Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 1, 1994 TAG: 9409030011
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S10 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Never mind that this record, good as it was, didn't earn New Castle a spot in the Virginia High School League playoffs.
In order to win games, New Castle dropped some of the tougher Pioneer District teams, but without a full league schedule, the Rockets didn't qualify for postseason play.
New Castle kept traditional rival Glenvar on the schedule and lost 38-24. The other defeat was 22-14 to James River. The eight victories came at the expense of private schools and public institutions nearer in enrollment to that of one of the state's smallest football-playing schools.
Now the school is called Craig County, and coach Greg Stick is talking playoffs. That's a word rarely used around New Castle, but the Rockets are eligible.
``If we can avoid injuries, we'll be good by our standards,'' Stick says. ``We have a solid group coming back. We got rid of some chemistry problems. There are 12 or 13 players and some big guys who really like the weight room, so they are really strong.''
The Rockets might have a better team than the 1984 edition, but they don't figure to win the Pioneer District title. How does Stick figure Craig County might make the playoffs?
``Realistically, if we can win half of our games, we have a shot,'' he says. ``A few years ago, Galax made it [in Group A Division 1] with four victories. I think it will take six or seven wins this year, but we have a chance.''
Quarterback-defensive back Robbie Huffman leads this team. He passed for 884 yards and ran for 343 yards last year. Huffman also had five interceptions as a defensive back. His favorite target was Chris Blankenship, with 19 receptions for 304 yards.
Still, Craig County was 0-10 a year ago, so making the playoffs is asking a lot.
``I think last year's team had a lack of confidence in ourselves that was caused internally,'' says Stick, explaining why he feels this year's club will be different.
Bath County is the favorite in the district, and the Chargers also happen to be Craig County's opponent Friday night. If Bath County is as good as advertised - with a lot of depth and its usually tough single-wing offense - the Rockets can't afford a slow start.
Parry McCluer, the 1993 district champion, is rebuilding, but that might not stop the Fighting Blues from getting in on the title fight. This will be the last team for longtime coach Bob Williams, who has announced his retirement effective at the end of the season. That might make Parry McCluer even feistier than usual.
Glenvar is looking to bounce back from a 4-6 record. The Highlanders have enough depth to compete for a playoff berth and the the title.
``We're deeper on the line and deeper at most positions,'' says Brian Hooker, Glenvar's coach. ``Overall, we have a lot more depth and there's opportunity to play more people this year. That's a real priority, to have fresh people.''
As an example, two-way starter Casey Mills, a center and defensive tackle a year ago, will play full-time on offense but only part-time on defense.
Eric East rushed for 975 yards last year, and he will lead Glenvar's offense again. Donnie Elliott, a junior, is a top linebacker.
The Highlanders go into the season on a down note. Bryan Thomas was killed in an auto accident shortly before the season. Besides being popular with teammates, he was a two-way player for Glenvar.
James River hopes to improve on last year's 2-8 record as Shahan Burrell moves from quarterback to running back. That leaves a void at quarterback for the Knights, who have eight players who started at one or two positions a year ago.
``We return four of five starting offensive linemen, and you like to see those people returning,'' says Doug Ross, James River's coach. ``Most of our ball-handlers are back, with the exception of our leading rusher [Wesley Cox, who transferred to Lord Botetourt].''
The best of that group might be Kevin Peery, who was all-district at center last year.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB