Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, September 2, 1995 TAG: 9509060037
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: MIKE ASHLEY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Medium
The result was a 16-15 non-district victory Friday for the Bulldogs over host Christiansburg High School. While this season opener couldn't be characterized as an artistic success for either squad, both teams exhibited sturdy defense and big-play capabilities.
Each team ran back an interception for a score, and each squad recorded a safety. Tazewell would sleep well after this one, pulling off a road win while picking up just 60 yards in total offense.
``Last year was the same thing,'' said Tazewell coach Dave Litz. ``We were down 10 early. It's nice to win your opener but it's doubly nice to win on the road.''
Offensively, the hard-luck Blue Demons were no ball of fire either. Although Christiansburg controlled the game with 38 rushes for 107 yards, the Demons failed several times deep in Bulldogs territory and that cost them dearly.
``We made some mistakes and they capitalized,'' said Christiansburg coach Mike Cole. ``You expect to make mistakes in the first game. You just hope they don't come at crucial times and you hope they don't kill you.
``Tonight, they came at crucial times and they killed us.''
The Demons were penalized seven times for 65 yards, lost a fumble at their own 8, missed a field goal and threw an interception that was returned for a touchdown.
Still, this game was in doubt until the end. Chad Wikle blocked a punt through the end zone with 9:12 remaining - Chris Epperly was painfully close to recovering for a touchdown - to cut Christiansburg's deficit to 16-15. The Blue Demons had three more chances but couldn't move the ball against Tazewell's defense.
Christiansburg quarterbacks Trey Stone and Epperly combined to complete only two of 12 passes.
Neither team could sustain a consistent offense in the first half and all the scoring was the result of big plays. Tazewell took a 14-13 lead to the locker room thanks to two sterling defensive plays late in the second quarter. Trailing 13-0, the Bulldogs were right back in it when Jason Snapp picked off Stone's short pass and zipped 52 yards for a score at 3:37.
Two minutes later, Tazewell was back in the end zone on Matt Whittaker's 8-yard scamper, set up by Kevin Brooks' fumble recovery at the Christiansburg 8.
The Blue Demons weren't without first-half fireworks either. On Christiansburg's third play from scrimmage, wingback Ricky Williams eluded a tackler in the backfield and sped 47 yards for a score at 6:17 of the first quarter.
Christiansburg's Larry Carter led all rushers with 11 carries for 51 yards, 35 in the first half.
The Bulldogs were on the move in the second quarter when Epperly intercepted a pass over the middle and rumbled 63 yards for a 13-0 lead at 7:07.
Tazewell had just five first downs on the night, and punted eight times.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB