ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608290021
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
MEMO: Also ran in August 29, 1996 Neighbors.
The Timesland football landscape has undergone a major upheaval this year that may be thought of as a sort of redistricting earthquake.
If this reshuffling is indeed an earthquake, then the epicenter is in the New River Valley, where Blacksburg and Christiansburg have come into the Group AA Blue Ridge District from the ruins of the now-defunct New River District.
Andy Ward, Lord Botetourt's coach, shares sentiments about the new league with many observers.
``Hey, this will make the Blue Ridge the toughest district in the area by far, by far,'' Ward said. ``But that's good. You'll never get better unless you play good competition.''
The enthusiasm for the new Blue Ridge is almost across the board.
``The new Blue Ridge is kind of like the old New River,'' said David Crist, Blacksburg's coach. ``There are a lot of quality teams. Every single night you have to play well. If you don't, then you can't win.''
Willis White, Salem's longtime coach, likes the scheduling advantages.
``We are really excited about it,'' he said. ``This gives you an automatic seven games, which means you only have to find three other games. I hate a lot of travel, too. This year, the farthest we'll have to go is Christiansburg.
``You take Blacksburg and Christiansburg and compare them with the communities here - at William Byrd, at Northside - there are a lot of similarities. They'll be a perfect fit.''
When you talk about a circuit that has perennial state power Salem, two-time state champion Blacksburg, always-ready Northside, as well as William Byrd, Rockbridge County, Alleghany and Lord Botetourt, you're talking tough.
``A lot of people are really going to bang on you,'' said Jeff Highfill, Byrd's coach.
Here's a look at the Blue Ridge:
Salem will be the clear favorite to win the title. After all, the Spartans never have done worse than share the Blue Ridge crown.
``We're reloading,'' White said.
Team strengths include a huge offensive line anchored by three-year starter Pierce Weikle (6-foot-2, 247 pounds) at guard and Travis Miles (6 feet, 273) at tackle. They ought to give new quarterback R.J. Beckwith plenty of time to get situated.
The defense will be fierce, behind linebackers Jeff Akers and sophomores Matt Anderson and Jamie Garst, as well as back Ricky Eubanks, who returns from a secondary that set a school record with 19 interceptions in 1995.
Northside isn't as big as usual, but the Vikings figure to be just as physical.
The new dimension this year is speed and quickness at all the skill positions in Northside's signature Wishbone offense. Nobody will be any speedier or quicker than quarterback Xavier Lee.
``This is a guy who God created to be an option quarterback,'' said Jim Hickam, the Vikings' coach.
Halfback John Doss is the leading returning rusher, with 436 yards and five touchdowns.
``This has been one of the best groups I've seen in terms of the effort expended during practice,'' Hickam said.
William Byrd was the surprise of the league last year, going 8-2 during the regular season and finishing second to Salem.
``That team played extremely well together,'' Highfill said. ``They didn't care who got it done as long as it got done.''
The Terriers lack depth, just as they did a year ago, and that worries Highfill plenty. The one player they can't afford to lose is quarterback Frank English, who had more than 1,700 yards total offense to go with nine touchdown passes. The same may be said for wide receiver Jamie Fuqua, who is likely to be English's primary target.
One position where Byrd will have some bodies to work with is running back, with Daniel Wagner, Ben Smith and freshman O.J. Thomason.
Lord Botetourt must find a way to put some backbone in a defense that yielded an average of more than 28 points per game last year.
``If we do, we'll be good for three or four more wins,'' Ward said.
Part of the plan involves installing a 5-3 alignment and inserting exceptional athlete Wesley Cox at linebacker. Cox will continue to be better known for his offense, where he led the team in rushing as a tailback a year ago. Cox had 1,437 overland yards and scored 90 points during the 1995 campaign.
A lot of the pressure will be taken off Cox if junior Keith Anderson turns out to be the quarterback Ward thinks he will be. But Anderson, a 6-foot-3, 190-pounder, is hurt and is expected to miss the first several weeks of the season.
Blacksburg has the makings of a solid offensive line with center Sean O'Rourke and tackle Eric Snow. Should a sound front come together, one of the major preseason questions for the Indians will have been answered.
Elsewhere, Blacksburg ought to be solid and deep in the backfield with quarterbacks Tommy LaForce and Michael Crist and running backs Kenny Showman and Michael Davis. On defense, Davis will team with fellow inside linebacker Billy Vaught for tons of tackles.
