
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, November 4, 1995                   TAG: 9511050017
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

RUSH READY FOR BLAST IN PLAYOFFS

The Roanoke Rush looks to finish its inaugural season of National Minor League Football on a high note as it takes on the Charlotte Blast in a first round playoff game at Victory Stadium tonight at 7:30.

Roanoke finished the regular season with a record of 8-4 overall and 6-4 in the Mid-Atlantic Division, which sent four teams to postseason play.

Its conference record was good enough for a third place finish. Roanoke enters the playoffs on a winning streak, having belted Delaware in its last home game of the season.

Charlotte begins its chase for the league title after finishing up its regular season with a 10-1 overall record and 9-1 South Atlantic Division mark.

The Blast outscored opponents 167-64 behind a potent offense and stubborn defense. The Blast is led by former Wake Forest tailback Jeremiah Williams and running back Aubrey Shaw. Shaw ran for nearly one hundred yards against the Rush in the first game of the season.

The Rush has relied on its defense to lead it to victory, allowing an average of 65 yards per game on the ground and 15 points per contest.

Roanoke's secondary is led by Rich Barnes. He will join Ranal White, Billy Pate and Anthony Drakeford in the backfield. Pate and Drakeford have each rushed for 100 yards twice this season.

by CNB