THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, September 7, 1994 TAG: 9409070601
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 84 lines
Fullback Deon Dyer heard his number called 17 times in the second half of Deep Creek's 13-12 victory over Booker T. Washington last Friday. He turned those chances into 125 yards.
The reason for the large number of carries is twofold: Dyer is expected to be the Hornets' backfield workhorse, and the Bookers decided to limit Deep Creek's perimeter running game.
``(Booker T. Washington) took some things away from us, and it took us a while to figure out what they were doing,'' Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter said. ``But they also gave some things to us, and once we figured it out, we ran basically the same stuff the entire second half.''
That being Dyer either up the middle or off-tackle. Dyer finished with 25 attempts for 165 yards. Both were area highs for the week.
Carter noted that a big fumble by Dyer that led to the Bookers' first touchdown served as incentive for the 6-foot, 235-pound junior.
``I think he was a little steamed about that at halftime,'' Carter said. ``Deon's the type of guy, you get him a little angry, he plays better.
``And he's kind of like Earl Campbell. He gets better the more times he carries the ball.''
BIG CROWD COMING: The Churchland-Norcom game this Friday at Churchland High offers such crowd appeal - up-and-coming challenger vs. defending state champion - that Churchland athletic director Bill Strickland has announced a pregame ticket-sales plan.
Students can purchase tickets 30 minutes before school, during lunch periods and 30 minutes after school on Thursday and Friday at Churchland. Remaining tickets will go on sale at 6:30 p.m., an hour before kickoff.
Churchland High seats about 3,500 for football. Strickland said a standing-room-only crowd of 4,500 is likely.
``It will probably be the biggest crowd we've ever had,'' Strickland said. ``If people want to get in, they better get there early because when the police tell us to stop letting people in, we'll close the gate.''
A NEW HOME: After several practice sessions preparing for his final season at Kellam, Don Lauzon decided family was better.
Lauzon, arguably the Knights' top returner at running back and linebacker, used his senior option to play with younger brother Jermaine and the Ocean Lakes Dolphins. A second brother, Jerome, currently is ineligible but is expected eventually to play for Ocean Lakes.
Lauzon sat out the Dolphins' season-opening 56-0 loss to Princess Anne because of his ejection from Kellam's final game last season. He is slated to play both running back and middle linebacker against Cox on Friday night.
``He's the only guy with any varsity football who will start for us,'' said Ocean Lakes coach Jim Prince. ``Now we have a stopper on defense.''
WILD TIMES: Norview High gained 46 yards on a fourth-quarter play Friday that head coach Will Robinson said will not be added to the Pilots' play book.
After gaining 4 yards around end, quarterback Jorice Mason was hit as he released a pitchout to Dennis Peele. The ball squirted 10 feet almost straight up before Peele gathered it and took off. After picking up an extra 16 yards, Peele was hit from the side and the ball shot out of his hands forward to wide receiver Tracy Lewis, who gained the final 26 yards.
``At that point I was waiting for us to fumble again and for Indian River to pick it up and return it for a touchdown,'' said Robinson, who lost his head-coaching debut, 22-8.
THIS AND THAT: Princess Anne junior placekicker Richie Rosso connected on all eight extra-point attempts in the Cavaliers' 56-0 victory over Ocean Lakes last Thursday. . . . Princess Anne has a ninth-grade girl on its junior varsity roster. Unlike the majority of female football players, who try out as placekickers, Sarah Ravan has been working out at defensive back. The Cavaliers' junior varsity schedule opens next week. . . . Not only did first-time punter Danny McVey average 37 yards per punt for Tallwood in a 14-3 victory, his placement was key and denied Great Bridge better field position on almost every punt. ``Great Bridge dropped one guy back every time and Danny kicked away from him all night,'' said Tallwood coach Ken Barto. ``Danny's good at that.''
ATHLETES OF THE WEEK: The Virginian-Pilot and the Ledger-Star will resume honoring the athletes of the week on Sept. 14. To make a nomination, call 640-5555 Ext. 7779. MEMO: Staff writers Paul White and Lee Tolliver contributed to this report. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Deon Dyer
165-yard game was area's best
by CNB