THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, October 20, 1996 TAG: 9610200174
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
LENGTH: 45 lines
Feeling tight end Ronald Boone wasn't getting enough passes thrown his way, the Norfolk State Spartans concentrated on changing that Saturday against Virginia Union.
That game plan resulted in the 6-foot-5, 248-pound senior hauling in a season-high four passes for 41 yards.
``When we can get Ronald more involved, it opens some other things,'' head coach Darnell Moore said. ``We were intent on getting the ball to him today and had worked on it in practice. It negates a team's blitz when you can throw to your tight end.''
Boone, who caught 49 passes a year ago, had only eight receptions in the first six games this year.
``There are no complaints from me about not getting the ball,'' Boone said. ``We're just trying to put our offense together the best we can.'' Personal fouls make Moore spitting mad
The Spartans were called for three personal fouls following touchdowns Saturday.
First, Darius Blount pointed at a Virginia Union defensive back in a taunting manner after a touchdown reception. Then Reggie Bureau took off his helmet in the end zone after his touchdown and was called for excessive celebration.
After Sunnil Motley scored on a blocked punt, NSU's Aaron Hawkins was ejected following the extra-point attempt.
``The official told me he expectorated on one of their players,'' Moore said.
It was Moore, however, who was spitting mad about the turn of events.
``I don't respect that kind of stuff,'' Moore said. ``It really teed me off. You can win, and then you can win with class. I didn't expect to have to say anything to my team about that. But I ended up having to give them an ear's full.''
Quick kicks
Democratic U.S. Senatorial candidate Mark Warner attended the game with former Governor L. Douglas Wilder. Also in attendance was U.S. Congressman Bobby Scott . . . The Spartans gave the game ball to Dr. Harrison B. Wilson, who is retiring this year after 21 years as university president.
- Rich Radford by CNB