Tons of tackles made a name for Scottie Brubeck of Christiansburg last year. It isn't all that typical for a defensive back to lead a team in stops, but Brubeck pulled it off.
A knee injury suffered Saturday will make it difficult for Brubeck to repeat that feat. He is expected to be sidelined for six to eight weeks, dealing the Blue Demons a tough loss before they've even started.
Brubeck was expected to be the favorite target for the passing of quarterback Chris Epperly. Don't expect the sky to be raining footballs wherever Christiansburg shows up next - with or without Brubeck - but don't count on being bored, either. Epperly will air it out regularly.
Alleghany, too, has an exceptional young quarterback in sophomore Shannon Johnson, a 6-5, 190-pounder. The challenge for the Mountaineers as they try to bounce back from a depressing year will be to find a way to make up for the graduation loss of Oliver Jordan, the team's leading rusher, receiver, kick returner and tackler. Good news may be on the way. The sophomore and junior classes have numerous promising players.
Rockbridge County has only 12 seniors, meaning that of 42 players in the program, 30 will be back next year.
``In my nine years of coaching [the first four at now-defunct Natural Bridge], this is the youngest team I've been associated with,'' said Jamie Talbott, the Wildcats' coach. ``It isn't even close. But despite their age, this is one of the most talented groups I've had.''
Troy Riley and Clay Hobson will carry much of the load - figuratively and literally - on offense, and they're both sophomores. The quarterback, Travis Clark, is a junior. Every skill position will be manned by an underclassman.
The big question marks will be on the offensive and defensive lines, where inexperience also abounds.
Projected order of finish: 1, Salem; 2, Blacksburg; 3, William Byrd; 4, Northside; 5, Rockbridge County; 6, Christiansburg; 7, Lord Botetourt; 8, Alleghany.
ALLEGHANY
1995 record: 1-9, 1-4 (tied for last in Blue Ridge).
Coach: Max Lowe, second year.
Returning starters: Heath Branch, Sr., LB-C, 6-0, 190; Adam Harlow, Jr., TE-DT, 6-4, 245; Matt Judkins, Jr., DE-G, 5-10, 190; Shannon Johnson, Soph., QB, 6-2, 175; Bernie Cooper, Jr., OLB-FB, 5-9, 190.
Other key players: Freddy Portillo, Jr., FS-TB, 5-8, 175; Jason Moore, Jr., OT, 6-4, 270.
Major loss:Oliver Jordan, TB.
Outlook: The first priority will be to find a replacement for Jordan, but it won't be easy to replace a guy who was the team's leading rusher, receiver, kick returner and tackler. Also key to the Mountaineers' success is bolstering the defense. Cooper gained more than 400 yards rushing last year and could be moving from fullback to tailback. There are plenty of young players on the team. Of the 35 players, five are seniors, 11 juniors and 19 sophomores. Attitude and work ethic have been major positives. Johnson already has 10 varsity starts at quarterback under his belt, which makes him an exceptionally battle-tested 10th-grade starter.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, at Parry McCluer, 7:30 p.m.; 13, Covington, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Staunton River, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, at Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.; 18, William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at Salem, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, Northside, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.
BLACKSBURG
1995 record: 5-6, 1-1 (second in New River).
Coach: David Crist, 22nd year.
Returning starters: Jason Zirk, Sr., DT-G, 6-0, 170; Michael Davis, Sr., LB-TE (moves to RB), 6-2, 212; Billy Vaught, Sr., LB, 6-2, 210; Michael Crist, Sr., QB-CB (moves to LB), 5-9, 160; Kenny Showman, Jr., RB-DB, 5-10, 160; Joey Carter, Sr., CB-WR, 6-2, 165; Sean O'Rourke, Sr., C, 5-11, 240; Eric Snow, G (moves to OT), 6-2, 265; Tommy LaForce, Sr., QB-LB, 6-2, 170.
Other key players: Bobby Graham, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 135; Will Gentry, Jr., DE-TE, 6-1, 170; Brian Walls, Sr., TE, 6-1, 180; Eric Bradley, Fr., TE, 6-0, 190; Ian McDaniel, Jr., G-LB, 6-0, 175; Richie Phifer, Jr., G, 6-2, 215; Ben Borden, Sr., OT, 5-9, 175; Benji Machingo, Sr., DB, 6-0, 170; Brandon Ragsdale, Soph., DB, 5-9, 150; Jason Pearman, Jr., DT, 6-1, 190; Doug Hungate, Sr., DE, 5-9, 170; T.J. Chevone, Jr., RB, 5-9, 167.
