Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 2, 1995 TAG: 9509060029
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOHN A. MONTGOMERY SPECIAL TO THE ROANOKE TIMES
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Several handmade banners surrounding Victory Stadium on Friday night insisted it was ``Miller Time.''
It might have been in regulation.
What the signs' creators failed to consider, however, was the game's extra period and eventual outcome: Heritage, overtime.
Heritage overcame a sluggish first half to down William Fleming 22-19 in overtime in the season opener for both schools.
George ``Killer'' Miller, a former Fleming player and longtime assistant coach, was calling his first game as head coach.
Expectations were not high for the Colonels, who lost several starters from last year's 1-9 squad. But Fleming never trailed Friday night - until the last play of overtime.
``After we went ahead that last time, apparently we relaxed,'' Miller said. ``You can't relax.''
When time expired in regulation, the teams were tied at 16. Each team then received four downs from the opponent's 10-yard line.
Fleming started the overtime poorly, drawing two penalties (including an intentional grounding and loss of down), completing a short pass, then throwing an incompletion.
Colonels kicker Garrett Lancaster appeared to give his team a reprieve when he converted a 36-yard field-goal attempt on fourth-and-goal from the 19.
Fleming celebrated wildly, until the Pioneers got their turn. On the next play, Heritage I-back Trumayne Sanders scampered 10 yards around right end untouched to settle the contest.
``It was a toss power sweep,'' said Heritage coach Pem Apperson. ``Everyone blocked. Fleming had been pursuing the ball well all game. But that play worked.''
Heritage's last-minute heroics (including a 33-yard Greg Middleton field goal with 1:58 left in the fourth quarter to tie the score) overshadowed an outstanding effort by Fleming quarterback Charles Burnette.
Burnette, a junior who played wide receiver last year, completed 15 of 24 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Richard Wilson had nine receptions.
Heritage had great difficulty moving the ball in the first half against Fleming's defense. The Pioneers did not gain a first down until the last minute of the first half, and would not have scored except for an 84-yard kickoff return by Brian Harris.
The kicking game for both teams provided much of the game's excitement. In addition to the field goals and the kickoff return, the contest featured a 54-yard punt, a no-yard punt, a fake punt turned into a 40-yard run and a botched snap from center to the punter that sailed through the end zone for a safety.
Fleming clearly had opening-night jitters, as the Colonels were flagged for 13 penalties totalling 103 yards.
Memo: NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.