Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, November 12, 1993 TAG: 9311120163
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: RAY COX STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
It should be a highly engaging spectacle.
These two have been going at it since Magna Vista opened in 1988, and from the start it was one of Timesland's most vigorous rivalries. The series stands 3-3, but without doubt tonight's meeting is the most compelling to date.
For one, the Piedmont District championship is at stake. That's always a big deal as the Warriors, who won the title last year, and the Bulldogs, who claimed the crown the year before, would attest without hesitation.
But there's more. Both teams are 9-0, which has never happened before in the series. Magna Vista stands No. 1 in the state Group AA poll and Martinsville is No. 2. That, too, is unprecedented in the series.
So it is a safe assumption there will be a keen level of interest in this confrontation. The ruling elders at Martinsville are anticipating such and have arranged for extra seating to be installed.
Some estimates are putting the potential crowd at 4,000 or more. In an oddity, Martinsville has a chance to win on its home field, something not accomplished in the series before the Warriors did it last year.
One catastrophe that neither team will be concerned with is a failure to be invited to the Division 3 Region III playoffs. Both are assured of an invitation and an opening-round home game.
"We could be doing this all over again in two weeks," said Magna Vista coach Don Bateman, anticipating the possibility that both could survive the opening playoff round.
The Warriors' virtues include a fierce defense, terrific team speed and a big-play offense based on the running of Evan Penn (7.6 yards per carry, 19 touchdowns); the throwing accuracy and and overall versatility of quarterback Rodney Redd; and the quick-strike receiving of flanker Marcus Toney (22.6 yards per catch).
"We can't let them make the big play, and they can do it on offense or on special teams," Bulldogs coach Taylor Edwards said.
Martinsville is highly capable in that regard, too. Quarterback Todd Johnson has hurled for 1,008 yards while completing 58.1 percent of his deliveries. Mcquail Gravely is Timesland's leading receiver with 41 catches for 689 yards. And freshman Manti Venable has made an auspicious debut with 1,113 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns.
"We cannot let them control the football," Bateman said. "They'll keep it away from you by lulling you to sleep by running then they hurt you with a long pass to Gravely."
Martinsville has also been sound defensively, especially linebacker Chris Frith.
"He's been playing hurt all year," Edwards said. "But he's full speed now and when he is, he's the best."
by CNB