When Lenoir-Rhyne's Bears won a national championship in 1960, their balanced rushing attack led the way in the run to a National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) title.
Last season, when the Bears placed the same emphasis on rushing, freshman tailback James Pone ran for 644 yards and two touchdowns.
Pone ended up sharing the team's most valuable player award with fellow freshman Andrew Courman, who gained 545 yards and scored five touchdowns, and L-R went 2-9.
This season, the stable of L-R tailbacks extends far beyond Pone.
"I don't see our position as a star position," said Pone, a 5-foot-8, 190-pound sophomore from Wilson. "We have enough talent to win no matter who is in the game at tailback."
The Bears go for their first win of the season on Saturday night at 7 p.m., entertaining West Virginia Tech.
When he took the field in his first game against Virginia Union as a freshman, Pone's small frame probably didn't strike much fear in the Panthers' eyes. But once he burned them for 123 yards and a TD, he became the Bears' back of the future.
Pone starts this season knowing he won't get as many carries in new offensive coordinator Tommy Laurendine's option offense. But he is content with losing a few in favor of more wins and less strenuous work.
"Now I won't have to block 6-5, 250-pound defensive ends by myself as much," Pone said.
Pone said the beating he and Courman took as the season
progressed in 2007 played a role in the Bears' downfall after a midseason win streak.
"The (new scheme) is better, because we can rest more, and have fresh players out on the field every snap," Pone said.
Laurendine said Pone's role will change but he will still be a big part of the offense.
"We have more depth this year as his position and we will use it," Laurendine said.
Byron Darby, Courman, Jasper Thomas and VMI transfer Joey Robinson are expected to share the load with Pone in the backfield.
But Pone, always in a team-first mindset, is excited to see his teammates on the field. He expects good things.
"It's Coach Laurendine's offense and we want to put up numbers early," Pone said.
Last season, the Bears were last in the South Atlantic Conference in scoring. But Pone thinks a dramatic turnaround could happen between the bricks at Moretz Stadium.
"I want us to score 30, 40 points a game early, just because we're good enough to do it," Pone said.
If Pone's words are any precursor to what the Bears will be this season, expect a rejuvenated L-R team to work hard at bringing back some glory for the school's football program.
"We have the people to do it," Pone said. "And we have a lot of confidence in ourselves."
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