Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 3, 1993 TAG: 9309030023
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B6 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Fighting Blues didn't win the Pioneer District title last season and the number of players is down this year. So the question is, can Parry McCluer reclaim the championship?
To their advantage, the Blues do have six experienced defensive starters and running back Shaam Wheeler, who might be one of the best Group A backs in the state.
"But we have a lack of numbers, depth, size and speed," says coach Bob Williams. "It's not something that jumped out and hit us. We could see it coming. The junior varsity numbers were way down, so we anticipated this."
Indeed, there are only 29 players on the varsity roster, compared with the usual number of about 44.
Williams can't say whether the lack of numbers is because of the economy, which has taken away jobs in Buena Vista, or because of a lack of youngsters willing to make the commitment to football.
Wheeler also heads the defense, along with linebacker Craig Floyd and nose guard Kris Camden who all have all-star potential. Floyd also is a 190-pound fullback who did see a lot of action on offense the past two years, even if he didn't start.
If Parry McCluer doesn't win the Pioneer District, who else has a shot?
\ Covington has been the Fighting Blues' toughest opponent in recent years. The Cougars have four starters returning on each side of the ball, including quarterback-cornerback Cory Hunter and nose guard-guard Roscoe Martin, who might be Covington's best players.
\ Bath County has the experience to mount a challenge. The Chargers have seven offensive starters and six defensive starters back, including tailback Michael Edwards, who has been one of Timesland's best Group A runners in recent years.
Defending champion Glenvar lost standout Brandon Semones. Still, the Highlanders figure to be in the fight for the title.
\ PROJECTED FINISH: 1, Parry McCluer; 2, Glenvar; 3, Bath County; 4, Covington; 5, James River; 6, Craig County.
\ Mountain Empire District
In the Mountain Empire District, Grayson County isn't as big as it was last year, so the Blue Devils will rely on speed and defense. A trio of tailbacks - Jason Byrd, Keith Johnson and Leon Kyle - should stand out in coach Bill Strong's I-Bone offense.
\ Galax has 17 returning starters, including talented tailbacks Bobby Melton and Eli Lowe in a very quick backfield.
New coach Larry Neely hopes Fort Chiswell can improve on its 1992 2-8 record behind running backs David Felts and Scott Hale.
\ Bland County already has won a game and has size in this, its second year of football. The biggest Bear is 5-foot-10, 221-pound Donnie Havens.
\ Giles is the favorite with Raypheal Milton, the Timesland Sizzlin' Soph of the Year, returning.
In the Hogoheegee District, George Wythe looks to rebuild an offense that lost most of the line and running power. Quarterback Jeff Bourne returns, as do nine defensive starters.
\ Rural Retreat will try to make the Group A Division I playoffs with Jason Childers, one of Timesland's leading rushers last year, and 270-pound lineman Shane Cassell.
\ PROJECTED FINISH: 1, Giles; 2, Grayson County; 3, Narrows; 4, Galax; 5, Floyd County; 6, Fort Chiswell; 7, Auburn; 8, Shawsville; 9, Bland County.
by CNB