Cavaliers prepare for Southern Virginia

Cody Dalton
September 13, 2006

The UVA-Wise Cavalier football team opened up the season with an impressive mark of 2-0 and look to keep that mark going with a win against Southern Virginia this Saturday.
In the Cavaliers previous two games, they defeated their opponents with a combined 92-55 score (44-20 against Brevard, 48-35 against North Greenville). They have also shown great sparks on offense, with a strong balanced running and passing game. They have 543 yards passing and 288 yards rushing on the ground. Coach Bruce Wasem seems pleased with his teams effort.
“We would like to have a balanced offense,” said Coach Wasem. “We want to have an attack so that every team we play has to defend both sides of the ball.”
The Cavaliers have also found great strides on the defensive side of the ball, forcing their opponents to give up 9 turnovers, 7 of which were fumbles. The Cavaliers defensive effort has also contributed heavily to the success of the Cavaliers winning streak.
“There is different ways to win games on defense,” said Coach Wasem. “The team that can force turnovers can change to momentum and emotion.”
These two attacks were rewarded last week with MSC (Mid-South Conference honors. Ra’Shad Morgan received the Offensive Player of the Week and Reggie Dorsainvil earned Defensive Player of the Week. If the Cavaliers expect to win, they need to keep up this hard-working effort again this week. Coach Bruce Wasem thought having a week off to prepare was a good thing for the team.
“It’s just good to play again and having that open week early,” said coach Wasem. “It gave us a chance to work on some things we need to improve.”
Last year, the Cavaliers defeated Southern Virginia in a nail-biting finish. Every play seemed key to the overall outcome of that game. Quarterback Randy Hippeard believes that the team needs to continue to play the entire game.
“Last year when we came out really sluggish,” said Hippeard. “They ended up making a real tough game of it.”
“This week, we have to come out ready to play,” said quarterback Randy Hippeard. “We don’t need to let up until the clock reads zero.”
With two wins under their belt, the Cavaliers certainly have the momentum on their side. “Coming off of the win against North Greenville,” said coach Wasem. “It is great to get into the next game and play again.
So will the Cavaliers reach a 3-0 mark? Will the balanced attack of offense and defense be enough to stop Southern Virginia in their tracks? You can find out this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Carl Smith Stadium.