Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310030
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-18 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Reynolds was the Sizzlin' Sophomore offensive player of the year in 1993, then made All-Timesland last year with 47 catches for 769 yards.
The days of such dazzling statistics appear to be over, but coach Mike Scharnus isn't unhappy about the prospect.
``On offense, hopefully we won't be one-dimensional this year,'' Scharnus said. ``We want to run the option and run the ball inside.''
One reason for the change is that All-Timesland quarterback Mike Padgett has graduated. Sophomore Cris Ridgeway, a standout athlete, was expected to step in, but he didn't come out for football.
J.J. Coles, Reynolds' running mate last year at wide receiver and in the Minutemen's backcourt in basketball, moves to quarterback. Coles caught 20 passes last year.
``I think we'll be able to throw. It just won't be like last year,'' Scharnus said. ``J.J. played quarterback as a freshman. He's a lot further along at it than any other player who has been away from it for a while.''
Reynolds might not catch as many passes, but he will get plenty of chances to handle the ball on offense. Scharnus will play him at flanker and use him on reverses and out of the backfield.
Staunton River has a veteran team, with 45 players expected to dress for the varsity as the numbers improve for second-year coach Bob Gray.
``I think there's more interest in the program,'' Gray said. ``One thing that helps is that we play 22 kids. They know if they come out, they have a chance to play.''
Gray isn't sure his team will better last year's 2-8 record, though the Golden Eagles were tough early in the season.
``Our backs are good, but unfortunately, they're really inexperienced,'' Gray said.
Only Kevin Martin has seen much playing time. He picked up 997 yards in 10 games last year as a sophomore.
``He's practicing well and he's a lot further ahead than he was at this time last year,'' Gray said.
Defensively, linebackers Jeff English and Jeremy Wright lead the way. English is a three-year starter.
``Our attitude is better. The kids have an idea what to expect from us,'' Gray said. ``Last year, we were a new staff trying to get things in place and go from there.''
Here is a closer look at the teams:
LIBERTY
1994 record: 5-5 (Seminole District and overall).
Coach: Mike Scharnus, fourth year.
Returning starters: Joe Payne, Sr., OT-DT, 6-0, 215; Curt Martin, Sr., C, 5-10, 165; Doug Overstreet, Sr., G, 5-11, 171; Ryan Stevens, Sr., FB-LB, 5-6, 165; Gregg Reynolds, Sr., WR-DB, 5-8, 164; Lee Fisher, Sr., K, 5-7, 130; Marvin Harris, Sr., LB (also TB), 5-6, 162; J.J. Coles, Sr., WR-DB (moves from WR to QB), 5-9, 160.
Other key players: Robert Carson, Soph., TE-DE, 6-0, 193; Rick Wright, Jr., TE-DE, 6-1, 205; Billy Kennedy, Jr., OT-DT, 6-0, 258; Tim Parker, Jr., FB-NG (moves from LB), 5-10, 193; Gerry Staples, Jr., RB-LB, 5-9, 165; Corey Gilmore, Sr., WR-DB, 5-6, 140; Steve Wright, Soph., G-LB, 5-11, 235.
Major losses: Mike Padgett, QB, 6-2, 160; Steve Short (transferred to Jefferson Forest); Tim Stanley, OT-DT, 5-11, 217; Johnny Cash, TE-DE, 6-0, 200; Russell Smith, WR-DB, 5-8, 155; Chris Gardner, G-DE, 6-0, 160; Cris Ridgeway, LB, 6-0, 185 (Did not come out for team).
Outlook: Liberty has little depth and plays in what is arguably the strongest Group AA football district in the state. The first two games will tell a lot about the Minutemen's season. Last year, Liberty lost both games and never really got back into playoff contention.
Schedule
Sept.1, Brookville, 7:30 p.m.; 8, at William Campbell, 7:30 p.m; 15, Buckingham County, 7:30 p.m; 22, at Altavista, 7:30 p.m.; 29, Staunton River, 7:30 pm
Oct.6, at Nelson County, 7:30 p.m; 13, Jefferson Forest, 7:30 p.m; 27, at Amherst County, 7:30 p.m
Nov.3, Rustburg, 7:30 p.m.; 10, at Appomattox County, 7:30 p.m.
STAUNTON RIVER
1994 record: 2-8 (Seminole District and overall).
Coach: Bob Gray, second year.
Returning starters: Danny Thomas, Sr., QB, 5-11, 165; Kevin Martin, Jr., TB, 5-11, 165; Jarrett Ferguson, Jr., FB, 5-9, 180; Bryan Ferguson, Jr., OT, 5-10, 190; James Bartels, Sr., WR, 6-0, 160; Daniel Welch, Jr., WR, 5-11, 165; Jeff English, Sr., LB, 5-11, 205; Jeremy Wright, Sr., TE (moves to LB), 6-2, 185; Jason Chockley, Sr., DB, 5-10, 155; Ronnie Goff, Sr., CB, 5-8, 145; Brad Hlinko, Sr., DB, 5-10, 145; Kevin Forrest, Sr., DE, 6-1, 195; Lonnie Johnson, Soph., G (moves to NG), 5-10, 210; Josh Powell, Soph, DT (moves to LB), 5-8, 200.
Other key player: Willie Johnson, Soph., WB, 6-1, 175.
Major losses: Kevin Witcher, LB-FB, 5-10, 163; James Gates, OT-DT, 6-3, 232; Jason Phillips, NG, 6-2, 205.
Outlook: Staunton River should improve on last year's record as Gray begins his second year. Martin got off to a fast start before running into the tougher part of the schedule, but he has the potential to be one of Timesland's premier runners.
Schedule
Sept.1, Altavista, 7:30 p.m.; 15, at Nelson County, 7:30 p.m.; 22, Jefferson Forest, 7:30 p.m.; 29, at Liberty, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.6, Appomattox County, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Rustburg, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Amherst County, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Buckingham County, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.3, William Campbell, 7:30 p.m.; 10, at Brookville, 7:30 p.m.
by CNB