Major losses:Tucker LaForce, RB-DE; Steven Hunt, DB-WR; Ben Pinkerton, K-TE/OT; Kip Kenyon, LB; Darren Oliver, G-DE; Rodney Alwang, DB.
Outlook: Blacksburg knows it will have a strong defense, which will help it fit right into the Blue Ridge District in its first year. Davis and Vaught, the two inside linebackers, will be as good a pair as any around. The offense may take a little longer to develop, depending on the progress of the offensive line. Showman can astonish with his speed as a running back, and LaForce and Crist have complementary skills at quarterback. This will be an interesting year for the Indians.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, Giles, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, at Graham-Bluefield, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Cave Spring, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Salem, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.; 11, at Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Northside, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.; 8, William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.
CHRISTIANSBURG
1995 record: 5-5, 2-0 (first in New River District).
Coach: Mike Cole, 11th year.
Returning starters: Corey Duncan, Sr., DE/DT/LB-TE (moves to C), 6-0, 200; Matt Wright, Sr., TE-LB, 6-1, 180; Scottie Brubeck, Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 170; Chris Epperly, Sr., QB-DB, 5-10, 170; Eric Schmucker, Sr., FB-LB, 5-9, 175; Peter Alexander, Sr., ILB-TB, 5-11, 175; Brian Griffith, Sr., DE-OT, 6-2, 230; Dallas Taylor, Sr., DE-DT, 6-1, 200; Mike Scott, Sr., RB, 5-11, 170.
Other key players: Eric Beasley, Jr., RB-LB, 6-0, 195; Antiquine Parks, Jr., WR-DB, 6-0, 155; John Hundle, Soph., WR-DB, 5-9, 145; Jonathan Bartlett, WR, 5-10, 140; Dewayne Allen, Jr., DE, 6-2, 155; Mitch Price, Jr., DE, 5-8, 180; Trinity Hickman, Sr., DE-LB, 6-0, 185; Wes Osborne, Jr., G, 5-9, 165; Charlie Jewell, Jr., LB, 5-11, 155; Pat Bolen, Sr., OT, 6-0, 245; Travis Lyons, Sr., OT, 6-0, 220; Josh George, Jr., G, 5-9, 175; Nathan King, Jr., DT, 5-10, 210.
Major losses:Rocky Gravley, DT-OT; Chad Weikle, 6-0, L, 200; Derrick Earley, C-DT; Charlton McCoy, OL; Darren Slusser, G-DE; Larry Carter, WR-DB-KR; Eddie Miller, LB-FB/TE.
Outlook: There is potential here, but in the early practices, Cole was not satisfied with the way members of a rebuilding offensive line were working together. There is a good nucleus to work with, provided ways can be found to keep Epperly fresh - especially now that Brubeck is out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury. The Blue Demons are on the small side, but there is speed and quickness in abundance. Don't be surprised to see the offense open up more than usual to take advantage of the skill players.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, Fieldale-Collinsville, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.13, Graham-Bluefield, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Radford, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Northside, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, at Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, Salem, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.
LORD BOTETOURT
1995 record: 2-8 overall, 1-5 (tied for last in Blue Ridge District).
Coach: Andy Ward, fourth year.
Returning starters: Seth Myers, Sr., QB (also S), 5-8, 182; Wesley Cox, Sr., TB, (also OLB), 5-10, 185; Clark Delp, Sr., G-DT, 6-3, 240; Michael Thompson, Jr., C-DT, 6-2, 235; Eric Poindexter, Jr., OT-NG, 5-10, 315; Jeremy Conner, Sr., WR (also CB), 5-7, 165; Dereck Springer, Soph., FL-CB, 5-6, 150.
Other key players: Torrey Phanelson, Sr., FB-MLB, 5-9, 190; Chris Waller, Sr., TE, 5-9, 175; Keith Anderson, Jr., QB-DE, 6-3, 190.
Major loss: Rocky Lark, MLB-FB.
