ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, October 5, 1996 TAG: 9610070149
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: DALEVILLE
SOURCE: BOB TEITLEBAUM STAFF WRITER
Lord Botetourt had the hype, but the Cavaliers didn't have enough weapons.
Though Botetourt's football program has improved by leaps and bounds, Salem's big guns smoked the Cavaliers 28-0 in a Blue Ridge District football battle Friday.
The key for Salem (4-1, 2-0 Blue Ridge) was to keep Botetourt stars Wesley Cox and Jeremy Conner under wraps.
Timesland rushing leader Cox gained only 88 yards, though the senior back did have more than 100 yards total offense with three pass receptions for 19 yards and a pass completion for 35 yards.
Wideout Conner caught only two passes and wasn't a factor. The Spartans also refused to kick to the pair, preferring instead to boot it short and give Lord Botetourt (4-1, 1-1) good field position.
``We thought they were a two-man offense,'' said Salem coach Willis White. ``We weren't going to let Cox touch the ball more than we had to.''
Defensive end Jeff Akers said the team was pumped to stop the Cavaliers, who were off to their best start in years.
``After reading in the papers all week about them, the good stats they had, it started getting to us. We just said they were for real this year, so we got prepared,'' said Akers.
``Our defensive backs covered Conner well and our linebackers and line charged through there to get Cox.''
``They were out to get me,'' admitted Cox. ``But they were also helping me up. There was no doubt they were prepared for me and I had a lot of respect for them.''
Salem was balanced offensively. Chris Stuart scored three touchdowns and quarterback R.J. Beckwith had 182 yards total offense. Salem used four running backs and four receivers against the Cavaliers' defense.
``We're trying to play at least four running backs and four to six receivers. We're trying to keep fresh people. One of our strengths is to have depth at the skill positions and it will help later in the season,'' said White.
Salem's offense proved to be an effective defense against Cox. The Spartans put together drives of 68, 76, 80 and 80 yards.
``They shut our base plays off and we had to go to some things that aren't real good for us,'' said Lord Botetourt coach Andy Ward. ``In the third and fourth quarters, they just wore us down.''
``That first drive took us out of it,'' said Cox. ``After that, it was all downhill.''
Cox's longest play wasn't a run. It was a halfback pass on the second play of the third quarter that went for 35 yards and gave the Cavaliers a first down on the Spartans 28. But a holding penalty killed the threat and the ensuing field goal attempt fell short.
Botetourt didn't react to the loss well. Lineman Erick Poindexter was ejected for a personal foul and will have to sit out next week's game at Alleghany. The Cavaliers were also assessed numerous penalties.
``We lost our composure and that's uncharacteristic of this team. It was from the emotion of the game. We saw it slipping away from us. Erick apologized to the team. He said it was a selfish act and that it wouldn't happen again,'' said Ward. see microfilm for box score 1. ERIC BRADY STAFF Salem QB R.J. Beckwith looks for yardage during the Spartans' 28-0 win over Lord Botetourt on Friday night. color 2. ERIC BRADY STAFF Salem's Jamie Garst (right) intercepts a second-half pass intended for Lord Botetourt wide receiver Jeremy Conner.
LENGTH: Medium: 70 linesby CNB