Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, September 2, 1995                   TAG: 9509060016
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: B-3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

RUSH HOPES ITS PROBLEMS WERE A SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCE

The Roanoke Rush was not happy with the result of its game against the Central Pennsylvania Piranha three weeks ago.

A lack of execution at key moments and an unlikely penalty late in the game contributed to a 14-12 defeat in the opener of the National Minor League Football season.

Tonight, the Rush (1-1) hopes to redeem itself and even the season series with the Piranha.

"We know what they did in the first game," said Rush starting quarterback T.J. Jackson. "We just have to go out and execute."

In the opener, Roanoke missed an extra-point attempt, a 26-yard field goal and failed on a two-point conversion attempt with 6:47 left in the fourth quarter. On the two-point conversion, the Rush was penalized for having 12 men on the field.

Even punter Robbie Colley, who averaged 44 yards a punt the previous week against the Carolina Stars, had a net punt of 8 yards against the Piranha.

"That's an area where we were deficient," head coach Denie Marie said. "But now, I feel very comfortable."

Marie's optimism is a result of the team's most recent game, against the D.C. Stonewalls.

Tony Powell, a former Pulaski County High kicker, converted a 45-yard field goal with no time remaining as Roanoke defeated the Stonewalls on the road.

Colley also had a big game, averaging 46.1 yards a punt, including a boot of 64 yards.

Now, with the special teams problems seemingly resolved, Marie can focus his attention on the offense.

Marie saw quarterback Fred Lassiter consistently being chased all over the field and felt changes on the offensive line were necessary.

Guard Charles Keiningham and newcomer Eric Galloway have moved to left and right tackle, respectively.

Last week's game at the Delaware Warlocks was canceled because of a scheduling conflict at the stadium and likely will be made up later in the season.

The extra time off allowed Roanoke players to deal with their bumps and bruises.

Jackson is starting in place of Lassiter, who is out with an injured foot suffered during the D.C. game.

Linebackers Jerome Preston and Don Rice have been nursing knee injuries. Preston is expected to play tonight.

The Rush returns to Victory Stadium next Saturday at 7 p.m. against the West Virginia Lightning (3-0). West Virginia is led by quarterback Major Harris, a 1989 Heisman Trophy candidate with the West Virginia Mountaineers and a former reserve with the British Columbia Lions of the CFL.