The Cavalier daily. Tuesday, September 17, 1968 | ||
Wahoos Appear Strong
In Saturday Scrimmage
Virginia's seasoned offensive
platoon impressed an intimate
gathering of about 400 spectators
at Saturday's Student Aid Day
scrimmage, the final such exercise
before Saturday's opener at Purdue.
Playing against the second team
defense, the offensive platoon
sustained scoring drives each time it
was given the ball by the coaching
staff.
Five seniors led the way for
their unit. Quarterback Gene
Amette looked exceptionally sharp
in his passing and ball handling,
better in fact, than he has since last
season's Buffalo game. Frank
Quayle and Jeff Anderson
spearheaded an effective running
Cavalier Back Scrambles Around End In Saturday Scrimmage
step slower than he has in previous
outings. Junior Dave Wyncoop,
however, stole the show from his
elders with several canny and
effective bursts. Wyncoop
demonstrated fine speed and
power, coupled with an exceptional
talent for following his
interference. The offensive line had
little difficulty in tearing holes in
the substitute line for their
backfield mates to follow. All-ACC
tackle Greg Shely seemed stronger
and faster than ever, as did running
mate Ernie Rogers on the weak
side. Newcomers Dan Ryczek at
center and Rick Kotulak at guard
seemed to have integrated
themselves well. The only fly in the
offensive ointment was the place
kicking. Contrary to national
trends, it would seem that Cavalier
fans will find the extra point an
exciting part of the game this fall.
Reserve end Jim Carrington missed
several attempts Saturday, due to
faulty timing with his center,
Ryczek, and his holder, Arnett.
But the overall performance of
the offensive unit could only be
construed as highly encouraging.
The hitting was hard and precise,
and very few assignments were
muffed.
Defensive coach Don Lawrence,
however, was less than pleased with
the performance of his unit, which
had overshadowed the offense in
nearly all the workouts before
Saturday. The defensive unit was
not hitting nearly as hard as their
offensive counterparts, nor did they
display their usual verve and
pursuit.
There were several individual
exceptions. Defensive ends Al
Sinesky and Tom Patton, who hold
the keys to success against the
Boilermaker sweeps, acquitted
themselves well, as did cornerbacks
Pete Schmidt and Dave Turner.
But although the second team
offense that was offered in
competition was never able to
sustain a drive, they were able to
gain yardage on several occasions,
and observers were moved to
imagine what might have happened
had it been Leroy Keyes breaking
clear on a sweep instead of Terry
Bell. On the second team defense,
second year cornerback Andy
Minton looked extremely tough in
racking up several Varsity plays.
The weekend was not without
its casualties. First string flanker
injured his right leg while catching
an Arnette ariel, but should be
recovered after a short rest and
probably will play Saturday.
Linebacker Al Ferrara pulled a
muscle in his right shoulder but
should be able to practice shortly.
In addition, reserve halfback Terry
Bell quit the team and the
University and is not being counted
on this season.
Depth may prove to be a weak
spot on this year's team as it has on
past years' editions of the Cavaliers,
although the situation should be
improved. Quarterback could be a
problem, since Gene Amette has
never been known for his
invulnerability and Dan Fassio is as
yet inexperienced. Dave Wyncoop
is the lone tested running
replacement for Quayle and
Anderson, and the offensive line is
a bit thin.
On defense, the depth outlook
is much brighter, with capable
replacements available for both the
linebrackers and the secondary.
Second-year men Charlie
Blandford and Andy Minton should
provide a great deal of help, and
fourth-year vet Bill Lockwood
lends speed and experience to
Coach Maury Bibent's defensive
secondary.
Defensive Back Dave Smith Raps Up Offensive Back As Jim Willets Closes In
Coach Blackburn Favorably Impressed By Saturday Scrimmage; Team Preps For Purdue
The Cavalier daily. Tuesday, September 17, 1968 | ||