Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 30, 1995 TAG: 9510020108
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: BEDFORD LENGTH: Medium
And junior Jarrett Ferguson did his part when he ran back the opening kickoff 95 yards for the Golden Eagles.
"They came out ready to play," said Liberty coach Mike Scharnus. "I think we were a little shell-shocked at how fast they scored."
But while the Golden Eagles provided the initial blow, Liberty retaliated with a more powerful punch.
The Minutemen scored on each of their four first-half possessions en route to a 42-18 Homecoming victory.
"We were just too excited," said Liberty running back Marvin Harris. "But once we calmed down, we went after them."
And the Minutemen (4-1) waited little time to calm down.
After Ferguson's touchdown, Liberty came right back with a four play, 65-yard drive. Harris scored on a 6-yard run to give the Minutemen a 7-6 lead.
But the fired-up Eagles came right back.
On Staunton River's first play from scrimmage, Kevin Martin shook and ran his way to an 83-yard touchdown run. The Eagles failed again on the two-point conversion but still led 12-7.
However, Liberty had an answer.
Quarterback J.J. Coles scored on a 4-yard run with 3:45 left in the opening period to give Liberty the lead for good, 14-12.
Trailing 28-12 at halftime, the Golden Eagles tried to get back into the game.
Aided by three Liberty penalties, Staunton River (2-2) went 52 yards on its first possession of the second half to close within 10 points.
Martin scored on a 2-yard run to cut the deficit to 28-18. But Staunton River was faced with two major problems on Friday - trying to stop Harris and Coles.
Harris ran for 161 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries.
"He's coming around for us," said running backs coach Andrew Kelso. "Anytime we need a big play, he produces for us. At a crucial part of the game, I feel comfortable with him and all the [running] backs."
Even though the game was pretty much decided, Harris broke past the line of scrimmage for 34 yards on fourth and 1 early in the final period. His run set up Gerry Staples 10-yard scoring run with 9:58 to give Liberty a 35-18 lead. Harris also had a run of 54 yards in the second half.
Coles, on the other hand, ran for 55 yards in the first half and threw for 76 yards. He finished 7 of 10 passing for 83 yards and 52 yards on the ground.
Staunton River was led by Kevin Martin with 137 rushing yards on 16 yards.
see microfilm for box score
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB