Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 2, 1994 TAG: 9409020061
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B7 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Medium
Power. Play. ... Rewind. ... Rewind. ...
Smile.
Even at first glance, the young quarterback out of Hinesville, Ga., (near Savannah) seemed like a perfect fit for the offense Stewart planned to install in his first season as coach of the Keydets.
``My first thought was, `If this guy is interested, this is a match made in heaven,''' Stewart said.
Al Lester was already making plans to play football at the U.S. Naval Academy, but took Stewart up on an offer to visit the Lexington campus. That was all the soft-spoken Army brat needed to jump ship and commit to VMI.
``The coaches here really work hard to create a family environment. At the Naval Academy I just didn't get that same feeling,'' said Lester, who on Saturday afternoon will start at quarterback for the Keydets. VMI opens the season against Richmond at 1:30 at Alumni Memorial Field.
``Both schools offer a great education, but I just felt like coming to VMI would give me that extra edge,'' said Lester, who added he also had second thoughts about the required six years of service in the Navy.
What has given Lester, 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, an edge on the football field this fall has been his knowledge of the multiple I offense Stewart installed. Lester said he directed a similar offense at Bradwell High School.
``The transition from high school to this has been very easy because the offenses are so alike, similar formations and plays,'' Lester,18, said.
Stewart is also comfortable with Lester's abilities and attitude.
``He can drop back and he's got the ability to move and throw on the run,'' Stewart said. ``I've also been impressed in the huddle. He demanded respect and went out and made plays. His quiet demeanor off the field is deceiving.''
Stewart has made it very clear, however, that Lester does not have the position locked for the season. Senior Spike Johnson, last year's starter, will see time Saturday, and Stewart is also high on freshman Greg Ellen, who has earned the punting and holding responsibilities.
``It's just like any other position. Whoever makes plays consistently will play,'' Stewart said.
For now, though, Lester is getting his shot and said he planned on making the most of the opportunity. The last freshman starting quarterback for the Keydets was Martinsville's Tony Scales in 1989.
``To be honest, of course, I'm nervous,'' Lester said. "But I have confidence in my fellow players and their capabilities as well as myself. And I know what we're capable of doing, and we're capable of winning.''
BAKER ON THE RISE: Jack Baker, a junior out of James River and Fork Union, has moved his way into the starting fullback position. Baker severely injured his knee at the beginning of the 1992 season and sat out last year. During spring drills he moved into the two-deep and will start Saturday ahead of Brett Badgett, who is nursing a bruised knee.
SECONDARY WOES: VMI's secondary is particularly thin after the loss of cornerbacks Ron Hill and Matt Modarelli. Hill withdrew from school and Modarelli has elected not to play this season. Four freshmen are listed in the two-deep of the secondary: Andre Thornton, Damon Pinero, Darrius Jackson and Torre Costin.
DEPARTURE: Running back Bryant McMillian did not return to the team after failing to make a specified time on a required team run. McMillian is best known for scoring the overtime touchdown in 1992 that capped the greatest comeback in VMI history (37-34 against Tennessee-Chattanooga). He was not enrolled at VMI last year.
by CNB