THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250343
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V32 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: BRIAN FRENCH
LENGTH: 43 lines
ATLANTIC SHORES
COACH: Scott Williams (1st year)
STAFF MEMBERS: Bobby Rast, Bill Hedges, Bill Grimm, Clay Robertson, Phil Towe, Lynn McDermott
WHERE THEY PLAY: Atlantic Shores field, 1217 North Centerville Turnpike in Chesapeake
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 7-5 overall (independent)
RETURNING STARTERS: Bryan Driskill, Sr., QB, 6-0, 180; Sean Roddy, Sr., SE/SS, 5-9, 165; Eric Neff, Sr. WR, 5-11, 175; Matt Lucas, Sr., TE/DE, 5-11, 175; Brian Trotman, Jr., LB/TE, 6-3, 240; Chuck Wilson, Sr. FB/LB, 5-10, 185; Chris Connor, Jr., OT/DT, 6-5, 250.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Joey Harrell, Jr. RB/FS, 6-0, 175; William DeLoatch, Sr. C/DT, 6-2, 260.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Quarterback Driskill returns to lead a Seahawks offense which loses D.J. Jordan from the running game. Williams is high on Greenbrier Christian transfer Harrell, and says the Seahawks backfield is ``as good as any in the state'' for private schools. Driskill is the only returning starter at a skill position. The offensive line has good size but is inexperienced.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The line gets another shot of size with the transfer of DeLoatch from Booker T. Washington. DeLoatch is expected to solidify the Seahawks' strength up the middle, which includes the linebackers and Roddy. Two sophomores will be on the corners, so Roddy and Harrell are expected to anchor the pass defense. Williams expects Lucas to be among team leaders in tackles
COACH'S QUOTE: ``If we had last year's schedule, we might have a shot at going 10-0. Even if we were to go 6-4 this season, we would be the best 6-4 team in the state. If we can get in the playoffs, we have a shot at making some noise.''
IT'S A FACT: The Seahawks will play games in four different states this season (Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland and North Carolina). Bethleham Catholic of Pennsylvania, which Atlantic Shores plays Aug. 31, was ranked ninth in the country two years ago.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB