ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 football TAG: 9608290094
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-6 EDITION: METRO
TYPE: PREP FOOTBALL
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
The words ``flamboyant'' and ``offense'' haven't been mentioned in the same sentence often when talking about Glenvar's football program through the years, and that's just fine with Brian Hooker.
Hooker, in his eighth year as the Highlanders' head coach, has earned a reputation as a grind-it-out kind of offensive strategist - a curious trend considering his background as a quarterback at the old Andrew Lewis High High School in Salem. When you've been blessed with talented backs such as Brandon Semones (Glenvar's all-time yardage leader and an All-Group A selection in 1992) and Eric East in your tenure, the tendency is to fire ahead with your best weapon.
``We're going to run the ball a lot this year,'' Hooker said. ``That's the key to our offense once again.''
The Highlanders' offense has eight starters back from last season's 4-6 (1-4 Pioneer District) squad as it begins its first season of play in the Three Rivers District. Of those eight, half are stationed in the offensive trenches, giving Hooker one of the district's more experienced fronts.
``We're really pleased with the offensive line this year,'' Hooker said. ``We've got a lot of experience there and it looks like they've got a good amount of chemistry between them. Last year our line was a little young and caused us some problems. This year having four of them back should be good for our offense.''
Seniors Dale Bowman and Keith Chumley and juniors Nick Elliot and Shane Triplett are the building blocks of Hooker's offensive plans. The most immediate impact the foursome should have is in providing the Highlanders' young quarterback, Seth Noonkester, with some much-needed protection. Noonkester, a 6-5, 195-pound sophomore, takes over for the departed Corey Willis.
Defensively, the Highlanders have five starters returning - a figure that concerns Hooker. Glenvar also will have to find a replacement on defense for Willis, an Associated Press second-team All-Group A defensive back. Topping the list of candidates is senior cornerback Hunter Allen, a three-year starter. Allen is joined on defense by returning regulars Tyler Brown, Triplett, Twine and Lewis, who will move from linebacker to free safety.
Auburn finished 5-5 (2-2 Three Rivers) last year and fell one victory short of the Group A, Division 1 playoffs - a marked improvement from the program's 2-9 mark in '94.
If the Eagles are to continue to improve, then coach Steve Wright will have to find capable replacements for four of his top offensive performers of a year ago.
``I'd say our biggest weaknesses right now are in our offensive backfield,'' Wright said. ``We lost the entire starting unit from a year ago. William Shelton is going to have to carry a lot of the load in the backfield this year.''
If Floyd County can find a positive in its 1-9 (0-4 Three Rivers) season: It's that there is almost nowhere to go but up. That's the line coach Winfred Beale is trying to get across to his young Buffaloes in '96.
Beale said a point of emphasis coming into this season is a return to the physical style of play that translated to a 7-3 record in '92 and '93. With the return of three members of last season's offensive line - senior center Ben Seals and junior guards David and James Phillips - a firm foundation exists for an effective straight-ahead rushing attack.
Coach Steve Ragsdale's Giles Spartans were one game from the Group A Division 2 title game last year before being derailed by Powell Valley and its talented tailback, Virginia signee Thomas Jones. Despite last year's 11-2 (4-0 Three Rivers) record, Ragsdale says his team isn't talking about repeating in '96.
``This year, perhaps more than any other year I've been here, we have a lot of positions that are still up for grabs,'' he said. ``We return a nucleus of about eight or nine kids, but besides that, we're wide-open.''
Giles must turn to a pair of seniors, blocking back Chris Bales and tailback Chris Ratcliffe, to run its complicated single-wing offensive attack.
Radford has positioned itself as the most likely candidate to challenge Giles for the district crown. Last year, coach Norm Lineburg's Bobcats posted an 8-3 (3-1 Three Rivers) mark, losing only to Giles in the district.
Junior quarterback Adam Artrip is expected to take most of the snaps for Radford in '96, taking over for departed Tremont Hill. Artrip saw some time under center last season, splitting duty with Hill on occasion.
For the first time in a number of years, Shawsville is talking about playoff bids and district titles.
``We're looking at playing 14 games this year - not saying we're going to win all 14, but we'd like to be around for 14,'' coach Darrell Sutherland said.
