Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, September 2, 1993                   TAG: 9308310319
SECTION: NEW RIVER VALLEY PREP FOOTBALL                    PAGE: PF-10   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RALPH BERRIER JR. STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG                                LENGTH: Medium

BLUE DEMONS ARE A BIT GREEN, BUT GROWING FAST

The Blue Demons made the playoffs.

Christiansburg won only three ballgames last year, but two wins in a down New River District combined with the overall weakness throughout the region last year conspired to put the Blue Demons and their 3-7 record into postseason play.

Head Coach Mike Cole is almost apologetic about the whole scenario.

"It was not a blessing," said Cole. "We shouldn't have been there. There's no way a 3-7 team should be in the regionals."

The Blue Demons didn't stay long. Tazewell mashed them 67-12.

"It was embarrassing," said Cole.

And that was the highlight of last year.

More bad news: Things may not be a whole lot better this year.

Cole is hopeful, though, that by putting his faith in some enthusiastic young players, they'll respond with more wins than a year ago.

If that's going to happen, some youngsters are going to have to grow up fast. Half of Christiansburg's roster - 19 of 38 players - are sophomores. Many will have to play immediately.

"I don't want to paint a bleak picture," Cole said, "but we're real, real young."

But the Blue Demons are really, really fast, a factor that could help them make a quicker-than-expected turnaround.

Senior tailback Andra Beasley is one of several speedy guys, and he's the favorite to fill in for Chris Carter, who rushed for more than 3,000 yards during his three-year varsity career.

Beasley, a national-caliber long-jumper and an outstanding overall athlete, carried for 350 yards as a wingback last season. Clocking in consistently at 4.5 in the 40-yard dash, the 5-10, 180-pound Beasley is the fastest man in a fast backfield.

Kareem Koonce, a senior running back who has 4.6 speed, also will get his share of carries, as will sophomore David Epperly.

"We do have some speed in the backfield," said Cole. "All three are somewhat different. Andra is big and strong and fast. Epperly is a pounding, tough runner. Kareem is a water bug kind of guy. He's got moves. He's real shifty."

Junior quarterback Mischa Alexander, another fleet-footed guy who started a couple of games last season, will add even more speed to the mix.

It's no secret that the Blue Demons, who have had minimal success throwing the football since Darren Graham graduated in 1990, will want to grind it out on the ground. When he does throw it, Alexander probably will hook up with tight end Kevin Wright and wide receiver Steve Surratt on a regular basis.

Cole is planning to unveil a new offensive set, which probably will put the running game to even better use.

More evidence that Christiansburg will run: The offensive line contains tackles Terry Hylton (5-10, 245) and Marty Coleman (5-8, 235).

Hylton's older brother, Timmy, stands 5-10, weighs 320 and plays defensive tackle.

Elsewhere on defense, linebackers Glen McGuire and Jody Dickerson are back, as is Koonce, who started at defensive back a year ago.

Christiansburg also must try to replace Brock Whitlock, one of the best kickers it ever had.

While no one is expected to overtake Blacksburg in the NRD, the Blue Demons have a legitimate shot to finish second and earn another regional trip in the process.

That wasn't a blessing last year. This year, it would be. It also would show that a young team is headed in the right direction.