By Staff
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
MURFREESBORO — Brad Roach’s first pass of the 2007 season went for a touchdown.
The starting quarterback for the Catawba Indians couldn’t have asked for a much better start. The 39-yard scoring strike to Antwan Strong in the first quarter gave the Indians a 14-7 lead. Catawba never looked back on its way to a 55-7 win over the Chowan Hawks at Garrison Stadium on a sweltering Saturday afternoon.
Roach, a 6-6, 245-pound senior quarterback, played the role of back-up quarterback for much of the game. With the Indians (1-0) leading 42-7 over the Hawks (0-1) at the half, Roach wore a headset the whole second half as he didn’t even step on the field.
The former Williamston High School standout was efficient while he was in the game. Roach finished 9-of-13 for 146 yards and the touchdown. He added eight yards rushing on two carries.
Of course, Roach did like the way he started with the TD toss on his first throw.
Chowan defensive end Greg Palmer was hoping to get his hands on Roach during the game. Unfortunately, knee problems only allowed the 6-3, 240-pounder to get in on a couple plays.
Palmer said he’ll get in the training room with hopes of being ready to play a more pivotal role Saturday at Newberry College.
Palmer, a former standout at Northside High School, was happy to see his former high school coach, Bing Mitchell, at the game.
Williamston High School athletic director Herbie Rogers, who was on the football staff when Roach played for the Tigers, was on hand to see Roach in action.
A scout from the New York Giants was also at the game to watch Roach play. Knowing Roach’s day was done early, the scout left before halftime.
Roach is hoping he’ll get a chance to play a bit more Saturday when the Indians play at Elizabeth City.