Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 23, 1993 TAG: 9310230220
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Rockbridge proved it was for real several weeks ago. But after upending host William Byrd on Friday night, the Wildcats are talking Blue Ridge District championship.
Rockbridge used a balanced running attack and three interceptions by Marty Early in the fourth quarter to down the Terriers 23-9 at Byrd's field.
"If we can beat [Lord] Botetourt next week, we'll at least have a share of the district title," said Jamie Talbott, the Wildcats' coach. "At least!"
Rockbridge is tied with Salem atop the district. Salem, which handed the Wildcats their only district loss, defeated Alleghany 34-0 on Friday night.
Rockbridge's victory was particularly significant to Talbott because the team had blown a 20-point halftime lead against Spotswood on Oct. 15 and lost by one.
"We finally played a full game," Talbott said.
In just its second year of existence, Rockbridge (5-3 overall, 2-1 in the district) has established a winning program. Going back to last season, the Wildcats have won nine of their past 13 games.
On Friday night, Rockbridge built an early lead and staved off late several Byrd.
Reserve fullback Andy Cline clinched the victory with five consecutive runs, his only carries, that netted 38 yards and a touchdown.
"Andy did a super job filling in for David Long," Talbott said. "His blocking in the first half and his running in the second half were very important."
Cline's backfield mates, Woody Newman (17 rushes for 95 yards) and Kenny Lewis (15 carries for 51 yards), also had solid games.
But Early may have been the Wildcats' biggest hero. After fumbling a pass in the second quarter, he atoned for the miscue with a spectacular final 12 minutes.
"That fumble got me down," Early said. "I had to come back. Three interceptions was the only way to do it."
Terriers running backs Jason Criss and Shannon Gray picked up 78 and 63 yards on the ground, respectively, but stalled drives and second-half turnovers negated their efforts.
Byrd quarterback Matt Bryant was able to complete only three of 18 passes.
The Terriers (4-3, 1-2) scored a meaningless safety in the game's final minute when Rockbridge punter Greg Stubbelfield ran out of the end zone rather than risk a blocked punt and a possible Byrd touchdown.
In the first half, Rockbridge opened a 16-7 lead behind the running of Newman and Lewis and a pair of two-point conversions.
The Wildcats scored their first touchdowns on nine-play drives set up by good field position. Their opening touchdown capped a 54-yard march, with Newman scoring on a 5-yard run.
The second touchdown came on a 39-yard drive. The Wildcats moved the ball into the goal line's shadow, until a fumble and a penalty moved the ball backward. Brandon Bissell caught a 7-yard pass from Scott Rogers for the score.
Byrd's only sustained possession that produced points came in the first three minutes of the game, when Criss and Gray moved the ball easily. Criss' 15-yard romp gave the Terriers their only lead. \
see microfilm for box score
by CNB