Outlook: The Cavaliers have exceptional numbers, with 48 players. There are experienced players at key positions, and that will be the strong suit. Cox is one of the district's best athletes, and he will have to do plenty now that he also is starting at outside linebacker. The key for the Cavaliers will be to shore up a leaky defense. Another key is Anderson, who figured to start the season at quarterback until he was hurt in practice. He's expected to miss three or four weeks of action.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at James River, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Franklin County, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Salem, 7:30 p.m.; 11, at Alleghany; 18, Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.; 8, at Northside, 7:30 p.m.
NORTHSIDE
1995 record: 5-5, 2-3 (tied for third in Blue Ridge).
Coach: Jim Hickam, 22nd year.
Returning starters: John Doss, Sr., HB-S, 5-9, 160; Clay Kasey, Sr., G-DT, 6-0, 271; Shannon Ragland, Sr., G-DT, 6-1, 210; Mike Light, Sr., G (moves to C), 6-0, 223; Xavier Lee, Jr., QB, 5-10, 155; Adam Cook, Jr., OT-DE, 5-10, 200; Xavier Cargill, Jr., LB-FB, 5-11, 220; Loopy Lewis, Jr., DT, 6-4, 275; Travis Snider, Jr., ILB, 5-8, 189; Daryl Holmes, Jr., CB, 6-0, 157.
Other key players: Scott Mashburn, Jr., OLB-RB, 5-11, 161; Daryl Helliker, Jr., OLB-TE, 6-1, 186; Jason Jones, Jr., C-DE, 5-10, 185; Chad Nolan, Jr., TE, 6-0, 217.
Major losses: Dee Shovely, WR/HB-DB; Donnie Leininger, FB-LB; Scott Booth, OLB-HB/QB-K-P; Brad Harper, DE; Jason Davidson, C-DE; Kirk Likens, HB-OLB; Myles Jackson, ILB; Mike Bullock, RB.
Outlook: With only five seniors on the team, the Vikings could be a year or two away from title contention in the district. Nevertheless, Hickam clearly is excited about this group of players, especially those at the skill positions. Lee is one of the best option quarterbacks here in years, and there is no shortage of players to man positions in the offensive and defensive backfields and at receiver. Hickam is going to stick with the Vikings' trademark Wishbone offense, but the plan is to open it up more to take advantage of the speed and quickness this team has. This team does not have exceptional size, but the players will make up for it with strength, another Northside trademark.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, Cave Spring, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, at Heritage. 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Liberty, 7:30 p.m.; 27, Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, at William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Salem, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.
ROCKBRIDGE COUNTY
1995 record: 5-5, 2-3 (tied for third in Blue Ridge).
Coach: Jamie Talbott, fifth year.
Returning starters: John Baizley, Sr., OT, 6-2, 210; Troy Riley, Soph., FB-LB, 5-9, 200; Jesse Wallace, Sr., CB, 5-10, 150; Jeremy Ramsey, Sr., LB, 6-1, 210.
Other key players: Travis Clark, Jr., QB-DE, 6-0, 180; Clay Hobson, Soph., TB-S, 5-11, 165; Brock Burroughs, Sr., G, 5-8, 225; Lee Crawford, Sr., G-DT, 6-0, 250; Michael Bryant, Sr., FL-DB, 6-1, 155; Scott Sorrells, Jr., DE-SE, 6-1, 185; John McCoy, Sr., TB-DB, 5-9, 150.
Major losses:Greg Stubblefield, QB-DB; Mike Camden, G-DE; John Camden, TE-DE; Matt Staton, SE; Travis Tomlin, DT; Jimmy Emore, TB.
Outlook: Rockbridge County is similar to Northside and Alleghany in its lack of seniors. The Wildcats have 12, which is quite a few by district standards but not many by the standards of most everybody else. The skill positions are well-stocked with young players (not a senior among them) and many of them have the kind of speed not often found in this program. Rockbridge County is another program that has the look of an up-and-comer.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, at R.E. Lee-Staunton, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Turner Ashby-Bridgewater, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Parry McCluer, 7:30 p.m.; 27, Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.; 11, at Northside, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.; 8, at Salem, 7:30 p.m.
SALEM
1995 record: 9-2, 5-0 (first in Blue Ridge).
Coach: Willis White, 14th year.
Returning starters: Ricky Eubanks, Sr., WR-DB, 5-10, 153; Jeff Akers, Sr., TE-DE (moves to LB), 6-2, 215; Travis Miles, Sr., OT, 6-0, 273; Pierce Weikle, Sr., G, 6-0, 247; Gussie Vaughn, Sr., TB, 5-9, 174; Brandon Poff, Sr., NG, 5-111/2, 195; Chris Stuart, Jr., DT, 5-9, 183; Matt Anderson, Soph., LB, 5-8, 165; Jamie Garst, Soph., LB, 5-11, 176.
