THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 23, 1994 TAG: 9409210153
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
It is time.
The Oscar Smith Tigers played their first two games of the season on the road, waiting for preparations to the school's pristine new stadium to be completed. They will have to wait no longer.
On Friday, Oscar Smith will take the field at home for the first time. A new look might be just what the 0-2 Tigers need to snap a 15-game losing streak.
Unfortunately, Norcom is in town. Norcom, which hasn't lost to a team from Chesapeake in ages. Norcom, the 1993 state champion. Norcom, who trashed Churchland 40-0 in the Truckers' stadium dedication several years ago.
It's enough to make a coach a little nervous.
``We're prepared for a tough, hard-nosed game with the defending state champs,'' Oscar Smith coach Charlie Stukes said.
Although Stukes admits that his players have been talking about the new stadium, and looking forward to finally playing at home, ``our kids are always excited about playing ball.''
But what about facing Norcom?
``There's motivation just in playing the defending state champions,'' Stukes said. ``But as the coach, I have to keep things in perspective.''
DEEP CREEK: According to coach Jerry Carter, one of the surprises for the Hornets has been the kickoffs of junior Joe Verdi.
``This is the first time in high school that I've had a guy send kickoffs into the end zone . . . in the air,'' Carter said. Two of Verdi's kickoffs have sailed out of the end zone for touchbacks.
The play of sophomore quarterback Arnie Powell also has been a plus for Deep Creek. Powell is averaging more than 20 yards a completion according to Carter, who calls his signal caller ``a major Division I college prospect. He's got good size (6-4, 190) and intelligence.''
GREAT BRIDGE: The Wildcats missed running back Monte Gorum in a 20-0 loss to Churchland, netting only 85 yards on the ground. Gorum's ankle is still tender, so he won't be seeing any time against Wilson. That means Corey Holley will again get the bulk of the carries, with fullback Tony Felton keeping defenses honest.
Chris Basnight filled in at center against the Truckers (Great Bridge's starting center had mononucleosis), moving over from his usual guard position, and impressed coach Phil Webb with his performance.
``He snapped the ball really well . . . he's been an anchor in the offensive line all year.''
INDIAN RIVER: So far in the early season, the Braves seem to be battling two opponents every Friday night - the other team and themselves. Although Indian River is 2-0, in both of the wins the Braves have been called for more than 100 yards in penalties, something that's going to hurt them against their Southeastern District foes.
``It's ridiculous, and there's no excuse for it,'' said coach Bob Parker. ``But I personally will take full responsibility. I'm the coach, and I've got to make them do better.''
WESTERN BRANCH: ``It's like going from the frying pan into the fire'' is how Bruins coach Lew Johnston describes Western Branch's upcoming game at Churchland. After a tough loss at home to Norcom, the Bruins hit the road for a contest with the sixth-ranked Truckers. Not an easy feat on any occasion, but especially difficult after such a heartbreaking loss.
``There was a lot of disappointment after that game,'' Johnston said Monday. ``But today we had the best practice of our entire year. We put on the pads and had 45 minutes of hitting. The kids showed me that they're a special group.''
In team meetings, Johnston has been using last year's Florida State team as an example for his players. The Seminoles bounced back from an mid-season loss to Notre Dame to win the national championship. Johnston thinks his Bruins can follow in those same footsteps.
``After all, Indian River lost to Norcom last year, and they ended up in the state semifinals.'' by CNB