by Mike Nutter
CORRESPONDENT
Although Robert C. Byrd didn't have a 100-yard rusher in its season-opening 22-7 win over Nicholas County, it did show ample backfield depth.
Junior Pete Arbonaise led the Eagles with 70 yards on 12 carries in his first varsity start and gave Robert C. Byrd a 6-0 lead with his 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.
Sophomore Scott Ross, playing in his first varsity game, rushed 13 times for 64 yards, while junior fullback Max Williams added 45 yards on 11 rushes and a 2-yard TD run.
In all, Robert C. Byrd had nine different players carry the ball Ñ something coach Richard Iaquinta says may not change.
"I'll tell you, I thought everyone gave a good effort," he said. "We had a lot of kids who could run and we still have more. I'd like to say we have a set group that we can go with, but we don't have much experience back on offense.
"We're still in a learning process, and really, the ball game and the scenario will sort of dictate what group we will go with for now," Iaquinta said.
In Arbonaise and Ross, the Eagles have a pair of quick, darting backs able to break the long run at any time. Williams gives RCB the physical, bruising style often effective at the goal line. Senior quarterback Nick Thornhill also had a solid debut.
"I thought for his first game, Nick did a nice job," Iaquinta said. "He's got good speed, good hands and didn't really make a lot of mistakes.
"He did what we asked of him, but there are still a few things he needs to work on."
Iaquinta also plans on using junior David Harris and senior Jamie Nichols in the backfield. And, the coach is high on sophomore Andy Wilhelm, who he says could also see time at quarterback.
"Nobody has been complaining," Iaquinta said. "I told them that it's not who starts the game, but who finishes it.
"The main thing is everyone contributed and we're 1-0. That's a lot different than being 0-1 from a mental standpoint," Iaquinta added. "We need those kids to give that type of effort every week. Next week is a different club, so it'll be a different story."
Robert C. Byrd plays tonight at Lincoln.