ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Saturday, October 19, 1996 TAG: 9610210122
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: KEITH POMPEY STAFF WRITER
It was a homecoming Patrick Henry High School's football team will never forget.
Not because of the rain at Victory Stadium or the postponement of the crowning of the homecoming king and queen, but because of the Patriots' 35-13 win over Roanoke Valley District rival Cave Spring on Friday night.
``It feels real good to beat Cave Spring on homecoming,'' said quarterback Dennis Dunnaville. ``Especially after they beat us last year. And this was our first [Roanoke Valley] district game, so it feels really good to win that.''
The Patriots (6-1 overall, 1-0 district) showed Cave Spring (1-7, 1-1) why they have one of the best rushing attacks in Timesland, by compiling 392 yards.
Leading the way was tailback James Hickenbotham, who rushed for a game-high 168 yards and two touchdowns.
``I'm back,'' said the junior, who was held to a season-low 25 yards last week against Amherst County. ``I was determined that I wasn't going to have another bad game. Plus, the line gave me a lot of key blocks.''
Patrick Henry coach Ed Scott doesn't totally agree.
``We blocked well but James got a lot of his [rushing yards] off of second effort.''
The Patriots made a statement early.
On the first play from scrimmage, Dunnaville scampered 55 yards to the Cave Spring 12-yard line.
Three plays later, Hickenbotham scored a 13-yard touchdown. Guss Joseph's extra point gave the Patriots a 7-0 lead with 10:45 left in the quarter.
Cave Spring answered when Josh Dowdy scored on a 3-yard run. David Crisafi's extra point made it 7-7 with 5:04 left in the second quarter.
PH took a 13-6 halftime lead when Dunnaville connected with Thomas Hill for a 14-yard touchdown pass.
The Patriots then scored on two straight possessions, taking a 28-7 lead with 1:25 left in the third quarter.
PH added to its lead after recovering a Cave Spring fumble.
Fullback Shaun Akers' 6-yard scoring scamper capped a three-play, 22-yard drive. Joseph's kick made it 35-7 Patriots.
Cave Spring made it 35-13 when Corey Paxton scored on a 1-yard quarterback keeper late in the game.
``I'm super-pleased with the way we played,'' said Scott. ``We will go back to work Monday and get ready for next week.''
see microfilm for box score
LENGTH: Medium: 53 linesby CNB