University of Virginia Library

Turkeys Here For Openings Weekend

Yearlings Face Gobblers

By DOUG DOUGHTY

As the prelude to all the other
activities going on this Openings
Weekend, the Cavayearling football
team meets the VPI Gobblers, this
afternoon at 2:00, on the
southernmost of the University Hall
practice fields.

Sporting a 1-2 record, the
Gobblers have met limited success
during the current campaign,
although the calibre of their
opposition has not been exactly
lackluster. The Gobblers kicked off
their season with a 23-20 setback at
the hands of Maryland, certainly an
ACC freshman power. VPI
proceeded to lost to West Virginia,
35-17, before the Gobblers handed
the VMI Rats a 13-9 defeat, last
week.

Pacing the Gobbler attack are
quarterbacks Rick Popp and David
Halstead. Indicative of VPI's
increased concentration on a
passing game are their throwing
statistics. Halstead, who started at
the beginning of the season, has
completed 18 of 57 for 370 yards
and two touchdowns. Popp played
most of the VMI game and has
completed 13 of 29 for 262 yards
and two TD's. Wide receiver Ricky
Scales is their main target, with 397
yards on 15 receptions for three
scores.

Halfback Tommy Price and
fullback Jim Heizer pace a
relatively dormant running game:
neither has averaged more than four
yards a gain. Standout horses in
front of these ponies include 6-2,
245-pound Andre Tennessee who
starts both ways for the Goblets.

Tennessee joins Monte Cole as a
member of a defensive tackle
tandem that has given the
opposition fits all season. Middle
linebacker Tom Shirley has been
cited as one of the Goblets' best
and defensive backs John Bell and
Gary Lester each have two
interceptions.

The Cavayearling shave also
played VMI and Maryland. The
University dumped the "Rats",
13-6, in the home opener but a trip
to Maryland roved disastrous.