Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 11, 1995 TAG: 9511130044
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Patriots shut out cross-town rival William Fleming 20-0 at Victory Stadium, posting their third consecutive impressive win, and capturing a share of the Roanoke Valley District title.
It is the first time PH has finished atop the district heap since 1985.
Patrick Henry and Pulaski each completed the district schedule with 3-1 marks. The Patriots did not qualify for postseason play, however, because their overall record is 6-4.
``We started slow this season,'' Patriots coach Ed Scott said. ``But we played well the past three weeks. It's just a shame it took this long to get it going.
``But [finishing with three wins] is a good thing for the seniors. All three games were pretty convincing.''
Patrick Henry's final three games were played at Victory Stadium. PH and Fleming both play home games there, but Friday night, the Patriots were considered to be the ``visiting'' squad.
PH seniors dominated the scoring column. Senior fullback Dan Ankoma scored twice on 1-yard runs, and seniors Raheem Barnwell and Nick Saunders collaborated for a 13-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.
``I tried to run as hard as I could tonight,'' said Ankoma, who paced a balanced running game with 63 yards on 15 carries. ``I had a mediocre season, but tonight I had to show what I could do. I had to go out in style.''
Heralded Fleming sophomore tailback Lee Suggs, who entered the game as Timesland's leading rusher (156.7 yards per game) started the game in typical fashion. On the Colonels' first possession, Suggs rushed eight consecutive plays, picking up 35 yards.
But after the Patriots stopped Suggs on a fourth-and-three from the PH 24, Suggs was throttled the rest of the night. He was held to 52 yards on 21 rushing attempts.
Fleming botched its best scoring opportunity when PH blocked a 27-yard field-goal attempt.
From then on, Fleming seemed to lose its composure. The Colonels ran several three-and-out series and only achieved one first down in the second and third periods combined, that coming on a roughing the punter penalty.
``Our whole defense made big plays,'' Scott said.
Aside from Suggs' efforts, Fleming mustered just 14 yards of total offense.
The Patriots got 62 yards rushing from Shaun Akers and 58 from Barnwell. Barnwell also completed two of his three passing attempts.
Although PH and Pulaski share the title, Ankoma pointed out that the Patriots won their head-to-head confrontation.
``As far as I'm concerned, we're the champs,'' he said.
Fleming ended its year 4-6, 1-3.
\ NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
Keywords:
FOOTBALL
by CNB