Roanoke Times Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: SATURDAY, November 18, 1995 TAG: 9511200112 SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B2 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY SOURCE: DANIEL UTHMAN STAFF WRITER DATELINE: CHRISTIANSBURG LENGTH: Short
He shouldn't have worried. The G-Men have so much speed, all the rust flaked off after one quarter. Graham raced to a 33-12 Group AA Region IV playoff victory Friday night over Christiansburg.
``Speed kills and it killed us tonight," said Christiansburg coach Mike Cole.
The G-Men's main henchmen were running backs Michael Byard (13 carries, 115 yards), Toney Easley (16-123) and Brandon Banks (13-114). Byard has rushed for more than 1,100 yards this season, Easley 700 and Banks 900.
``They showed a lot of poise and character tonight," Carlock said. ``They've been running like that all year."
Byard ran for two touchdowns and had a 37-yard punt return for a score, while Banks and Easley each had a touchdown run. The G-Men never passed, finishing with 379 yards rushing on 49 carries.
The Blue Demons were led by Mike Scott, who had 20 carries for 109 yards and a shifty 54-yard touchdown run. Larry Carter added a 13 yard scoring run for Christiansburg's final points.
see microfilm for box score
by CNB