ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, December 1, 1996 TAG: 9612020112
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: BIG STONE GAP
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
RURAL RETREAT fumbles 14 times in a disappointing playoff loss to Appalachia.
Appalachia took a bite out of Rural Retreat on a rain soaked field at Bullitt Park and won a semifinal of the Region C Division 2 football playoffs 46-0.
The Indians (10-3) had trouble all day holding on to the football, fumbling 14 times while losing five, most of which came on failed center to quarterback exchanges.
``We couldn't catch a snap,'' said Rural Retreat coach Dean Rhea. ``A lot of our trouble was Appalachia, and a little bit of it was us."
Appalachia (10-3) struck early on a three yard run by Sam Sellers. The Bulldogs scored on their next posession to take a 14-0 lead with seven minutes remaining in the first quarter. "They hit us quick," Rhea said, "and the second one got us down."
"In this kind of weather," Bulldogs coach Tom Turner said, "you're just trying to get first downs instead of touchdowns, and hopefully the touchdowns will come."
The Bulldogs gained 332 total yards of offense and held the Indians to just 34 total yards. Travis Clark rushed for 165 yards on 12 carries and Dub Varner rushed 15 times for 73 yards.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
LENGTH: Short : 36 linesby CNB