Virginia Military Institute moved to 3-0 Saturday with a comprehensive victory over a fairly strong Radford team in Cardinals Conference play.

 

With the 55-21 victory, VMI keeps pace, almost, with the high-flying James Madison team, which won114-0 over Williams & Mary. JMU remains in 1st thanks to one extra bonus point than VMI. Right behind is Old Dominion, who had a bye and are 2-0.

 

ODU and JMU meet next week. VMI doesn’t meet either team until October 18.

 

For VMI this is heady heights at the top of the conference, and Head Coach Wayne Howe said the players are just doing what they’re supposed to do. He does add, though, that the addition of former Eagle forward Tony Flay as an assistant coach has done wonders.

 

VMI is led in the backs by sophomore flyhalf Eric Maudhuit, who has had an excellent season so far.

 

“His kicking from the hand has been sensational,” enthused Howe. “He has been a large reason why we’ve have been able to turn teams around and pin them inside their quarter. His passing has been superb as he creates space for players outside.”

 

Up front VMI has a not-so-secret weapon in the massive Evan Thompson. The 6-6, 250-pound lock has the mobility of a flanker and has been hugely influential with the ball in hand. With Mike Young and John Fox an excellent supporting cast at flanker, the Cadets are strong around the fringes and in the rucks.

 

For VMI, the start has been a good one, but they do have big obstacles awaiting them later in the season. But they are also taking the long view. Maudhuit, Thompson, Young, and Fox are all underclassmen, and Howe said the future is bright.