THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408250186
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: I10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
It's been a steady climb to the top for Indian River.
The Braves have improved their record in each of the past five seasons, capped by a 11-2 mark and Division 6 state semifinal berth in 1993.
But if Indian River is to keep that streak alive, it is going to have to do it the hard way - by reloading in the face of massive graduation losses.
No team said farewell to more seniors than Indian River, which returns just three starters plus its kicker on offense and three on defense.
But shed no tears for Braves' coach Bob Parker. He may wind up presiding over one of the best rebuilding years in Southeastern District history.
``We're actually better in some ways,'' Parker said. ``We just don't have last year's experience.''
Nor will they have the talents of All-Tidewater stars Shawn Foreman, Chris Coleman and franchise quarterback/safety Tony Morrison, who threw for more than 1,500 yards last year.
Now, Parker will turn the reins over to James Boyd, a move which fulfills the prophecy of many who have been predicting high school greatness from him since his spectacular middle school days.
The sophomore showed flashes of brilliance on offense last season, and was a solid linebacker. But Parker cautions against any premature comparisons between Boyd and Virginia Tech-bound Morrison.
``I hope people don't do that, but I guess some of it is inevitable,'' Parker said. ``I just hope the average person realizes that James is a first-year starter (at quarterback) and a 10th grader, and that Tony was a four-year player. . . . I hope people take that into consideration.''
Parker will try to ease Boyd's transition by going to a more run-oriented attack, which will feature the quarterback and senior Shawndell Joyner, who ran for nearly 1,000 yards a year ago. Others who'll carry the ball include shifty Sam Hardy, junior Anthony Cason, Lance Bishop and Antwan Jenkins.
They'll be working behind an offensive line as big as any in the area.
``Actually, it's a bit too big now,'' Parker said. ``We're not in shape yet.''
Sean ``Thado'' Green, an all-region defensive lineman who is up 25 pounds from a year ago to 275, heads the offensive front.
When Boyd does throw the ball, he'd be wise to look for returner Jeremy Bridges, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound tight end and a definite Division I prospect, according to Parker.
The wildcard in the Braves' attack is Quintae McClain, who played two years ago but was ineligible last season. The 6-3, 215-pound senior has been dominant in early workouts, and will be used in a variety of ways (fullback, tight end, linebacker) on both sides of the ball.
``We're talking about a grown man, mentally and physically,'' Parker said. ``He's like a man among boys.''
While the offense has good potential, Parker is actually more optimistic about his defense, which has been ahead of the offense in early workouts. The Braves shut down Bethel in a recent scrimmage.
Green and 250-pounders Cory Twine - the strongest player on the team, Parker said - and Mike Tolliver will anchor the line. McClain heads a capable linebacking crew, with Boyd taking over Morrison's role as the roving, big-hitting safety.
``James is a hitter, too,'' Parker said. ``And he's a little faster than Tony.''
Cason also returns to a safety spot.
The Braves' emphasis on running should also help a young defense stay off the field. That was the only negative in Indian River's quick-strike attack last season.
Although there will be some pressure on this team to live up to the standards of its Eastern Region champion predecessor, Parker plans to focus on one of the few goals last year's team didn't attain - winning a Southeastern District title. In fact, no Indian River team has ever won one.
The schedule works to the Braves' advantage in this regard. Indian River doesn't play a league game until the fourth week of the season, which should give the new units time to jell for the murderous conference slate. ILLUSTRATION: FILE
James Boyd, who showed flashes of brilliance last year, will have
the difficult task of filling Tony Morrison's shoes. But coach Bob
Parker cautions against comparisons between Boyd and Morrison, who
is now at Virginia Tech./
Photos
Shawndell Joyner
RB could take pressure off QB Boyd
Sean ``Thado'' Green
275-pounder heads up line
Head coach Bob Parker
Chart
AT A GLANCE
Includes:
1994 Schedule
Team data
1993 Results
Year by year
For copy of chart, see microfilm
by CNB