ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, September 21, 1996 TAG: 9609230140
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: GRETNA
SOURCE: FROM ASSOCIATED PRESS AND STAFF REPORTS
Anthony Hairston returned a punt 79 yards for a touchdown with less than three minutes to play Friday as Laurel Park beat Gretna 14-12, extending Gretna's losing streak to a record 44 games.
``One play beat us,'' said a despondent Robert Prunty, the Hawks first-year coach. ``It's a tough loss, but we're learning.''
It has been six years since Group AA Gretna won a ball game. The previous record of 43 consecutive losses was set by Haysi from 1964 to 1969.
It was the Lancers first victory of the season, while Gretna fell to 0-3.
The Hawks won the statistical battle, outgaining Laurel Park 185 yards to 74.
Gretna held the early lead, 12-7, failing on both point-after touchdown passes.
The Lancers had eight kick returns for 214 yards in the game.
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines KEYWORDS: FOOTBALLby CNB