Other key players: Mike Conlin, Sr., OT, 6-3, 252; James Giarla, Jr., G, 6-3, 192; Ryan Poff, Soph., C, 5-11, 216; R.J. Beckwith, Sr., QB, 5-11, 184; Seth Williams, Sr., LB/DE, 5-7, 177; Paul Jackson, Sr., FB-DE, 5-10, 178; Bryan Parker, Sr., TE-DE, 6-1, 221; Aaron Routt, Sr., WR-DB, 61/2, 156; Ivan Brewer, Soph., WR-DB, 5-10, 160; John Hancock, Jr., WR-DB, 6-11/2, 167; Aaron Williams, Soph., OL-DL, 5-10, 198; Matt Joiner, Soph, OL-DL, 6-31/2, 222; A.J. Everett, Soph., OL-DL, 6-0, 192; Andy Beach, Sr., WR-DB, 6-1, 170; Alex Dickson, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 159.
Major losses:Seth Moore, QB; Dan Baker, OT; Shawn Dobbins, C; Rusty Howell, DT; Matt Edwards, CB; Matt Wheeling, MLB; Chris Huff, FB.
Outlook: Size, speed, depth and tradition, the Spartans have it all. They'll have it for years to come, too, because this is a young team. Beckwith has to replace Moore, but he'll have plenty of time to settle in with the massive and experienced offensive line that will be blocking for him. Vaughn will take aim at 1,000 yards rushing; Beckwith will take aim at numerous receivers. A pair of young linebackers - Anderson and Garst - will anchor a defense that set a school record last year with 19 interceptions.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, Brookville, 7:30 p.m.; 13, Pulaski County, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Cave Spring, 7:30 p.m.; 27, Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, at Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.; 11, at William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Northside, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.
WILLIAM BYRD
1995 record: 8-2, 4-1 (second in Blue Ridge).
Coach: Jeff Highfill, 16th year.
Returning starters: Tillman Bowling, Sr., C, 5-10, 200; Chad Price, Sr., G-DE, 6-0, 210; Kenis Maciel, Soph., OT-DT, 6-1, 277; Zack Slayton, Sr., OT-DE, 5-10, 210; Frank English, Sr., QB-OLB, 6-1, 200; Jamie Fuqua, Sr., WR-DB, 5-11, 170; Daniel Wagner, Jr., FB-LB, 5-11, 208; Ben Smith, Sr., RB-LB, 6-1, 185; Milton Clark, Sr., DT (also G), 5-11, 235; Timmy Boothe, Sr., DT, 6-0, 224.
Other key players: Matt McGuire, Soph., TE-LB, 6-1, 170; Jason Thomas, Sr., TE, 6-5, 230; Chris Dowdy, Jr., DB-K, 5-7, 140; Josh Jones, Jr., DB-WR, 5-7, 140; Richard Taylor, Soph., G, 5-10, 175; O.J. Thomason, Fr., RB-DB, 5-7, 180.
Major losses:Michael Berry, WR-P-K; Gerald Pratt, G-DE; Jonathan Hartsock, E-DE; David Anderson, DB; Jerald Vest, DB; Jes Shrewsbury; TE; Neal Smith, LB.
Outlook: Seven starters back on offense and six on defense from last year's second-place team will keep the Terriers in the thick of the title chase again. English is one of the most exciting players around, a fellow who is effective running and throwing. Byrd also will be deep at running back, so deep it could afford to move Fuqua back to wide receiver, where he played as a sophomore. The toughest job Byrd faces early in the season is finding a replacement for Michael Berry, an all-star caliber player at three positions who has gone on to VMI. Byrd only has about 30 true varsity players (seven or eight junior varsity players will dress with the varsity), so depth is a primary concern.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, Staunton River, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Bassett, 7:30 p.m.; 27, Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Northside, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Salem, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Alleghany, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Rockbridge County, 7:30 p.m.; 8, at Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.
LENGTH: Long : 369 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: Cindy Pinkston. Glenvar will be counting heavily on theby CNBthreesome of Hunter Allen (left), Lynward Twine (center) and Dale
Bowman. (ran in Neighbors West only). GRAPHIC: color.