Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, September 7, 1995 TAG: 9509110013
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Though he probably approaches every season with high hopes, the coach might be a little bit more excited this year. And the reason for his optimism would be the play of versatile junior Frank English.
"We expect him to be the team leader and he has a knack for it," said Highfill, now in his 15th year at the post.
As many talented high school football players do, English plays on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, English is expected to lead the Terriers downfield as the team's quarterback. On the other side of the ball, the 6-1, 180-pound third-year varsity player will play linebacker.
"He takes control on both sides of the huddle," Highfill said.
Though English will play linebacker and quarterback this season, his best position is probably tight end. English was named honorable mention at linebacker last season but earned second team All-Blue Ridge District at tight end.
"It was an accomplishment, particularly since I only played five or six games at tight end," English said.
His season as a receiver ended when starting quarterback Matt Bryant suffered a broken hand against Lord Botetourt in the eighth game of the season.
Trailing 15-9 in the first quarter, the position switch immediately tested English's physical and mental capacity to deal with adversity. On Frank's first play in the backfield, he ran the option and pitched the ball. Unfortunately, a player in a scarlet and silver jersey caught the pitch and ran for a touchdown to give Botetourt a 22-9 lead.
"On the pitch, he just tried to do too much," Highfill said. "He tried to make a play out of something that wasn't there. He's a competitor, but he has to control it to a degree."
English, the second of three children, admits he can be a little high strung.
"I have a fire that burns to play," English said. "Sometimes, I have trouble controlling that fire."
After that first possession behind the helm, English was able to settle down and do his job - win the football game.
English had an interception and scored on a quarterback sneak to spark his team as the Terriers held the Cavaliers to just two points the rest of the way en route to a 25-24 come-from-behind victory.
"They were behind me 100 percent," English said of the team's reaction after the interception. "Luckily, we came back to pull that game out."
Byrd lost its remaining two games to finish at 4-6 but that did not deter English from playing quarterback this season.
"I enjoy quarterback because I get to take control of the offense," said English, who has played football since he was seven-years-old. "The players are looking for me to lead."
The Terriers opened the season with a 43-14 victory against Lynchburg Christian Academy on Friday night. English was 6-of-12 for 189 yards and three touchdowns.
English intends to use that leadership and control to take the football team to unfamiliar territory - the playoffs.
"I would like to make the playoffs because that's something we haven't done in several years," English said.
Byrd hasn't been to the playoffs since the team went 8-3 in 1984.
Getting the Terriers to the playoffs would put English in the postseason for two sports. The 17-year-old was a backup guard and forward on the Byrd boys' basketball team which won 20 games and made regional play.
But for the football team to win on a consistent basis, English said Byrd needs physical and mental stability on the field.
"Coach can give us the plays but we have to perform," the quarterback said.
A lack of execution English said is, "Why Byrd hasn't had a winning season" during his tenure. Byrd's last winning season was 1987 when the Terriers went 6-4.
In addition , bickering amongst the players also has been a big problem.
"Chemistry-wise we need to stay together," English said. "Last year, we fell apart."
And the coach is well aware of the personality conflicts but feels the in-fighting is a thing of the past.
"This group seems to be close," Highfill said.
The coach also acknowledged there is no perfect system in making sure that everyone gets along with one another.
"If you had a formula on chemistry, every coach would want that."
Maybe Highfill, English and the rest of the Terriers can blend together enough talent and chemistry to get that winning season.
by CNB