THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 15, 1994 TAG: 9410150367
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY CHARLIE DENN, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 64 lines
A year ago, the offensive line was one of the key strengths of the William and Mary football team.
With four fifth-year seniors starting or playing a lot, the line was a stable group that opened huge holes for the running backs and gave quarterback Shawn Knight time for a snack before he passed.
But this is 1994, and the newcomers on the W&M line are still developing. Heading into today's 1 p.m. date with Massachusetts at Zable Stadium, the seventh-ranked Tribe's unit might be due for a gut check.
``The last two weeks have actually been a step back for us,'' said sophomore tackle John Teza. ``In the Northeastern game (a 17-12 Tribe victory), we were just plain outmuscled. I was very disappointed in the way we performed that game. We didn't dominate like we should have.''
With virtually an all-new starting unit, it's natural to expect that it would take some time to mesh. And the transformation has been spotty. The Tribe offense has produced only 20 points in the last two weeks.
``What's frustrating is that we're stronger and bigger than the guys we had last year,'' Teza said. ``We're still in the developing stage, though. But it's time to start executing as a unit. It's just a matter of pride right now.''
The Tribe (5-1, 3-0 Yankee Conference) could use a solid performance from the offensive line to help quarterback Matt Byrne settle in. Byrne apparently will be the starter for the second straight week while Knight recovers from a sprained ankle.
Massachusetts (3-2, 2-1) has a challenging defense that likes to put pressure on the quarterback. Last year the Tribe won, 45-28, but that was with Knight.
Last week, in his first start, Byrne completed 12 of 22 passes for 251 yards and two touchdowns. But the Tribe offense was ineffective after two first-period scores.
A solid performance from the line could help W&M dominate.
In other games involving state I-AA teams today, James Madison hosts Villanova, Richmond entertains Delaware, VMI is at Tennessee-Chattanooga and Liberty plays at Southwest Missouri State.
James Madison (4-1, 2-1 Yankee) is fresh off a big victory at Delaware and back home for the next two weeks. The return of two starters, linebackers Billy Johnson and Brian Smith, helped the Dukes' defense limit Delaware to 287 yards.
Sophomore running back Kelvin Jeter has also been a pleasant surprise for the 17th-ranked Dukes, amassing 161 yards rushing in the last two games.
Fans of Richmond (3-3, 1-3 Yankee) aren't sure whether they will see Joe Elrod or Jason Gabrels at quarterback against Delaware (1-3, 2-3). But one guy certain to start is running back Uly Scott, who is just 143 yards shy of Barry Redden's career record of 3,324 yards.
VMI (0-5, 0-3 Southern) plays an opponent more in its own league in Tennessee-Chattanooga. The Moccasins are 0-2, 1-4) and have been outscored, 118-41, in their last two games. VMI has lost its last three by a combined score of 143-14.
Liberty brings a four-game losing streak into its game with Southwest Missouri State. But the Flames (1-4) still have dangerous quarterback Antwan Chiles, who has thrown for 1,359 yards thus far. by CNB