Local Wahoos Look to Make a Difference

CHARLOTTESVILLE (WSLS 10 SPORTS) -

They were once household names on Friday nights in our area and now they're looking to do the same on Saturday evenings with the UVA Cavaliers.

Warren Craft and Nicholas Conte are two Roanoke natives that are now part of the Wahoo nation. Craft is a product of William Fleming where he excelled on the basketball court under coach Mickey Hardy. As a senior he averaged nearly 16 points, 6 boards and shot 49 percent from the field. But when it came time for college, he chose football which he didn't play for the first time until 2013.

"It is a blessing this transition in basketball football and I'm just letting you know that I'm capable of playing football and I love it", said Craft.

The six-foot two Craft red-shirted his freshman year but expects to get playing time this season, as the Cavaliers look to fill a void at wide receiver depth. Meanwhile in an often overlooked position, the punter is former Patrick Henry Patriot Nicholas Conte. He's worked his way up the depth chart the past 4 seasons. He didn't appear in a single game his first three season for the Cavs but played in all twelve last year. Conte finished 2015 as the ACC's top punter in the regular season with an average of 44.7 yards per punt.

"I get out here I'm not really thinking about myself I think about the team and how I can help them out the best way you know your position so if I can flip the field or make sure there's no return it really helps our defense out helps our offense out and takes pressure off other guys", said Conte.

Although they went to rival schools they both say it's all about coming together in the Wahoo nation.

"We joke around and talk about the old days a little bit but we look forward to building a relationship going forward", said Conte.


About the Author:

Eric is no stranger to the Roanoke Valley. He is a Roanoke native and proud graduate of William Fleming High School.