Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, November 6, 1993 TAG: 9311060183
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES & WORLD-NEWS
DATELINE: AMHERST LENGTH: Medium
But Kinney was unflappable, and he would have none of it.
"I ain't finished," he said, in what proved to be the understatement of the game, and perhaps the 1993 Timesland high school football season.
Kinney moved into strong contention for the Seminole District scoring title with 32 points - on five rushing touchdowns and a two-point conversion - as Amherst County defeated district rival Liberty 41-14.
The game's outcome was pivotal to both teams: It assured Amherst County (8-1) of a Group AA Division 4 playoff berth, and it eliminated the Minutemen (6-3) from postseason consideration.
The Lancers' only loss this season was 14-6 to Rustburg, and they have not been beaten at home.
"This was our last home game," said Mickey Crouch, Amherst's coach, "so it was somewhat of an emotional thing, and I told our guys, `If we win tonight, we're in the playoffs, and if they lose, they're out.' I'm not even sure that was exactly right, but I think it motivated them."
Kinney's motivation was evident. He gained 128 yards on 21 rushes and was particularly elusive when he had a running start.
"This was the best game I've had since recreation league," Kinney said. He had scored 60 points in the Lancers' first nine games. He attributed his performance to his teammates' efforts. "I had good blocking," he said with a shrug, "and when the holes opened, I just hit the seam."
The contest was effectively decided on two Liberty mistakes during the third quarter. Trailing 20-14, the Minutemen moved the ball to the opposition's 3-yard line on a Greg Richie carry and were in position to tie or take the lead.
But Liberty was penalized 15 yards for a late hit, and quarterback Mike Padgett's pass was intercepted by freshman linebacker Cam Jackson on the next play - a second-and-16 situation.
"The penalty was a very big play," said Mike Scharnus, the dejected coach of the Minutemen. "Amherst did a great job, but we were in the game until the penalty and the interception. I just don't know what else to say."
Liberty seized the momentum late in the first half, as Padgett hit receiver Cory Gilmore with a 70-yard touchdown pass to cut its deficit to a touchdown.
The strike was set up when Amherst turned over the ball on downs 38 seconds before halftime.
Although the Lancers dropped back into a prevent defense, Padgett lofted the ball more than 50 yards, behind the Amherst secondary. Gilmore scored untouched.
"Their quarterback is as good as any in this district," Crouch said. Padgett completed 11 of 22 passes for 173 yards.
While the Lancers rolled up 300-plus rushing yards behind the slashing moves of Kinney and Larry Hunter, Liberty was limited to 35 yards on the ground. \
see microfilm for box score
by CNB