Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, October 21, 1995 TAG: 9510220006
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-2 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: WADE KENDRICK STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Shovely and Lee returned punts 50 and 61 yards, respectively, for touchdowns early in the first quarter to lead the Vikings to an easy 38-0 victory on a wet, slippery Cavaliers field.
The two punt returns followed Botetourt's first two possessions, allowing Northside to take a 15-0 lead before the Vikings' offense had an opportunity to take the field.
``The two punt returns took away our intensity,'' said Andy Ward, Lord Botetourt's coach. ``After that we had our heads down and we never fully recovered. I thought we could come back after the first score, but the second one nailed our coffin.``
Shovely's return was set up when Cavaliers punter Erik Erickson's shanked kick traveled only 14 yards. With Botetourt's punt coverage already past the ball, Shovely, the up back, scooped up the ball at midfield and easily scooted down the sideline for his second touchdown return in as many weeks.
``My job is to cover the wide receiver in case it's a fake punt and the punter passes,'' Shovely said. ``When I looked up and saw the ball headed toward me, I thought it might have been tipped. I think that gave us the momentum we needed.''
Lee's return may have been more surprising, considering the problems he said he has been having lately.
``I was praying before the game,`` Lee said. `` I've had some problems fumbling the ball. I want to dedicate this score to my mom and dad. I told them I was going to break one.''
``I can't ever remember being up two touchdowns with the offense not having been on the field,'' said Jim Hickam, Northside's coach. ``We've been working on our punt returns in practice. I think the wet ball may have caused their punter some problems. We had seen him punt on game films and he had punted more effectively.''
Because of the field conditions, Hickam discarded the Vikings' option attack, but Northside (3-4 overall, 1-2 Blue Ridge District) still managed to pile up 282 yards on the ground.
The only time Northside did risk running the option, it worked to perfection. With the Vikings backed up to their 5-yard line late in the game, Lee, the backup quarterback, was hit while rolling to his left. With a Cavaliers defender draped around him, Lee made a poor toss to John Doss near the goal line. Doss was able to latch on to the ball, then raced the length of the field for the Vikings' final score.
``The key was that John stayed focused on the quarterback even after he was in the defender's grasp,`` Hickam said. ``He put himself in position to turn it into a decent play, but with his running ability he turned it into a great play.''
Lord Botetourt (1-6, 1-2) was held to 164 yards in total offense, and Wesley Cox, Timesland's fourth-leading rusher, was limited to 82 yards on the ground.
Mike Bullock led the Vikings' rushing attack with 127 yards. Doss had 111 yards.
NOTE: Please see microfilm for scores.
by CNB