Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, October 7, 1993 TAG: 9310070025
SECTION: CURRENT PAGE: NRV-8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: DUBLIN LENGTH: Medium
Lewis, the Pulaski County High running back, is a quiet sort who tends to keep his own counsel. But you can almost see his goatee bristle when somebody asks if he wishes he had more opportunities to carry the football.
"I shouldn't get the ball all the time," he said, frowning. "We've got some other guys here who need to get the ball. I don't want anybody saying I'm a ball hog and I get the ball all the time.
"Some of these other guys have to have a chance, too."
A similar situation, except in reverse, arose last season. Lewis started the season as the primary ball carrier in the Cougars Wing-T offense. A senior who played the same position as Lewis, J.J. Housel, was out of action with a broken leg.
When Housel recovered and returned to the lineup in the latter half of the season, Lewis' offensive role was reduced.
Did he fume and pout? What do you think?
"I didn't mind," Lewis said. "J.J. was a senior and he deserved to be in there. When he was injured, he didn't have any chance at all to play."
Although Lewis' generosity of spirit is commendable, you have to figure that the Cougars would rather he be in the lineup as much as possible. The guy can play.
That was made abundantly apparent when he he turned in a typically outstanding game in last week's 34-0 rout of Heritage.
Lewis had 123 all-purpose yards including 87 yards rushing and scored two touchdowns as the Cougars bombed the previously undefeated Pioneers. Lewis' scores came on a 20-yard run and a 16-yard pass reception from quarterback Andre Eaves. The TD catch was the first of his career.
Additionally, Lewis started at safety and was in on six tackles.
"It was probably one of the better games of the year for me," he said.
At the very least, Lewis has been more comfortable than he was a year ago. Although he played every game, he did so on two sore ankles.
"It was bothering me a lot," he said. "I was afraid to put pressure on it. It hurt my speed."
After an off-season of rest and numerous exercises to strengthen his ankles, Lewis said he feels stronger than ever.
"I think my speed has picked up a little," he said. "I can hit the holes quicker; and when I get into the open field, I think I'm moving faster."
When that happens, there's not much the opposition can do but wave.
Other performances of note:
Giles fullback Peter Janney rushed for 74 yards and scored three touchdowns; Kevin Slusser carried four times for 102 yards and scored twice; and Raypheal Milton had 151 yards total offense and scored in the Spartans' 52-0 demolition of Galax.
Narrows' Whitey Blankenship rushed for 122 yards and scored three TD's in a 35-7 victory over Grayson County.
Tucker LaForce rushed for 92 yards and scored three TD's in a 38-6 victory over Tazewell.
Radford's Casey Underwood kicked a 37-yard field goal, completed 13 of 26 passes for 144 yards, and punted twice for an average of 48 yards in a 14-10 loss to Parry McCluer.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB