Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, August 5, 1995 TAG: 9508090006
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Well, sort of.
The Rush puts on the helmets and pads for its inaugural game, a National Minor League Football exhibition contest against the Carolina Stars, at Victory Stadium tonight at 7 p.m.
For the past week, excitement has been building for coaches and players. Tonight, the anticipation, guessing and wondering are over.
``This is a big test,`` said head coach Denie Marie. ``They have been in school for a while, and now Saturday is exam time.``
Starting at quarterback for the Rush will be Fred Lassiter, who was a reserve at Virginia Tech. Two of his primary targets will be wide receivers Anthony Drakeford (Ferrum) and Frank Fitzgerald (Georgia Tech). Tailbacks Ranall White (Virginia Tech) and Jamie Warren (Ferrum) are expected to carry the ball most of the time.
The Rush is not yet set on the offensive or defensive lines (there are 16 linemen offensively and defensively) but is counting on defensive backs Jeff Hughes, Robert Majors and Rich Barnes to head the secondary.
A month ago, the Rush lacked a kicking game. However, former Hokie Robbie Colley signed as a punter and Dustin Fonder, a midfielder for the Roanoke RiverDawgs soccer team, joined the Rush this week as a place-kicker.
The only thing the Rush staff knows about Carolina is the Stars lost to the Louisiana Bayou Thunder, 23-0, last weekend in their first exhibition game.
However, Marie is more concerned with learning about his team tonight than he is about the competition.
``Basically, I want to know in what areas we are strong and in what areas we need improvement,`` said Marie. ``When we come back Tuesday [to practice] this will give us an indication of where we are.``
The first game of the regular season is Aug.12 against the Central Pa. Piranhas at Victory Stadium.
by CNB