You’d think after a 48-0 win and a 4-0 record Lord Botetourt coach Jamie Harless would like to keep rolling the dice. Well, think again.
LB has a bye week this Friday and Harless couldn’t be happier. The Cavaliers need some time to get better, even after beating William Campbell, 48-0, in last Friday’s Homecoming game.
“We had nine starters out last week,” said Harless. “I’m glad to have an open week so we have a chance to get some people better.”
Harless expects eight of the nine to return when the Cavaliers play at Staunton on October 11. The only one who definitely won’t be back is quarterback Evan Eller, a college prospect who injured his knee in LB’s win over Bluefield on Friday, September 13. The injury was initially thought to be a bone bruise, but upon further examination it was determined Evan tore his ACL.
That’s a tough loss, both for Eller and the team, but in the “next man up” football mentality junior Dylan Wade stepped up for the Cavs last week. With all-state back Hunter Rice and Eller looking on from the sidelines Wade rushed for 187 yards on 18 carries and had touchdown runs of 7, 52 and 64 yards.
Kyle Arnholt also had a big game for LB, catching six passes for 90 yards with TD receptions of 7 and 56 yards. He also had a “pick six” of 36 yards to close out the first half scoring.
James-Ryan Salvi, who had shared quarterback duties with Eller, is now the main man and he delivered with nine completions on 10 pass attempts for 115 yards. Bryce Harrison had a 34-yard TD run in the fourth quarter to finish off the scoring.
This one was never close, as LB led 34-0 at the half against a previously undefeated Generals team. Harless was pleased with the play in the trenches and the depth LB showed to make up for the lost starters.
“Our philosophy is to ‘coach ’em all,’” he continued. “Every kid on the team is prepared.”
Harless mentioned Chase Fridley, Evan Heck, Bryan Oliver and Marcus Thomas as kids who stepped up.
“I thought our defense played well,” said Harless, as LB has allowed just 30 points in four games thus far while scoring 106.
“That was a good win against a top 10 team in the state in Class 1,” said Harless. “They have some fantastic athletes, we just played well.”