First team All-Three Rivers quarterback Chris Graham is back to lead the Shawnees' double-slot offense. Despite Graham's 1,200 yards passing and now-graduated all-district receiver Jett Marrs' 35 receptions in '95, Shawsville was 2-8 (1-3 Three Rivers).
Predicted order of finish: 1, Giles; 2, Radford; 3, Glenvar; 4, Shawsville; 5, Auburn; 6, Floyd County.
AUBURN
1995 record: 5-5 overall, 2-2 district (third in Three Rivers).
Coach: Steve Wright, fourth season.
Returning starters: Devan Howard, Jr., G-LB, 6-1, 220; Justin Bittinger, Jr., G-LB, 6-1, 180; Mike Melton, Sr., OT-DT, 5-9, 195; Chris Saul, Jr., OT, 6-1, 180; Jason Phipps, Sr., QB-S, 6-0, 180; Travis Harvey, Sr., CB, 5-9, 150.
Other key players: William Shelton, Jr., RB-DE, 5-10, 190; Mike Bibb, Jr., SE-CB, 5-9, 150.
Major losses: Kenny Wojciechowski, TE-DE; David Hughes, TB-NG; Conrad Hughes, WB-S; Mike McNeil, C-DT.
Outlook: The Eagles took everyone by surprise last season, falling one victory short of a playoff berth. In '96, Auburn looks to fly a little higher, but probably remains at least a year away from a trip to the postseason.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, at Pocahontas, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, Craig County, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Floyd County, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Giles, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Galax, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Fort Chiswell, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Shawsville, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Bland, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.8, at Radford, 7:30 p.m.
FLOYD COUNTY
1995 record: 1-9, 0-4 (fifth in Three Rivers).
Coach: Winfred Beale, 15th season.
Returning starters: Tony Erchul, Sr., QB, 6-4, 190; Ben Seals, Sr., C, 6-1, 190; David Phillips, Jr., G, 5-11, 185; James Phillips, Jr., G, 6-0, 185; Marty McBroom, Sr., TE, 6-2, 180; Phillip Gillespie, Sr., WR, 5-9, 160; Nick Wohn, Jr., TB, 5-9, 165; Dale Phillips, Sr., TB, 5-8, 180.
Other key player: Matt Bishop, Sr., SE, 5-11, 165.
Major losses: Craig Reed, RB/QB-DB; Jerry Hollandsworth, SE-DB; Ben Forehand, OT-DT.
Outlook: Friday nights in Floyd could be grim once again this season as Beale's squad appears to be the most inexperienced in the district. The Buffaloes may improve on last year's victory total, but don't expect major gains.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, James River, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, at Giles, 7:30 p.m.; 13, Auburn, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Shawsville, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.11, at Carroll County, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Galax, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at Craig County, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, Radford, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Grayson County, 7:30 p.m.
GILES
1995 record: 11-2, 4-0 (first in Three Rivers).
Coach: Steve Ragsdale, 19th season.
Returning starters: Zeb Bowden, Sr., G, 5-7, 175; Chris Bales, Sr., TB, 5-9, 160; Chris Ratcliffe, Sr., TB-S, 6-1, 165; Matt Whitehead, Sr., OLB, 5-9, 160; Timmy Sutphin, Sr., NG, 5-10, 160; Chris Ruth, Sr., DT, 5-11, 190.
Other key players: Roger Simpkins, Sr., C, 5-9, 190; Emmanuel Young, Sr., DE, 5-10, 150.
Major losses: Brandon Steele, FB-LB; Alex Webb, G-DE; Anthony Myers, OE-DE; Reggie Hoston, TB-DB; Kevin Slusser, FB-OLB; Jared Dalton, G-DT.
Outlook: An Oct.11 showdown with district contender Radford on the Spartans' field should determine if Giles will repeat as champion in '96.
1996 SCHEDULE
Aug.30, at Blacksburg, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, Floyd County, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Narrows, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Auburn, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Fort Chiswell, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, at Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 11, Radford, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Bland, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Bland, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.6, Shawsville, 7:30 p.m.
GLENVAR
1995 record: 4-6, 1-4 (fourth in Pioneer District).
Coach: Brian Hooker, eighth season.
