THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, September 26, 1994 TAG: 9409260131
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ELIZABETH CITY LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
When the Norfolk State football media guide came out last week, it wasn't surprising to see receiver James Roe on the cover.
Roe, a junior, is on the cover because he's proven harder to cover than any receiver in school history.
Two weeks ago, Roe became Norfolk State's all-time leader in receptions, breaking Jeff Gunn's record when he caught the 107th pass of his career against North Carolina Central.
Saturday night, in a 27-26 loss to Elizabeth City State, it was the career yardage record that fell. Roe, who needed 99 yards to break Ray Jarvis' record of 2,211, picked up 143, giving him 2,255 in just 25 career games.
``He just reads the defense and finds the gaps,'' quarterback Aaron Sparrow said.
Roe has found more of them than any receiver in the CIAA this season. Through four games he has 26 catches for 489 yards, putting him on pace to break his own single-season records for receptions (52) and yards (916).
HAPPY BIRTHDAY: Elizabeth City coach George Moody turned 57 Saturday night, but felt more like 21 after the Vikings won their first game of the year.
``We made some changes in the offense last week,'' Moody said. ``The players were skeptical, but they saw them work tonight.''
The Vikings unveiled a short passing game that complemented a running game that piled up 372 yards. Their offensive line blew up big holes all evening.
HERE AND THERE: Sparrow had 335 yards passing, the second-highest total in school history. He passed for a record 341 against Fayetteville last week. ... For the second week, Johnnie Harrell did the punting duties, replacing Lamont Fowler. Harrell kicked three for a 34-yard average. Moore said he was initially hesitant to have Harrell punt because it aggravates the tendinitis in his right knee. Harrell also kicks off but has been replaced on extra-point attempts by backup quarterback Ryan Weiss. by CNB