ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 17, 1996 TAG: 9608190026
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: RUSH NOTES
SOURCE: KEITH POMPEY STAFF WRITER
What is the Roanoke Rush? Is Virginia's National Minor League Football team just another fly-by-night semipro organization?
``I don't think so,'' said Anthony Drakeford, a Rush wideout. ``I think we are the city of Roanoke's best kept secret. Because of our lack of advertisement, no one knows about us.
``But we have a good team. We are a bunch of guys that are willing to do whatever it takes to go all the way.''
That's an understatement.
Of the 47 or so players on the team, only about ten are Roanokers. The others come from as far as Canada with the hope of someday making an NFL roster.
In fact, place-kicker David Merrick drives six hours from Pittsburgh every weekend.
``I think he can play some place closer to Pittsburgh,'' said Bill Merrick, of his son's playing with the Rush. ``But if it's an opportunity for him to make it to the next level, I support it.''
And despite being injured, John Miller hasn't missed a practice. The receiver drives everyday from Martinsville.
``I don't want to miss anything,'' Miller said. ``When I come back, I want to know all the plays.''
This type of dedication is one reason Roanoke (2-0) is in first place in the South Atlantic Division. The Rush looks to improve its record against the Triad Wallabies (0-2) at 7 p.m. today at Victory Stadium.
The Wallabies formerly were known as the Charlotte Blast. Roanoke defeated Charlotte 14-6 in the opening round of the playoffs last year.
This season, the Wallabies' defense has given up 18 points a game. But the offense has struggled, averaging 13 points.
Meanwhile, Roanoke has outscored its opponents 59-6. The 46 points scored on the Durham Vipers last week is the most in team history. Not bad against a team that yielded an average of only 61/2 points per game in 1995, including six shutouts.
``Our offense is starting to work together,'' said Rush quarterback Darren Graham.
They're taking a back seat, however, to the defense led by Jerome Preston and Rob Majors.
Roanoke held Durham to just 62 yards of total offense. Preston, a former Virginia Tech standout, had eight tackles, five hurries, a deflected pass, a sack and a safety. Majors, a former standout at William Fleming High School, had two interceptions.
FOR THE KID: Offensive lineman Sam Napier thought about retiring last week.
The 6-foot, 350-pounder became upset with the players' new salary cap. When he joined the team in the preseason, starters were to be paid $125 per game and reserves $100. Now checks are incentive-backed, like $25 dollars for a touchdown and a sack.
``I was ready to give it up,'' he said. ``Before the football season, I was working about 20 hours of overtime at Spinnaker's [restaurant]. I was already losing a lot money with $125 a week.
``But I decided to stay because I didn't want to let my godson down. I didn't want to be a quitter. He needs someone to look up to. I want to be his role model.''
ALL-AMERICANS: Seven Rush players were named to the 1995 Southern Conference All-America team.
Tight end Eddie Sloss was the only first-team choice. The 6-3, 225-pounder caught 17 passes for 401 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Current Tampa Bay Buccaneers free agent Robbie Colley led the second team. The punter averaged 45.7 yards per kick in '95. Other second-teamers included offensive tackle Charles Keiningham and fullback Billy Pate.
Preston, inside linebacker Freddie Ford and free safety Anthony Merchant - now a tailback - were on the third team.
FOR KICKS: The addition of Merrick might solve last year's kicking problem.
He booted the second-longest field goal in franchise history last week. His 47-yarder ranks second behind Tony Powell's 50-yarder against Washington.
DOUBLE DUTY: Marty Gordon might be the busiest man in the Roanoke Valley. The Rush's director of public relations and media services is also the Baseball Nut of the Salem Avalanche.
LENGTH: Medium: 82 linesby CNB