Returning starters: Shane Triplett, Jr., C-NG, 6-0, 245; Nick Elliot, Jr., G, 5-10, 215; Dale Bowman, Sr., OT, 6-1, 195; Keith Chumley, Sr., OT, 5-9, 220; Lynward Twine, Sr., FB-MLB, 5-10, 190; Tony Lewis, Sr., WR-OLB, 5-8, 170; Tyler Brown, Jr., DT, 6-1, 230; Hunter Allen, Sr., CB, 5-9, 160.
Other key players: Kevin Solesbee, Sr., WR, 6-0, 160; Chris Carroll, Jr., TB, 5-9, 150; Seth Noonkester, Soph., QB, 6-5, 195.
Major losses: Eric East, TB-OLB; Corey Willis, QB-S; Aaron Akers, DT; Benjie Linkous, DE; Troy Henderson, WR.
Outlook: The Highlanders jump from the Pioneer to the Three Rivers District, bringing with them high hopes for a successful inaugural season. Hooker's Glenvar squad has one of the district's most experienced offensive lines and a talented backfield led by Carroll and Twine. Defense may be a question mark.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, at Craig County, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, at Lord Botetourt, 7:30 p.m.; 13, William Byrd, 7:30 p.m.; 20, Floyd County, 7:30 p.m.; 27, James River, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Giles, 7:30 p.m.; 18, at Auburn, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at Radford, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Shawsville, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Covington, 7:30 p.m.
RADFORD
1995 record: 8-2, 3-1 (second in Three Rivers).
Coach: Norm Lineburg, 27th season.
Returning starters: Mike Dunbar, Jr., LB, 5-11, 160; Jeff Kessinger, Sr., T, 5-10, 210; Danny Wendle, Sr., DE, 5-11, 180; Ken Keister, Jr., LB, 6-1, 185; Mo Vaughn, Jr., S, 5-8, 155; Elliot Barton, Sr., S, 5-10, 155.
Other key players: Adam Artrip, Jr., QB, 6-0, 160; Bud Redden, Jr., FB, 6-0, 210.
Major losses: Eddie Waldron, TB-LB; Larnelle Lewis, TB-LB; Tremont Hill, QB-DB; Kelly Underwood, DL; Chris Vicars, OL.
Outlook: Artrip steps into the role of full-time quarterback after sharing the duties with Hill last season. A young offensive line and linebacking corps are areas of concern for Lineburg.
1996 SCHEDULE
Friday, Parry McCluer, 7:30 p.m.
Sept.6, Powell Valley-Big Stone Gap, 7:30 p.m.; 13, Grayson County, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Christiansburg, 7:30 p.m.; 27, at Covington, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.11, at Giles, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Shawsville, 7:30 p.m.; 25, Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, at Floyd County, 7:30 p.m.; 8, Auburn, 7:30 p.m.
SHAWSVILLE
1995 record: 2-8, 1-3 (fourth in Three Rivers).
Coach: Darrell Sutherland, third season.
Returning starters: Chris Graham, Sr., QB, 6-2, 190; Ben Jones, Jr., G, 6-1, 260; Josh Boone, Sr., T, 5-11, 175; Matt Mills, Jr., T, 5-8, 200; Chris Wimmer, Sr., G, 5-11, 195.
Other key players: Josh Basham, Jr., G/T, 5-10, 210; Ryan Childress, Soph., C, 5-10, 155; Patrick Mullins, so., T, 5-9, 135; Anthony Creasy, Sr., TB, 6-1, 230.
Major losses: Scott Holleman, RB-OLB; Steven Lawson, WR; Jett Marrs, WR.
Outlook: If there's a dark-horse candidate to make a run at the district title, it's Shawsville. Graham is the league's No.1 quarterback, and an experienced line will give him time to attack opposing defenses.
1996 SCHEDULE
Sept.6, Roanoke Catholic, 7:30 p.m.; 13, at Craig County, 7:30 p.m.; 20, at Bland, 7:30 p.m.; 27, Floyd County, 7:30 p.m.
Oct.4, Narrows, 7:30 p.m.; 11, at Auburn, 7:30 p.m.; 18, Radford, 7:30 p.m.; 25, at James River, 7:30 p.m.
Nov.1, Glenvar, 7:30 p.m.; 8, at Giles, 7:30 p.m.
LENGTH: Long : 217 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (photo ran in West edition.by CNB