Sept 26, 2002 Online Since 1996 Vol 77 No. 9
Mountaineers go head-to-head with Bulldogs, begin SoCon play Josh Dernosek
Sports Beat

Josh Brown | Chief Photographer
Quarterback Joe Burchette (16) hands off to junior runningback Sean Jackson (24). Jackson recently rushed for a career-high of 151 yards during last weekend’s victory over Liberty.
    A Southern Conference opponent finally makes the trip to Boone Saturday as The Citadel marches to Appalachian State from Charleston, S.C. They seek a taste of what the No. 5 Mountaineers have to offer.
   Appalachian (2-1) comes off of a tough victory over Liberty University last Saturday in Virginia while the Bulldogs (1-2) are coming to Boone after losing to a visiting Western Carolina team last weekend.
   After last year’s 8-6 victory in South Carolina, head coach Jerry Moore is anticipating the Bulldogs will show up ready to play this weekend.
Mountaineers adapt to life without senior quarterback Joe Burchette Jennifer Brannock
    Staff Writer
   "They gave us a run for our money last year down there, they are the most improved team in the league,” said Moore. “This is the second year for that staff and they know a little bit more of what to expect.”
    The Citadel will look to a strong offense to overcome the Mountaineers well-balanced attack.
    Quarterback Jeff Klein enters Saturday’s game averaging more than 200 yards passing per game thus far this season. Klein, a transfer from Auburn University, has been providing the much needed offense for this improving Citadel squad.
    “Klein has been in a lot of big ball games, and adds a lot of experience and leadership to this offense,” said Moore.
    Another Bulldog to watch is wide receiver Scooter Johnson.
    Johnson has already acquired two games with more than 100 yards receiving in the three games The Citadel has played this season. He received for 116 yards in the victory over Delaware and racked up another 142 in the close loss to Western.
    If he can get these types of numbers against Appalachian’s secondary, the Mountaineers will be in for a closer game than if they can contain him.
    Moore said he believes in his team and holds confidence his defense will do a better job than in weeks past.
    “He is certainly a good receiver,” said Moore. “We are just going to have to do a better job covering than we did [against Liberty].”
    Solidifying the offense for the Bulldogs is back-up tailback Nehemiah Broughton. Broughton, a sophomore, saw time last week after senior tailback Nate Mahoney went down early with a dislocated right elbow.
    Broughton seized the moment and ran for 121 yards on 14 carries, possibly giving The Citadel a weapon they did not even know they had.
    “Broughton is a terrific back,” said Moore. “He very well may be better than Nate Mahoney, giving [The Citadel] a little more running power.”
    Through it all, Moore looks to play a hard game against conference foe The Citadel and said he knows they will not fall easily.
    With Joe Burchette back under center, and Moore on the way to become the winningest coach in conference history, look for the Mountaineers to win an exciting game on Saturday.
    The action begins Saturday at 2 p.m. in Kidd Brewer Stadium.
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