Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310018
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 8 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Long
While they're breathing easier because the brilliant and skilled running back has graduated, the Blue Demons can be striking back with the many good players they still have.
Christiansburg will never replace Beasley, who had 2,232 all-purpose yards and 28 touchdowns last year to cap a distinguished career; but across the board, the Demons just might be a better football team.
Such are the benefits of returning 16 of 22 starters.
The Demons have such depth that Trey Stone, the incumbent at quarterback, was being challenged by Chris Epperly during preseason drills. Nothing like a quarterback controversy to enliven dog-day proceedings. This one may go down to the wire, too. Expect the loser to land at wide receiver.
``One day one looks good at quarterback, the next day the other one does,'' Christiansburg coach Mike Cole said.
If Cole considers that a coaching problem, he'd be advised not to describe it as such to his colleagues in the profession.
Other skill-position veterans in the Demons' wing-T offense include wingback David Epperly (the leading returning rusher with 460 yards) and halfback Larry Carter, a converted wide receiver. Carter has good speed on a team that is above average in that regard.
Other seasoned skill guys include wide receiver Scottie Brubeck and tailback Mike Scott (255 yards rushing).
Up front, center Chad Wikle and guard Darren Slusser are the steady vets. Corey Duncan started at tight end last year but is expected to move to guard. Rocky Gravley brings 6-feet 2 inches and 220 pounds to work again at tackle on both sides of the ball.
Joining that group again but at a different position is guard Charlton McCoy, a tackle for the last three games of 1994.
Chris Epperly has been the steadiest place kicker.
And if that isn't enough to keep the first down sticks moving and the scoreboard flashing, there is the addition of seniors Darrell Calloway and Ricky Williams. These guys are fast athletes, but neither played last year - Williams not since he was a freshman.
Both have immediately been penciled into the rotation at running back and defensive back.
``Ricky and Darrell have been looking real good,'' Cole said. ``Ninety-five percent of the guys who have not played the amount of time these two have, and then come out for the team, would have had a hard time contributing. But these guys are good enough athletes that they can.''
Elsewhere, newcomers to keep an eye on include running back and linebacker Eric Schmucker and end Jonathan Davidson. Schmucker is a transfer student from Pennsylvania who has commanded attention with his vigorous running and tackling. Davidson has never played football, but he has athletic ability and desire, a potentially potent combination.
Matt Wright, who is in his first year off the JV, has impressed with his pass-route running ability and sticky hands. More help from last year's JV will be coming from center Charlie Taylor, 240-pound tackle Brian Griffith, and guard Peter Alexander.
David Epperly, Eddie Miller and Scott are returning linebackers, and they will have one set of instructions: Get after it.
Christiansburg scored points by the bucket a year ago, but it also surrendered same.
With the speed and quickness, Cole ought to be able to find a few guys who can play some defense. He'll have to if Christiansburg intends to be a contender in the Group AA Division 4 Region IV playoffs.
Being a member of the three-team New River District automatically qualifies Christiansburg as a contender there.
``We need to be more aggressive,'' Cole said. ``Last year, this team wasn't very aggressive in general. There's been a nice turnaround with this team, and I've been pleased to see that.
``The thing that's impressed us the most is that we have 29 seniors and juniors, and I think that every one of them can contribute somewhere.''
CHRISTIANSBURG
1994 record: 5-5, 1-1 in the New River District
Coach: Mike Cole, 10th year
Returning starters: Trey Stone, 6-1, 170, qb, sr.; David Epperly, 5-8, 180, wb, lb, sr.; Mike Scott, 5-11, 170, tb, fb, lb, jr.; Larry Carter, 5-9, 170, sr., tb (moved from wide receiver), db, sr.; Chad Wikle, 5-11, 190, c, sr.; Chris Epperly, 5-11, 160, wr, qb, db, sr.; Scottie Brubeck, 6-0, 165, wr, db, jr.; Eddie Miller, 5-10, 165, lb, sr.; Corey Duncan, 6-0, 190, og, lb, jr.; Rocky Gravley, 6-2, 220, dt, ot, sr.; Darren Slusser, 5-11, 175, g, de, sr.; Charlton McCoy, 5-10, 180, ot, sr.
Other key players: Darrell Calloway, 6-1, 170, tb, db, p, sr.; Ricky Williams, 5-9, 155, rb, db, sr.; Matt Wright, 5-11, 170, e, lb, pk, jr.; Peter Alexander, 5-10, 165, g, lb, jr.; Charlie Taylor, 5-11, 160, c, de, jr.; Brian Griffith, 6-2, 240, ot, de, jr.; Eric Schmucker, 5-9, 175, rb, lb, jr.; Jonathan Davidson, 6-2, 180, te, de, jr.
Outlook: The Blue Demons will be stronger and more physical this year than they have been. They should have good overall team speed and quickness. The trick will be to avoid the mistakes that have killed them in the past and to develop an offense that doesn't rely on one person as it did during the Andra Beasley era.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 1, Tazewell; 8 at Richlands; 15 at Graham; 22, Lord Botetourt; 29 at Giles
Oct. 6, Carroll County; 13, Glenvar; 20 at Blacksburg; 27 open
Nov. 3 at Northside; 10, William Byrd.
by CNB