THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408310644
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: R16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 86 lines
Why would a coach who lost all of his offensive skill people be excited about his chances for success?
Coach Ken Barto at Tallwood thinks he has plenty of reasons.
For one, the Lions are no longer the ``new kids on the block.''
``This is our third year of experience,'' Barto said. ``We've got kids who have been with us from the start. We're looking to move up to a winning program.''
After a winless inaugural season, Tallwood defeated Kellam and Granby last year for the school's first two victories. And the Lions lost three games - 21-20 to Princess Anne, 15-14 to Salem and 13-10 to Bayside - by a field goal or less.
``We were 2-8 and should have been 4-6 or 5-5,'' Barto said. ``We did lose a lot of skill people, but there's good news. For every one we lost, we got three more.
``We've finally got some depth at Tallwood.''
Another reason to feel good about things. But wait, there's more.
While Tallwood lost many of its offensive starters, it retained nine of 11 on defense.
``Our defense should be much better,'' Barto said.
For this season to be a success, that will be a must. The Lions gave up an average of 22.4 points and 285.1 total yards per game last year.
Helping the cause will be some decent size. Barto said his line will average around 240 pounds.
``And they aren't slow,'' he said with a smile.
Linebackers could be a strength, with John Vann (6-foot, 210 pounds) and John Joseph (6-2, 210) showing good size and speed. Francis delCarmen (5-10, 165) and Alvin Wilson (5-10, 185) will join them.
Providing bulk on the defensive lineare guard William Reid (6-2, 264) and tackles Andre Douglas (6-4, 240), Ken Myers (5-10, 235), Amos Rawls (6-4, 265) and Mike Mooney (6-1, 250).
While the offense looks to suffer from the loss of quarterback Damon McNair and running backs Clay Perry and Duane Rome, there are several possible bright spots.
Gilbert Harris is the likely fill-in for McNair. The 6-2, 180-pound sophomore enjoyed some success on the junior varsity level last year.
``He's very quick and has a good arm,'' Barto said. ``I've been around a long time, and he's one of the best sophomores I've ever seen.''
Vann will play some fullback and will be joined in the backfield by Wilson and his brother, Calvin Wilson (6-2, 180), who doubles as a safety on defense. Donald Brock (5-10, 168) also will see time at running back.
Joseph will see double duty, joining the offense as a tight end.
Senior wide receiver/safety Derrick Evans (5-10, 160) will rejoin the team after a year of ineligibility.
``He started for us as a 10th-grader and looked good,'' Barto said. ``He's made a great comeback and really looks great. Seeing a kid work hard and come back like that is what coaching is all about. He's going to help us.''
Tallwood lost its kicker but will undoubtedly improve in that department with the arrival of select soccer player Danny McVey.
McVey, one of the top soccer players in the state, has a very big foot. After only a few weeks working with a football, he already has booted a 58-yard field goal.
``He's kicking the daylight out of the ball,'' Barto said. ``He's starting to get kicking a football down, so I think he's going to be one of the best in the area. Most of your best ones are soccer players.''
Barto also said he has been impressed by the Lions' overall team speed, especially that of the skill people.
``And we're very strong,'' Barto said. ``And the coaching staff has come together very well, despite losing Jeff (Ballance to Green Run) and George (Versprille to cross country).
``I think we'll get over the hump this year, and if we do, don't be surprised.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by D. Kevin Elliott
Tackle Ken Myers leads a group of Tallwood players through the crab
drill during preseason practice.
Linebacker John Joseph, left, and tackles Andre Douglas and Ken
Myers are stalwarts on the Lions' defense, which hopes to improve
upon last year's per-game averages of 22.4 points and 285.1 yards
given up.
by CNB