ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 10, 1996 TAG: 9608120108
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: RUSH NOTES
SOURCE: KEITH POMPEY STAFF WRITER
The Roanoke Rush and Durham Vipers never have met in a National Minor League Football game. But when they face off 7 tonight at Victory Stadium, it might resemble an intrasquad scrimmage.
Both teams have numerous similarities. They both have dominating defenses combined with an inconsistent offensive line. And both say tonight's game is important.
"We are not looking to lose," Durham coach Solomon Ricks said. "We have to play the Charleston Rockets next week. We are looking to at least split these two road games. So it all starts against the Rush."
Meanwhile, Roanoke (1-0 South Atlantic Division), which started 1-1 in its inaugural 1995 season, would love to stay undefeated. Rush coach Duke Strager feels the key is rotating running backs.
"I want to keep Anthony Merchant fresh," said Strager, of his tailback who rushed for more than 100 yards last week. "He made a couple of big runs. But if he was fresh, he would have broke one for a touchdown. You give him that one shot and he's going all the way."
Who knows?
The Vipers (1-0) have one of the league's top defensive units. In last week's 8-7 victory, Durham held the Triad Wallabies to less than 100 yards rushing without top linebackers Wayne McKnight and Maurice Cox.
With the addition of those players, Ricks hopes to see a glimpse of 1994. Competing in the Carolina Football League that season, Durham only yielded only 61/2 points per game, including six shutouts.
Roanoke's defense might be just as good. The Rush allowed the Carolina Bobcats only five first downs in last week's 17-0 win.
Defensive lineman Elvis Dudley had two sacks, while teammate Jerome Preston had eight tackles, plus one sack. Defensive back Rob Majors also had an interception.
DEDICATION: Place-kicker Dave Merrick might be the most dedicated player on the team. He drives from Pittsburgh to Roanoke every weekend for the chance to play.
PRICE SLASH: Team owner and president Nick Rush lowered the Rush ticket price for adults, dropping from $8 to $6. Student ($5) and children ($3) prices stayed the same.
BUMPS AND BRUISES: Jamie Warren and John Miller will miss the next three games due to injuries. Warren, a 5-foot-10, 190-pound tailback, broke his right hand during the Hampton Roads preseason game July 27. Miller, a 5-9, 168-pound wideout, sustained a hernia during training camp.
MAKING MOVES: Anthony Drakeford has officially been moved from tailback to wideout, his natural position. The former Ferrum College standout saw time at receiver last year, but was moved to tailback to add depth to the position.
LENGTH: Medium: 55 linesby CNB