THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 14, 1994 TAG: 9408120247
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL practice will be in full swing Monday when Southeastern District defending champion Norcom, Churchland and Western Branch commence drills.
Wilson began Aug. 8.
The Presidents' first start is on the road against Granby Saturday, Sept. 3, at Chittum Field.
Portsmouth schools open Wednesday, Sept. 7.
Norcom, the 1993 Group AAA Division 5 state champion, and Churchland will face each other in their opener at Churchland Friday, Sept. 9. Western Branch opens away against Granby the same night.
Wilson drew 45 for its first workout. ``We were hoping to have 60,'' said head coach Jenson Baker. ``But we had some on vacation and some finishing up summer jobs.''
Baker also expects to have about 25 junior varsity candidates.
The Presidents have added one newcomer to the coaching staff - Steve Cassell, a former coach in New Jersey.
For the third straight year, Norcom is looking for the largest turnout. About 70 are expected.
Including junior varsity candidates reporting next week, Norcom will have about 100 out for football.
This year, the Greyhounds will go away for a week's conditioning at a camp. Head coach Joe Langston anticipates about 60 will make the trip.
Churchland coach Ken Taylor expects about 45 candidates. P.J. Honore has joined the Truckers' staff and will work with defensive backs and split ends.
The hitting already has begun at Wilson with the players allowed to put on shoulder pads.
The teams starting tomorrow are limited to shoes and helmets for the first three practices.
Twenty days are the maximum number of practice days. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by D. KEVIN ELLIOTT
Joe Langston's Norcom team will defend its state title.
Staff photos by MARK MITCHELL
ABOVE: Joe Ladisic, an assistant coach at Wilson High School, helps
Steven White with leg conditioning drills.
LEFT: Head coach Jenson Baker evaluates his players going through
agility exercises.
Aaron Goodman works on strengthening his neck.
by CNB