Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511090015
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-3 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FLOYD LENGTH: Long
Reed ended the 1994 season in gruesome fashion, the upper bone in his right leg snapped like a chicken bone in a pit bull's jaw, the hip on that same leg wrenched from its socket, and a pile of Grayson County tacklers on top of him.
Nobody would have blamed Reed if he'd said that football just wasn't fun anymore.
Actually, Floyd County coach Winfred Beale thought at the time that Reed's injury would eliminate the option of coming back for football this season.
``We thought he'd never be allowed to play again,'' Beale said.
But against all logic and perhaps all common sense, Reed did play his senior season, after willing himself though the surgery and rehabilitation process quickly enough to be eligible. In fact, he healed and strengthened his withered leg so swiftly that he came back late in the spring track and field season.
When football season did come, it did not unfold as Reed or anybody had hoped. The first seven games came and went, each of them ending with another defeat.
Strings like that wear on you, grind you down, hammer your morale. Anybody who's been through one can tell you that it changes your life in new and unpleasant ways.
Under such circumstances, some teams begin to fray at the edges. Occasionally, players begin to wander off to start their winter a little earlier than expected. They have their reasons. They always do.
When eight players at Floyd County decided they'd had enough a couple of weeks back, Reed could have been among of them. When you're losing, nobody has much fun. It's worse when you're hurting physically. Few would have said anything if Reed dragged his overhauled leg, steel rod insert and all, off to another more peaceful activity.
He could have joined a parade out the door that included four of his fellow seniors. He could have offered his excuses. He could have said that it just wasn't worth the risk any more.
But he didn't.
Who would be surprised that he, modest to a fault, is a team captain, held in high regard by his peers?
``Our players really look up to him,'' Beale said. Added assistant Barry Hollandsworth: ``The kids love him.''
Those who love football can appreciate what Reed has done for the team after starting the season at quarterback then moving to running back in the seventh game of the season. Throw in stints at split end and flanker (his position last year), in addition to cameo appearances in the defensive secondary (on obvious passing downs), and as a punter and his contributions to the team cannot be overstated.
Reed leads the team in scoring with five touchdowns and two conversions for 34 points; he's the current team leader in rushing with 366 yards in 74 carries; he's passed for 283 yards. Total that up and it comes out to 728 yards.
``Considering our record, he's had a good year,'' Beale said.
The record is the worst in years for the Buffaloes, losers of eight of nine. It didn't get any better when the inevitable defections and complaints from the public began.
``People are upset and you have to let them air their frustrations,'' said Beale, who has made himself available, as always, to those who wish to speak to him.
Reed harbors ill will to none, least of all those who turned in their jerseys.
``They're still my friends; it's their decision,'' he said. ``I wasn't going to say anything to them. Some of them have had it rougher than I do.''
Some people would say the rough part comes when one perseveres against long odds rather than quits.
The odds were long for the 5-foot-11, 158-pound Reed to come back from a leg broken in two. Times were rough for Reed and his two fellow seniors, Ben Forehand, a tackle, and Jerry Hollandsworth, a split end and defensive back. They stuck it out through a 4-15 two-year record going into Friday's season finale. The veterans are leading a team that now includes five sophomores and a freshman starting.
During the most trying times, the most soothing medicine for Reed was to go see his sweetheart Melissa Cantrell play basketball for Floyd County. It's nice to be reminded of the joy in winning.
There was little football joy in Floyd County this season until the seventh game when the Buffaloes beat Narrows 20-14 in overtime.
Not coincidentally, Reed had a career-high 131 yards rushing and two touchdowns. His replacement at quarterback, junior Tony Erchull, was solid behind center and he also came up with a couple of huge defensive plays on a touchdown-saving interception and a fumble recovery that led to a Floyd County score.
It will leave Reed and the rest of them some pleasant memories.
``This will be the last year I play football,'' Reed said. ``I won't be able to play next year in college because I'll be too small. You hate for it to end this way with us having the kind of year we had.
``But I would never regret playing. I love football.''
by CNB