The Cavalier daily :: Friday, April 16, 1971 :: University of Virginia Library

Tomorrow's 19th Annual
Varsity-Alumni Game in Scott
Stadium shapes up as one of thy
most interesting in recent years, as
fans will bet their first look at a
Cavalier football team under new
head coach Don Lawrence as it
faces one of the most formidable
Alumni contingents ever assembled.

"Our first objective will be to
win," notes Mr. Lawrence, adding
that the Cavaliers will have their
hands full with the Alumni team
which sports 22 graduating fourth
year-men and at least another 20
from the teams of the last two
years.

Stick To Basics

The Varsity will show a few
changes which the new coaching
staff has instituted, especially on
offense where new coordinator Sil
Cornachione has installed the
"Virginia I" and the "Virginia
Moving Pocket".

The moving pocket, as described
by Mr. Lawrence, features a
drop-back style with the pocket set
up at different places according to
the pattern, which gives many of
the advantages of a sprint-out pass.

New Offense

Mr. Lawrence notes that the
changes made by the new staff,
along with the desire of thy staff to
give every player a chance at a
starting slot, has delayed progress
slightly, and that the team will
show a basic offense, without many
of the extras which will come later.

On defense, the basic design
promises to be similar to the
defenses which Mr. Lawrence has
headed in the past.

First and second units will play
interchangeably in the game, giving
the coaches and fans a chance to
look at familiar races as well as a
promising crop of newcomers.

Weir Coaches Grads

Co-captains Gary Helman and
Andy Selfridge will lead the II
returning starters and 28 returning
lettermen onto the field for the
encounter, while perennial alumni
coach Bob (Rock) Weir will lead his
charges.

Seven of the returning starters
are on offense, including the entire
backfield. Newcomers Harrison
Davis and Kent Merritt are also
rated highly.

Only four starters return on
defense, where the Cavaliers must
plug some holes, especially at
linebacker, where all three positions
were left vacant.

"Great Enthusiasm"

"The players have shown great
enthusiasm and are working hard,
says Mr. Lawrence. "We want to
give all of the players some
experience in the game." He also
noted that the game will give
players and the new coaches a
chance to get used to game
conditions and establish bench and
press box procedures.

Alums Prep

While varsity preparations have
been going on since early March,
serious alumni preparations will get
underway tonight with a short
practice session and a long party.
Former stars Frank Quayle, Greg
Shelley, John Pincavage, Jeff
Cakamos and others will lead the
Alumni effort for their first win
since 1969.