THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 25, 1994 TAG: 9408240144
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: N6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: FOOTBALL SPECIAL '94
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
Maury rushed for more yards than any other South Hampton Roads team last year. But judging from the plans for 1994, it appears the Commodores' dedication to the ground game was just a passing fancy.
The running backs who did so much damage during Maury's 8-3 playoff season a year ago have graduated.
What's left is an experienced and improved quarterback and a host of quality receivers, enough to make even a Wing-T lover like Maury coach Bobby Pannenbacker see the writing on the wall.
``I think you'll probably see a little `Air Maury' this year,'' Pannenbacker said.
That puts the spotlight on senior quarterback Todd Davidson, who according to Pannenbacker has improved quickness from playing for the Commodores' basketball team and improved arm strength after going 7-1 as a pitcher for Maury's baseball team.
Davidson didn't throw much last year, but he didn't have to. With running backs Terrence Caine, Ryan Pigford and the amazing Charles ``Boom-Boom'' Jackson in tow, the Commodores were good for more than 245 yards a game on the ground.
Jackson took care of most of those yards. Pannenbacker said he ``doesn't like to rely on one player to carry the mail,'' but in 1993, Jackson didn't just carry it, he stuffed it, sorted it, stamped it and delivered it. The remarkable Jackson ran for more than 1,500 yards, scored 23 touchdowns and displayed an uncanny knack for coming up big on offense and defense whenever games were in doubt.
He was a two-way All-Tidewater selection and the area's player of the year.
But that was last year. The offense, and to a large extent Maury's Eastern District title hopes, now rest with Davidson's wing - and his prayer. Nicknamed ``The Deacon,'' Davidson leads the team in prayer after each game.
``We're hoping that Todd can ease the burden on the others the way `Boom-Boom' eased it on him,'' Pannenbacker said.
Davidson's primary targets figure to be returning tight end Josh Bradley and athletic newcomers David Choiniere, Breon Bowser (6-foot-4, 190 pounds) and Jeremiah Bell (``great speed,'' Pannenbacker said.).
Of course, Maury's not going to abandon its running game. It's just going to take time to figure out how effective it's going to be. The Commodores' running attack will be manned by a group of talented but unproven athletes, led by Mario White, William Black and Charlie Brown.
Eleven other players are vying for playing time out of the backfield, Pannenbacker said.
They'll be running behind an experienced line headed by Jeff Smallwood, Josh Parker, Patrick Mann and Reggie Wyatt.
Smallwood also will anchor a veteran defensive line, along with 285-pound nose guard Sam Miles, Michael Ebong and Chris Stahl.
There's also experience at linebacker, where Bradley and wrestling star Orlando Morton return, along with Black and first-year player James Bryant.
But as is the case with Maury's running backs, there's inexperience throughout the secondary. Bell, Marvin Taylor and Reggie Keaton will be learning on the job.
Michael Glover returns to handle the kicking, while Davidson is back to punt.
``We've got some new guys in places, but we've also got enough talent to do some damage,'' Pannenbacker said. ``Like everyone else, our goal is to go 10-0. You shoot for the moon, then take what happens.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
Maury coach Bobby Pannenbacker, left, cheers on quarterback Todd
Davidson during the Commodores' scrimmage with Deep Creek last
week.
Photos
Josh Bradley
Tight end target
Mario White
Talented running back
Jeff Smallwood
Experienced lineman
by CNB