Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310008
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 20 EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY
SOURCE: CHRIS KING STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SHAWSVILLE LENGTH: Medium
``I firmly believe they can play with anybody in our district,'' said second-year coach Darrell Sutherland. ``I believe that they have potential, but they have to believe that they can win.''
Sutherland's players preached much the same message.
``I would love to see a district title,'' said Anthony Creasey, a 6-foot-1 junior. ``We just have to believe in it.''
The reason for the optimism in the Shawnees camp is an improved attitude.
``This year, everybody is willing to work together,'' Creasey said. ``We want to win. Last year when we were down, we just went through the motions. The whole team wants it [this year].''
In addition to improving their attitudes, the Shawnees also will have to improve their play on the field. On the offensive side of the ball, the continued development of quarterback Chris Graham will be a key to any success Shawsville may attain.
The Shawnees will feature a one-back set this year that will spread the field. The offense will not be a run-and-shoot, but Shawsville will put the ball in the air, meaning Graham must improve on reading defenses and making good decisions. The junior threw for nearly 1,000 yards last year and completed 56 percent of his passes in the final three games. But he was prone to throwing interceptions.
``He has matured quite a bit [since last year],'' Sutherland said. ``He is much more confident, and consistent, reading defenses.''
While Graham's performance will be crucial, he can't do it alone, and questions abound. Paul Sink, who sat out last season with a wrist injury, will play running back most of the time. Sink will rely in large part on guile to get the ball upfield. Creasey is also expected to see some action in the backfield.
If the passing game is to be as successful as Sutherland hopes, Cory Dow will have to be replaced. Dow was first team all-district and region last year and second team all-state. The void left by Dow is likely to be filled by committee. Brad Dalton, Jet Marrs, Steven Lawson and Jason Smith are the players most likely to see the pigskin flying their way.
If the Shawnees are going to have any success moving the ball, they will have to start with an offensive line that returns only two full-time starters. Creasey was last year's starting center and will spend the majority of his time at that spot this season. Givins Ryan started last season at offensive tackle and will compete for time again this season.
The key to the line's development could be the play of Josh Boone (5-11, 160), Ben Jones (6-1, 245), Matt Mills (5-7, 190) and Josh Basham (5-8, 185). The quartet lacks experience, but adds much-needed size to the Shawnee line.
``If we are going to move the ball effectively, through the air or on the ground, we have to win in the trenches first,'' Sutherland said. ``We believe those guys will hold the line.''
On the defensive side of the ball, Shawsville will employ a 3-4 defense. The defense will be one that reads and reacts, then concentrates its attention on pursuit. Regardless of the scheme employed, improved tackling is a must if Shawsville is to improve on last year's record.
``Last year we were not a strong tackling team,'' Sutherland said. ``We will be a much better tackling team this year, I can already see that. I really feel like we will have a pretty solid defense if we can keep everybody healthy.''
In the 3-4 set, the performance of the defensive line will be vital, if the linebackers are going to be able to pursue the ball the way Sutherland wants. Jones and Ryan will anchor the line from their defensive tackle positions.
Playing the inside linebacker slots will be Creasey and Sink; Doug McBride and Lawson will play outside. The Shawnees' secondary feature Jason Smith and Marrs at the corners and Graham at free safety. The strong safety position is up for grabs.
The kicking game will be handled by Mark Akers.
SHAWSVILLE
1994 record: 0-4 (Three Rivers District), 1-9
Coach: Darrell Sutherland, second year
Returning starters: Mark Akers, sr., pk, 5-11,160; Anthony Creasey, jr., c, fb, Ilb, 6-1, 230; Brad Dalton, sr.,wr, de, 5-11, 190; Chris Graham, jr., qb, fs, 6-2, 180; Steven Lawson, sr., wr, de, 6-0, 175; Jet Marrs, sr., db, 5-8, 150; Freeman Nester, so., og, 5-4, 150; Givins Ryan, sr., ot, dt, 6-6, 180.
Other key players: Josh Boone, jr., de, ot, 5-11, 160; Doug McBride, jr., de, wr, 5-10, 165; Ben Jones, so., og, dt, 6-1, 245; Matt Mills, so., og, nt, 5-7, 190; Paul Sink, jr., fb, lb, 5-9, 165; Jason Smith, sr., wr, db, 5-10, 130; Josh Basham, so., og, lb, 5-8, 185.
SCHEDULE
Sept. 2, Roanoke Catholic [at Victory Stadium]; 15, Craig County; 22, at Bland County; 29, Floyd County
Oct. 6, at Narrows; 13, Auburn; 20, at Radford; 27, James River
Nov. 3, at Glenvar; 10, Giles
by CNB