by Jesse Skiles
CORRESPONDENT
(August 29) TENNERTON -- Kennedy Award winner Chris Yura picked up where his 1997 regular season left off Friday night, scoring five touchdowns in Morgantown's 41-0 victory over Buckhannon-Upshur.
Yura played just over two quarters, rushing for 117 yards on 18 carries.
He also had a 36-yard touchdown run called back because of holding.
Morgantown quarterback Christian Montagliani delivered the game's initial blow, running 61 yards for a touchdown on the game's first play.
The Buccaneers' defense bit on a fake and the junior signal caller rolled around left end to a wide-open sideline.
From there it was all Yura and the veteran Mohigan line. He scored on runs of 34, 4, 1 and 14 as Morgantown breezed to a 35-0 halftime lead.
He added a 1-yard plunge early in the third quarter.
"We really controlled the line of scrimmage all night, and when you have a back like Chris, good things will happen," Morgantown coach Glen McNew said.
Kicker Alex Lake converted five of six extra points, missing only on a fumbled exchange.
Montagliani was also effective through the air, completing 4-of-5 passes for 122 yards. Wideout Rodney Rodamer caught two passes for 91 yards.
Defensively, the Mohigans were just as tough, holding Buckhannon-Upshur to 110 yards total offense. The performance included four interceptions and two sacks.
Morgantown coach Glen McNew was pleased with the balanced attack.
"Montagliani was solid," he said.
"He has a strong arm, and though we didn't throw much, he hit some big passes."
Yura showed no signs of an injured hip that has plagued him, exhibiting his usual slashing running style.
"I guess it was just the adrenaline," Yura said. "I'll probably be sore tomorrow."
Only three players in state history have won the Kennedy Award twice -- Danny Williams (Dupont, 1972-73), Robert Alexander (South Charleston 1975-76) and Mark Cisar (Magnolia 1992-93). For Yura, Friday night's performance was a successful step toward becoming number four.