Publication: THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE
Published: 09/17/1999
Page: P5B
Headline: GW GROUNDS AIR ATTACKS
Byline: RICK RYAN

Bouncing back

Nitro's debut as defending state champion didn't go too well, as the
Wildcats managed just 122 yards with four turnovers and seven
penalties in their 20-7 loss to GW on Aug. 26.

But, since then, Nitro has bounced back nicely, outscoring Hurricane
34-28 and whipping South Charleston 42-6.

"If there's any bright spot about losing, it's that it got the kids'
attention,' said coach Robert "Little' Burdette. "They handled it
real well. Practices got better and they just played hard. Obviously,
we changed our approach on offense, and that's helped some.'

In the opener, Nitro tried to use the same no-huddle, wide-open
passing game that J.R. House made famous but completed only 3-of-24
attempts. Since then, the Wildcats have thrown just 17 passes in two
games, while running 87 times.

Nitro, which visits St. Albans tonight, has rebounded into a tie for
12th in the SSAC playoff ratings.

"Losing the first one's better than losing the last one,' Burdette
said.