Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, September 22, 1995 TAG: 9509220065
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LEXINGTON LENGTH: Medium
With consecutive victories, the touchdowns have been coming in bunches, and so have congratulatory phone calls from alumni. It got so loud after the 50-31 victory over Liberty on Sept.9 that head coach Bill Stewart had to unplug his phone.
``It's not a bad problem to have,'' he said.
One call this week was not meant to add to the Keydets' egos, however. It was from a longtime friend and alumnus of VMI, Ernest H. ``Judge'' Williams, class of 1935.
Williams' son, Terrell, graduated in the class of 1974, along with Donnie Ross, VMI's running backs coach and the brother of San Diego Chargers coach Bobby Ross. The two live around the corner from each other in Richmond, and 80-year-old Judge Williams lives between them.
``Actually, he's not a judge,'' Ross said Wednesday. ``He's an old lawyer and lobbyist. Everyone in politics statewide is his friend.''
Judge Williams, a former member of the VMI Board of Visitors, speaks with the Keydets at least once and sometimes twice a week. But this week, instead of offering congratulations, he issued a warning.
``He told us, `Don't get cocky,''' Stewart said while preparing for Saturday night's game at Furman. ``That brought me back to earth real quick. When the judge speaks, we listen.''
LOW TURNOVER: The Keydets' 37-23 victory over East Tennessee State on Saturday was the first time in 63 games VMI did not have a turnover. The last time it happened was Sept.30, 1989, in a home game against Saturday night's opponent, Furman. The Keydets, however, lost that game 30-6.
Two East Tennessee State turnovers immediately turned into points Saturday, with linebacker Kelly Cook stripping the ball and running 35 yards for a touchdown and tackle Billy Thomas catching a batted pass in the end zone.
``Probably the most bizarre plays that have ever happened in a football game happened Saturday,'' said Mike Cavan, the Buccaneers' coach. ``But they made them happen.''
CHECKERED PAST: By beating Wofford on Saturday, Furman snapped a five-game losing streak, its longest since 1979.
That year, however, also was the last time VMI beat Furman, a 21-20 decision in Lexington. The Paladins have won the past 13 games in the series.
``They started whipping our fanny when Dick Sheridan got there and they've kept going,'' Stewart said, referring to the former Paladins coach who went on to North Carolina State. ``That has to stop.''
But the toughest battle for the Keydets won't be fighting history. It will be trying to stop Furman's quarterbacks, fifth-year senior starter Philly Jones and fourth-year junior backup Braniff Bonaventure. Bonaventure is ready for action after missing the first two games with a bruised left shoulder.
Between them, Jones and Bonaventure have nine years of college experience. By contrast, VMI starter Al Lester and backup Greg Ellen have four.
QUICK HITS: Cook is the Southern Conference's defensive player of the week, one week after tailback Thomas Haskins was named the league's top offensive player. Haskins also was Don Hansen's National Weekly Football Gazette player of the week last week. ... The resurfacing of the basketball court at VMI's Cameron Hall was completed Wednesday. It features a new paint scheme and a lighter wood finish. Also planned are scoreboards and clocks in the far ends of the arena. ... There will be a social for VMI fans from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the Holiday Inn-Augusta Road in Greenville, S.C.
by CNB