ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610220015
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: CHATTANOOGA, TENN.
SOURCE: FROM STAFF AND WIRE REPORTS
THOMAS HASKINS sparks the Keydets' first win of the season, 28-14 over UT-C.
Thomas Haskins rushed for 227 yards and scored three touchdowns as VMI surprised Tennessee-Chattanooga 28-14 on Saturday in a Southern Conference football game.
Haskins, a senior tailback, had at least 200 yards on the ground for the seventh time in his career. His two touchdowns in the fourth quarter sealed the victory for the Keydets (1-6 overall, 1-4 conference).
``We were very fortunate that Thomas made a few of them miss,'' said Bill Stewart, VMI's coach. ``I guess that's why he's an All-American.''
Sophomore fullback Jason White added 101 yards to VMI's 354 rushing as the Keydets had two runners with at least 100 yards for the first time since a 1991 game with Western Carolina. VMI controlled the ball for 20 minutes, 20 seconds of the second half and 34:38 overall.
Haskins put VMI up first on a 37-yard touchdown run, but the extra-point kick by Mike Harris failed. That allowed Tennessee-Chattanooga (2-4, 1-2) to take a 7-6 halftime lead on Frahn D'Anjou's 1-yard run in the second quarter and the conversion kick.
The Keydets took control in the third quarter behind White's 6-yard touchdown run. Haskins then added touchdown runs of 16 and 40 yards in the fourth period.
``Offensively, we challenged our guys at halftime and said, `We're not going to win the football game if we don't run it or stop the run on defense,''' Stewart said. ``I don't care if each team threw for 1,000 yards, whoever runs the football in the second half is going to win.''
D'Anjou scored his second touchdown with less than a minute left in the game. Brian Hampton led the Moccasins by completing 20 of 37 passes for 197 yards, but he threw two interceptions.
VMI's Al Lester completed eight of 10 throws for 91 yards. An interception of Haskins' option pass was the only turnover for the Keydets.
``I was very pleased that we were able to take advantage of some turnovers, and I was happy and grateful that we didn't turn the ball over,'' Stewart said. ``We're very lucky and fortunate to get out of town with a win.''
It was VMI's first victory at Chamberlain Field since a 17-0 triumph in 1972.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB