Publication: THE SUNDAY GAZETTE-MAIL
Published: 08/11/1996
Page: P54F

First-year Coach Robert "Little' Burdette has a big job - bringing
Nitro its first winning season since 1983.

The Wildcats are coming off a 4-6 campaign but have talented sophomore
quarterback J.R House (6-0, 175) behind center again.

As a freshman, House completed 154 of 276 passes for 2,015 yards and
11 touchdowns. He was sacked only nine times. House earned
second-team, Class AAA all-state honors.

"He knows where everybody is going to be and he's good at getting rid
of the ball,' said Burdette, a former Wildcat assistant, who takes
over for Greg Cyrus, now the commissioner of the Mountain State
Athletic Conference.

"He's (House) going to be the guy that runs the offense,' Burdette
said. "He understands the game, whether it's a run or a throw. I only
remember one mistake he made last year.

"I don't know whether he can throw for 2,000 yards again or not. I
don't know whether he's as interested in that as he is in helping us
win.'

One difference for House this season will be the absence of 1995's top
two receivers. Seniors Jason Redman and Ryan Blake transferred to Poca
and George Washington respectively.

The speedy Redman, a first-team all-stater, caught 46 passes for 934
yards and five TDs last year. Blake, a running back, caught 50 passes
for 397 yards and two touchdowns.

Burdette is counting on senior Robbie Sigmon (5-7, 150) and sophomore
Chris Martin (5-9, 140) to pick up the slack.

"We've got the guys who can catch it if we can protect him,' Burdette
said.

When the Wildcats aren't throwing, junior Justin Valleau (6-2, 210)
and sophomores Zack Collins (5-11, 160) and Eddie Casto (5-10, 195)
will handle much of the running.

Returning seniors Jim Fields (6-3, 285) and Jay Johnson (5-11, 210)
will solidify the offensive line.

"We're counting on Jim Fields and Jay Johnson to do what they're
supposed to do so we only have to find three people,' Burdette said.

Burdette said Redman's departure probably will affect the Wildcats
more on defense.

"Losing Redman really hurts us on defense,' he said. "We were
counting on him to be our free safety back there.'

Fields and Johnson will play on the defensive line; Valleau and junior
David Kessler (6-1, 170) will get work at the ends; Casto and
sophomore Matt Brewer (5-9, 200) should help at linebacker; and
Collins, Sigmon, Martin, senior David Bishop (5-9, 160) and junior
Isaac Eastwood (6-1, 160) will provide depth in the secondary.

Burdette, a 1979 St. Albans High graduate, said the Wildcats need to
improve on defense. The offense is no problem.

"Obvioulsy we're going to have the chance to be strong on offense
because of the nature of our offense,' Burdette said.