Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, October 1, 1995 TAG: 9510020133
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JAMES C. BLACK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
There were four fumbles, four penalties and five punts - just in the first quarter. And on the very first play of the second quarter, the Rush fumbled away a punt.
But through it all, Roanoke was able to score 19 unanswered points in the third quarter and hold on to defeat Washington 26-14.
The win put the Rush (3-3) in a third-place tie in the Mid-Atlantic Division of the National Minor League Football with the Stonewalls (3-3).
"It was a must-win situation for us and we rose to the occasion," Rush coach Denie Marie said.
What the Rush did was stumble and survive through a parade of scuffles and flags en route to consecutive victories for the first time this season.
Overall, the two teams were penalized 20 times for 232 yards.
The ugliness of the game didn't tarnish the performance of fullback Billy Pate. The fullback ran for 100 yards and one touchdown on nine carries. His touchdown came on a 36-yard run early in the third quarter which gave the Rush the lead for good 14-7.
On Washington's next possession, quarterback Anthony Parker connected with Dan Davis for a 3-yard reception. However, Rush linebacker Fred Ford stripped the receiver and raced 20 yards for the touchdown as Roanoke took a 20-6 lead.
And just to follow the form of the game, the Stonewalls turned the ball over their on next possession. This time, Robert Majors picked off Parker pass deep in Roanoke territory.
The Rush turned that gift into a 12-play, 65-yard drive for its final touchdown. Ranall White, in his first game back since suffering a knee injury, scored on a 5-yard run for a 26-7 lead.
But the Stonewalls didn't give up.
Washington responded with a touchdown on a 1-yard reception from Parker to Davis at the end of the third quarter.
But in the fourth quarter, the Roanoke defense kept the Stonewalls out of the end zone.
NOTES: The game was briefly stopped in the third quarter as Washington's Brian Burris passed out and had to be taken to the hospital.
by CNB