ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, August 26, 1996 TAG: 9608270044
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-5 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHARLESTON, W.VA.
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
The Roanoke Rush still has not found a way to beat Major Harris and the West Virginia Lightning of National Minor League Football.
On Sunday, the former West Virginia University star and the Lightning, now playing under the name ``Charleston Rockets,'' handed the Rush a 14-10 loss. It was the fourth defeat at the hands of Charleston (4-0) in as many meetings for Roanoke (3-1).
Although former Virginia Tech star Jerome Preston sacked him three times, Harris completed 13 of 20 passes for 127 yards and one touchdown.
The Rush, noted for its defensive stinginess, was matched by the Rockets, who gave up only 32 yards rushing on 23 carries and held the Rush to 113 total yards. Roanoke quarterback Darren Graham was 5-of-12 for 81 yards with one interception, and he was sacked nine times.
The Rush trailed 7-3 at halftime after a 37-yard field goal by David Merrick. It went ahead at the beginning of the second half, thanks to a wild return of a Rockets kickoff. Roanoke's Carl Lewis was cruising upfield when he lost the ball on Charleston's 40-yard line. After the ball bounced, Lonnie Ryder scooped it up and took it the rest of the way. Merrick's conversion kick gave the Rush a 10-7 lead.
The Rockets got the winning touchdown on a 31-yard run by Todd Hall. The Charleston tailback finished as the game's leading rusher, with 75 yards on six carries.
Roanoke will take a week off before meeting the Nashville (Tenn.) Crusaders on Sept.7 at Victory Stadium.
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