THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 30, 1994 TAG: 9409280176
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 23 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
They're big, they're fast, and they've already beaten the toughest team in Chesapeake. All you have to do is mention this team from Portsmouth and coaches get a worried look on their faces.
``It's obvious they're a superior team, because they beat Western Branch,'' Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter said.
No, Carter isn't talking about defending state champion Norcom. It's Churchland he's got on his mind.
Sure, Norcom has the perfect record and the impressive winning streak. But at least for now, Churchland (2-1) has the buzz.
Carter, whose Hornets take on the Truckers this Friday, knows he has a difficult job ahead.
``We haven't really been tested this year, except for Booker T., and I don't think that game was a good indication of what we can do,'' he said.
Deep Creek (3-0) defeated the Bookers by a single point in its season opener, then pounded out two wins over weaker teams (34-6 over Wilson and 27-13 over Granby).
``It will help Churchland a lot that they've already had two tough contests with Norcom and Western Branch,'' Carter said.
But it's not as if the Hornets will have trouble focusing on the game. If nothing else, all the Deep Creek players need for motivation is to think about last season, when the Truckers beat them 14-13.
According to Carter, which team's defense can stop the other's offense will be the key to the game. The bad news for Hornets fans is that Churchland has some huge players, something Deep Creek isn't familiar with.
``We haven't faced anyone with that kind of size spread over the whole team,'' said Carter. ``We've faced a few individuals, but never an entire line of their size.
``The challenge is - do we have the mental toughness to neutralize the size and speed they have. Western Branch couldn't do it, and Norcom didn't do a very good job of it.''
Deon Dyer, seventh among South Hampton Roads rushers with 350 yards on 48 carries and third in scoring with seven touchdowns, will be the key for Deep Creek on the ground. Backs Lawrence Claiborne and Cedric Williams also get their fare share of carries.
``We run a pretty balanced offense and spread the ball around,'' said Carter. The Hornets lead the Southeastern District (see statistics below) in total offense with 313 yards per game. Although most of that is on the ground, Carter is confident that the passing game is coming along, and points to Deep Creek's 86 yards in the air against Granby as evidence.
Defensively, linebackers George Miller and Kenny Manning must have solid games in order for the Hornets to contain Churchland. Safety Torrey Wilson, who had nine tackles and an interception against Granby, needs to continue that pace against the Truckers.
``They're a very physical team that will run straight at you,'' said Carter. ``They're not very fancy . . . all they do is try to ram it down your throat. The question is, can we absorb that kind of constant punishment.'' by CNB