THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 25, 1994 TAG: 9408240122
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: N8 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: FOOTBALL SPECIAL '94
SOURCE: BY DENISE MICHAUX, COMPASS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines
If the Eastern District were decided on paper, you'd have to give the title to Norview right now.
Norview?!
OK, that might be a little extreme, but last season's cellar-dwellers are ready to give up doormat duty, and the Pilots may have found just the man to help them.
Will Robinson was the offensive coordinator at Bayside for five years before coming over to Norview for his first head coaching job. He knows what it's like to be in last place, and he also knows what it's like to win.
``When I got to Bayside, we were in the cellar,'' Robinson said. ``But a lot of hard work and positive attitude changed that.''
Bayside led the Beach District in offense for three years in a row under Robinson's direction and consistently put 1,000-yard passers on the field.
What Robinson, a former Bayside and Hampton University quarterback, brings to Norview is discipline and energy.
``I think maybe they needed a shot in the arm,'' the 30-year-old Robinson said. ``They needed a little energy. We are a pretty good team.
``All of the schools have good athletes. I don't know that much background on all of them, but on paper we have to be considered one of the most talented. This must be one of the biggest teams.''
The Pilots have 10 players who tip the scales at 190 pounds or more, and most of them are offensive linemen.
Leading the pack of heavyweights is all-district tackle Basley Carlisle, who checks in at 6-foot-3, 280 pounds, and is a top college prospect, with schools such as North Carolina showing interest.
Senior quarterback/running back/defensive back Wayne Bacon tops the QB list, and Robinson is expecting strong leadership on the line from three-year starter Dominique Edwards, who is also a member of the 200-pound club at 245.
Robinson hasn't ironed out all of the skill positions yet, but that is just a matter of time.
Having a rookie coach may be just the edge Norview needs to recover from last season's 0-4 district performance.
Robinson has no desire to look back and correct 1993's wrongs. He has a new job at a new school and, to him, new players. He is looking forward to a brand new regime.
``I think we can play with anybody on the schedule,'' Robinson said.
Keep in mind this is a schedule that opens with Indian River and includes Norcom and Churchland.
Naturally, a new season means changes on the field, but the most notable is the off-field discipline he has already instilled in his players.
``Everything we do, we do as a team,'' Robinson said.
And he means it.
``When we go to the water fountain, we line up and go as a team,'' he said. ``Every day, we work out doing the same skill work and drills before we do anything else. We are very disciplined.
``The kids are doing a great job. Their attitudes are great. I've really noticed a difference. There are a lot of people who didn't understand it, but work ethic and discipline are so important in creating that unity a team needs.''
Robinson said he is comfortable handing the reins to his coaching staff, which includes former Norview and William and Mary running back Alan Williams.
``I coach a lot more offensively,'' Robinson said. ``I've been able to let my assistant coaches handle a lot of things. This is as good a coaching staff as you'll find.
``This is what I have always wanted to do.
``I love kids, and I like watching young players develop. I feel very blessed to be able to do something that I love.
``I think this is going to be a great season.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON
New Norview coach Will Robinson, the offensive coordinator at
Bayside for the past five seasons, shows his wide receivers and
tight ends the way to success as the Pilots get ready for the
season.
Photos
Wayne Bacon
He's the Pilots' pilot
Dennis Peele
A candidate at running back
Dominique Edwards
He's a three-year starter
Basley Carlisle
He's an all-district tackle
by CNB