential players on the ground. He had 18 disposals, seven contested possessions, five tackles, four inside 50s and one score assist. He showed excellent power over the ball and impressive acceleration out of congestion. It was also noted by those in attendance his confidence going back for a set shot goal from 60m. It very nearly went through before being stopped on the goal line.Contributing well in defence, Joshua Rotham showed some positive signs. He had only 11 disposals, five contested possessions, two marks (one contested) and two rebound 50s, but had some good moments. He moved through traffic well, took an intercept mark directly from an opposition clearance and also laid a goal-saving tackle in the opposing goal square which was a highlight from the 192cm defender.Potential West Coast father-son choice Jake Waterman kicked two goals to go along with six disposals, four marks and one score assist. He appeared disinterested at stages, demonstrating poor body language for much of the game. He appeared particularly inattentive and lacking focus during the three-quarter time break.Division two states (Tasmania, Northern Territory, NSW/ACT, Queensland and Northern Academy) prospects watchUnder-18sGold Coast Academy midfielder Jack Bowes was prominent through the midfield with 23 disposals, 13 contested possessions, four tackles, three clearances and two score assists. His stoppage work was particularly impressive, winning first possession regularly, distributing well by hand and laying some important tackles.Under-17s Connor Ballenden, a 198cm, 95kg, Brisbane Academy key forward and ruckman, was impressive in both positions. He showed that he can take a strong mark, have an impact at ground level and hit the scoreboard as a forward. Through the ruck Ballendens tap work was good. He had eight disposals, three contested possessions, three marks (one contested), 12 hitouts, two goals and one score assist.Gold Coast Academy ruckman Brayden Crossley didnt find much of the ball but impressed with his tap work and physicality. The 198cm, 100kg big man had four disposals, three tackles, 15 hitouts and one goal. The highlight of Crossleys game was his heavy collision with Aaron Naughton. Both players courageously went at ball at full speed, fully committed to the contest with their heads over the ball. Crossley won the ground ball, with Naughton feeling the effects of the contest. Terrific courage was shown by both players, keeping their eye on the ball and going in so ferociously.Also impressing through the ruck was GWS Academy, 197cm, 99kg ruckman Nathan Richards. He had 10 disposals, five contested possessions, four marks (two contested), five tackles, 14 hitouts and three clearances. Not only was hit tap work good but he also pushed back behind the play taking some important intercept marks. ' ' '