ROLLYSON ON A ROLL

Publication: CHARLESTON DAILY MAIL
Published: 10/29/1994
Page: P 1B
Headline: ROLLYSON ON A ROLL
Byline: ANDY SPRADLING

Before the start of this football campaign, Herbert Hoover coach
Joe Cowley and his staff were worried that the team's new
quarterback, Justin Rollyson, who had never started a game at that
position, might not improve quickly enough to lead the team to the
success it's accustomed to.
Now, nine games into the season, Cowley shows no signs of worry
Friday night against Nitro, Rollyson showed the leadership, good
judgment and silky smoothness that has given Hoover a certain berth
in the Class AAA playoffs, as the Huskies defeated the Wildcats, 38-0
. Celebrating its homecoming, eighth-ranked Hoover was fighting to
keep its spot for the home field advantage in the first round.
Hoover's balanced running attack is complemented by Rollyson's
ability to turn the ball upfield on the option. His passing, too,
has steadily improved. Though not given the opportunity to throw
much, the senior takes full advantage of the chances he gets.
Against the Wildcats, Rollyson completed five of six passes for
88 yards. Last week against Man he threw for more than 100 yards.
"I saw Hoover play its first game of the season,' said Nitro
coach Greg Cyrus, "and then I saw them last week. I couldn't
believe how much he (Rollyson) had improved. I'm very impressed with
him. I told their coaches I think he's the best back they have.'
Strong words considering the reputation of Husky backs Jeremy Mullins
and Chris McDonough, who have been gaining yards by the bushel all
season.
"We were a bit concerned early,' explained Cowley. "Justin
has been a regular on defense for three seasons, and last season he
started at wideout also. But he didn't have much experience at
quarterback. We got him in there when we could, but it wasn't much
.'
"It was a little rough starting out,' said Rollyson, "because
I really didn't have much experience at the position. After a few
games I gained confidence.'
"He has really improved his throwing _ which helps our running
game,' Cowley continued. "He's a good, steady player.
"He's just a heck of a kid. He's tough _ an excellent wrestler
and baseball player _ makes good grades, too. He'll go on and play
something in college. He's the kind of kid you'd like to have for a
son.'
"I'd like to play football if I get the chance,' Rollyson said
. "It's in my blood.'
"That statement may be true because Rollyson's older brother
Jason, a former Hoover standout, has taken his football act to
Glenville.'
- RAnd though Hoover has amassed a 7-2 record, Huntington still
awaits them next Thursday. Then there is still much to do before the
playoffs.
"We're getting better every week,' Rollyson said. "But we
can still get better.'
Nitro, 4-5, played without the services of senior quarterback
Dan Taylor, who suffered a separated shoulder last week. In all,
five starters were sidelined.
"It's tough to lose a player like Taylor,' said Cowley. "He
probably accounts for 75 percent of their offense.' Without him, the
Wildcats managed only 70 yards of total offense and three first downs