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

DATE: SUNDAY, September 26, 1993                   TAG: 9309260048
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: E5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WEST POINT, N.Y.                                LENGTH: Medium

KNIGHTS THROTTLE KEYDETS

TURNOVERS early in the game proved costly for VMI in a 31-9 loss to host Army.

\ Rick Roper scored twice and the Army defense forced two critical turnovers in the first half Saturday, leading to a 31-9 victory over VMI.

Army (2-1) entered the game leading the nation in rushing with a 355-yard average. But the stubborn Keydets (0-3), using stunts and blitzes, held Army to 247 yards on the ground. Akili King, the nation's leading rusher, got 100 yards - 78 below his average - on 25 carries.

It was turnovers that spoiled the day for VMI. Quarterback Erik Reynolds, making his first start of the season, lost two first-half fumbles, and the Black Knights turned them both into touchdowns and built a 17-6 lead at halftime.

Reynolds fumbled his first snap of the day and free safety Jim Cantelupe recovered for Army at the VMI 48.

With the Keydets keying on King, Roper broke a 29-yard keeper down the left side and Kevin Vaughn scored on a 4-yard run to put Army ahead 7-0 with 9:13 left in the first quarter.

VMI, which has only one win in 13 meetings against Army, came back with a 75-yard scoring drive. Fullback Chris Meacham began the drive with a 57-yard run and Reynolds ended it with a 3-yard run. The two-point try failed.

Army consumed nearly 10 minutes of the second quarter on a 60-yard, 19-play drive that led to Rocco Wicks' 23-yard field goal.

Reynolds fumbled again the next time he touched the ball, and tackle Joel Davis recovered for Army at the VMI 33. Roper, who was 9-for-14 for 89 yards passing, scored on a keeper on the next play to put the Black Knights ahead 17-6 with 4:45 left in the half.

Spike Johnson and Reynolds began alternating at quarterback to start the second half, and the move sparked the Keydets. Johnson hit tight end Greg Harris with a 41-yard pass on the third play of the third quarter to help set up Geoff Goff's 27-yard field goal.

Meacham, a former standout at Lord Botetourt High School, led all runners with 103 yards for VMI. \

see microfilm for box score

Keywords:
FOOTBALL

by CNB