Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9509010001
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: PF-30 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Long
Bland County, Fort Chiswell, Galax, Grayson County and Narrows will all feel growing pains this season as new players are introduced into their programs at key positions.
``All the schools in the district were hit pretty heavy by graduation,`` Fort Chiswell coach Larry Neely said. ``All of us lost some pretty good football players.``
Early indications are that it might be Neely's club that best overcomes the heavy losses felt district-wide. The Pioneers (5-5 overall, 4-1 in the district in 1994), look to be the early favorite in the MED race with 13 returning starters, including All-State wide receiver Michael White (36 receptions, 503 yards), and second team all-district linebacker Shannon Jonas (93 tackles).
Fort Chiswell's offensive attack will be led by quarterback Adam Morgan. Morgan, who threw for over 1,000 yards as the Pioneers' signal caller in 1994, is considered one of the premiere quarterbacks in the MED.
``Fort Chiswell's quarterback might just be the best player in the district this season,`` Bland County coach Dave Lambert said.
The Pioneers will have to overcome the loss of running back Kevin Beasley, the MED's leading rusher last season. Sophomore running back Reggie Grubb will step into Beasley's slot.
``He's got some big shoes to fill,`` Neely said.
Grayson County could press Fort Chiswell. The Blue Devils return ten starters, including seven on defense, from last season's disappointing 3-7 squad.
``I hope that this season we can find some ways to win some games instead of finding ways to lose them,`` Grayson County coach Bill Strong said.
The Blue Devils lost five games last season by a total of 19 points.
Grayson County will have a good chance to win the close games this year and contend for the MED title, but will have to do so with some new athletes.
``I hope that we will be able to compete in the district,`` said Strong, entering into his 18th season at his post . ``We have a lot of youth, but we have some people who can play.``
Heading Strong's list of ``those who can play`` is senior all-district tailback and linebacker Chad Shaffner (6-foot-1, 185 pounds).
``Shaffner is one of the best players in the district,`` Strong said.
Shaffner's move to tailback means that the quarterbacking duties will fall upon the shoulders of senior Brian McDonnell.
``McDonnell has looked good, but he is new to the position and might make some mistakes for awhile,`` Strong said.
Fort Chiswell and Grayson County are two of the front-runners for MED glory this season, but coach Don Lowe's Narrows team will have a say in how the district race is played out.
Narrows should make the battle for the MED title a three-horse race in 1995. The Green Wave is steeped in tradition and should add to their reputation as a football power in 1995, but the loss of key players to graduation (three returning starters) looms as a big question mark on the horizon.
Bland County comes into the season as the defending MED champion. Bland surprised many when it posted a 7-3 record and qualified for the playoffs in just its third year of varsity football.
Bland will once again be coached this season by the duo of Dave Lambert and Ed Selfe. Joining them on the staff will be John Chmara, a former head coach at Group AAA Fauquier County and Bluefield (W.Va.) High. Lambert said that Chmara will be in charge of the Rockets' offense.
Chmara's first major task as offensive coordinator will be the selection of a quarterback to run Bland's T-formation offense. Juniors Jason Hancock, the Rockets' backup quarterback last season, and John Newberry are competing for the post.
``We have a couple of scrimmages set for the next couple of weeks and we're going to give them both a good look before making a decision,`` Lambert said.
Returning starter Smokey Parmeter will shore up the defensive side of the ball for Bland. Parmeter recorded 100 tackles for the Rockets in 1994.
``I think we have a good shot at winning some games,`` Lambert said. ``Right now I'd say we're a .500 team, but we'll know more as we get closer to the season.``
Galax has the dubious honor of being the MED team that was the hardest hit by graduation. First year head coach Kim Gillespie, who came to the Maroon Tide off the Carroll County staff, will be responsible for piecing together the remnants of last season's 4-6 team.
``We're very young and we don't have a lot of depth,`` Gillespie said.
Junior tailback Michael Campbell will be the Maroon Tide's top offensive threat, and he will be running behind a veteran offensive line that includes all-district performers Keith Johnson and Jeremy Jackson.
``The offensive line is without a doubt the strength of our team,`` Gillespie said.
Gillespie's chief concern for the season is the new system that he is implementing. Galax will be running an I-formation on offense; the defense will be a 50 package with a four-deep secondary.
``We are going to have to mature quickly,`` Gillespie said. ``The kids are going to have to learn the new system and all its terminology.''
by CNB