Furrh

SLIPPERY ROCK — In what has largely been a forgettable season for the Slippery Rock High football team, there has been one player who has turned in several memorable performances.

As the Rockets struggled to an 0-8 record, junior wide receiver Sam Furrh made his unusual name a household one after catching 18 passes for 451 yards and four touchdowns.

"Sam's made some really big plays for us this season," said first-year Slippery Rock coach Brendan Hathaway. "He has great speed. When we saw that, we knew we had to throw it to him."

The 5-foot-10, 150-pound junior isn't the biggest of targets, but he's certainly one of the fastest.

That has allowed him to stretch defenses and beat defensive backs down field.

Three of his receiving touchdowns have covered 40, 60 and 80 yards. He also has an 85-yard kickoff return for a score.

Furrh and sophomore quarterback Ryan Currie have formed a dangerous connection that opponents must respect.

Grove City coach Jeff Bell said before the Eagles' game against the Rockets that his team had to contain Furrh.

That proved easier said than done for one of the best defenses in the state,

Furrh caught five passes for 97 yards and a 15-yard TD reception. He also had an 8-yard scoring run.

The fact that the team is winless hasn't diminished his accomplishments, Furrh said.

"No, not really. We're trying our hardest every game," Furrh said. "It's not just one person. We're playing as a team. Everyone is giving the effort."

Still, this could be quite a dubious season for the program.

Since Slippery Rock first fielded a team in 1966, the Rockets have never finished their schedule without a victory.

The Rockets have two more chances — Saturday against Oil City and Nov. 5 against Greenville on senior night — to get in the win column.

"It's really important for us to win one of those," Furrh said.

Despite the losses, Furrh said the team hasn't given up on Hathaway.

In fact, the team is even more solidly in the coach's corner than when the season began.

"He's helped us out a lot. He's a good coach," Furrh said. "He's never given up on us and we're never going to give up on him."