Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 30, 1995 TAG: 9510030025
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: BUCHANAN LENGTH: Medium
This year, it's the defense.
The Knights posted their third shutout in September on Friday night, drilling Pioneer District opponent Glenvar 20-0.
James River (4-1 overall, 1-0 district) thoroughly dominated the action, holding Glenvar (2-2, 0-1) to 111 yards of total offense, half of which came on a single pass play near the end of the first half.
With the victory, the Knights matched their win total of the past two seasons combined when they posted 2-8 marks.
``Our numbers are starting to come back,'' said Doug Ross, the James River coach. ``Two years ago, we had 17 players. This year, we have a good group of seniors. But in a small school, you're going to have cycles.''
Knight seniors Shahan Burrell and Freddie Johnson scored touchdowns. Johnson's touchdown came on a 66-yard pass from quarterback Travis Blankenship on the second play from scrimmage in the third quarter.
Burrell, who rushed for 105 yards on 22 carries, iced the game with a 37-yard scoring burst midway through the final period.
Burrell had left the game because of leg cramps, and on his first play back in the lineup, he broke an arm tackle and outran the defensive secondary.
``I don't think it was that Glenvar didn't see him,'' Ross said. ``He's too big [6-foot-1, 215] to miss.''
The first-half scoring was limited to field goals of 33 and 37 yards by Knights place-kicker Billy Joe Carter.
Glenvar was without the running services of Eric East, who is still nursing an ankle injury.
``Eric's not able to cut,'' said Brian Hooker, Glenvar's coach. East did play most of the game on the defensive side of the ball.
``We just couldn't get any consistency on offense tonight,'' Hooker said.
The Highlanders managed two first downs in the game, one a 55-yard pass from Corey Willis to Troy Henderson, and the other on a 17-yard second-half run by Lynward Twine.
Henderson beat cornerback Johnson to the ball, but Johnson pulled Henderson to the ground at the 10-yard line. Glenvar failed to reach the end zone, however, as Willis fumbled away the ball two plays later.
Johnson and Henderson did battle again on a long pass play in the third period. This time, Johnson was on offense. When Johnson made his catch on Glenvar's 28-yard line, Henderson grabbed the receiver by his shirt, but was unable to detain him - and Johnson crossed the goal line.
James River ``played a good ball game,'' Hooker said. ``Their linebackers were especially tough.''
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB