ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, August 31, 1996 TAG: 9609030143
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
DATELINE: BLACKSBURG
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
So this is a rebuilding year?
Gutted by the graduation of a nucleus of all-star caliber seniors, Giles High came back to open the 1996 football season with more seniors, only these were mostly unheralded.
Not anymore.
The Spartans clobbered host Blacksburg 44-6 Friday in the most lopsided match between these two old rivals that anybody could remember.
The Spartans had two running backs, gimpy-ankled Chris Ratcliffe and Shaun Vaught, rush for over 100 yards each on the way to a team total of 382 yards and the defense stopped the Indians overland attack cold. The Indians' only success offensively was derived from its passing game.
Giles led 23-6 at the break then poured it on with a 21-point fourth quarter.
``For an opening game, we looked pretty sharp,'' Giles coach Steve Ragsdale said. ``The offensive line was excellent. Even the kicking game was good.''
There wasn't much about the Group A Spartans that wasn't good. What an accomplishment after losing players such as Brandon Steele, Reggie Hoston, Kevin Slusser, Anthony Myers, and Alex Webb - the heart of an 11-2 state Division 2 semifinalist.
Just how did they do it?
``Teamwork,'' said center Roger Simpkins. ``That's all it was.''
In such a context, individuals shined as well. Ratcliffe shook off a sprained ankle to rush for 129 yards, 107 of that in the first half, and a touchdown. His understudy, Vaught, lugged the ball 10 times for 146 yards and scored on a 52-yard run.
Blacksburg coach David Crist looked like a man who had had a very difficult evening at work.
``Giles played extremely well. They'll probably go 10-0 again. At least I hope so. If they go 1-9, then we're in deep trouble.'' see microfilm for box score
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: ALAN KIM STAFF Giles running back Chris Ratcliffeby CNB(center) scoots between Blacksburg defenders Michael Crist (left)
and Benji Machingo on his way to a TD. color