Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, October 8, 1993 TAG: 9310080095
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-7 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: ANDREA KUHN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FERRUM LENGTH: Medium
Ferrum's record dropped to 2-2 with losses to NAIA Division I schools Lees-McRae and Westminster. The Panthers take on Newport News Apprentice at 1:30 p.m. Saturday.
"We've got to try and get it turned around," said Hank Norton, Ferrum's coach. "We need to win this week very badly. There's still a chance for a winning season, but this is a must victory."
The Builders are 2-2-1 and are coming off consecutive victories over Chowan and Methodist. Their tie was 31-31 with Lees-McRae in their opener.
Norton said a lack of balance in Ferrum's Wishbone offense has been his biggest concern. The Panthers rushed for 214 yards and passed for 34 in their 17-8 loss to Westminster on Saturday.
"The offense has to be flexible," Norton said. "I would like to be able to throw more. I feel like we have good skill people there. But interceptions are what concern me; that's what turns things around. If we had kept it on the ground [against Westminster], we could have won it."
Quarterback Millard Vining completed four of nine passes with two interceptions at Westminster. The 5-foot-6, 167-pound sophomore is 23-of-52 for 357 yards this season.
The Panthers' defense has been more to Norton's liking. Ferrum has held opponents to averages of 121 yards passing and 186 rushing. The Panthers also have 13 sacks.
Ferrum will play Saturday without senior linebacker Jim Kitts, who is sidelined with a knee injury. Kitts, an All-America candidate, leads the Panthers in tackles and interceptions.
"The defense has given up just five touchdowns in four games. That's outstanding," Norton said. "We just need to put it all together."
by CNB