THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, September 30, 1994 TAG: 9409290182
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
It never really bothered Mike Pishioneri that he never got much of a chance to prove he was one of the best running backs in the Beach District.
He's a team player - anything for the team.
But that's not to say he isn't relishing the moment - now that he has it.
As a junior last season, Pishioneri shared offensive backfield duties with Jarvis George. But Pishioneri still enjoyed a successful season by anyone's standards - rushing 177 times for 886 yards and 14 touchdowns.
But with George concentrating more on defense this season, Pishioneri has been handling the ball with more regularity - and he's starting to prove to everyone something he already knew.
``I feel like I'm one of the best,'' he said.
His numbers back him up. In three games, he has 351 yards and six touchdowns on 65 attempts with a season high of 145 last week against Princess Anne.
Heading into tonight's game with Salem, he is ranked sixth in the area in rushing yards and eighth in scoring.
``He's just consistent, isn't he?'' coach John Bowles said. ``He's just a great player.
``We talked before the season, and I told him that this was going to be his year to prove he's just as good as anybody. I think he's doing just that.''
Against Princess Anne, Pishioneri - who is also a defending district wrestling champion - was even given the call to provide a little fakery on the first play of the game.
With the Chiefs in a formation out of which they typically run a sweep, Pishioneri was pitched the ball going right and did a great job of showing the run. But instead, he stopped and threw a perfect pass to Marcus Garrett on the fly for a 53-yard touchdown. Princess Anne might have been surprised, but nobody on Kempsville's side was.
``He played a little quarterback as a sophomore when Keith Simmons was hurt,'' Bowles said. ``That play set the tone for the game.''
Pishioneri went on to score two rushing touchdowns - including a 47-yarder that showed off the running style for which he has become known.
``I don't have the speed some of the other guys do, but I can get the yards when we need it,'' Pishioneri said. ``I try to read and get through the line, look for a cut and cut back. I have good vision of the field.''
Like any good running back, he has good understanding that he wouldn't be doing what he is if it weren't for his line.
``Our line has been doing a great job,'' he said. ``Even the receivers and other running backs have been blocking very well. I'd say this line is the best we've had since I've been here.''
When this season is over, it is likely that Pishioneri will find himself at an Ivy League school, according to Bowles, who added that he thinks his star back can play in the ACC.
``He's not big (5-foot-10, 185 pounds), and he's not fast (4.6 seconds for 40 yards), but he works very hard and has the footwork and ability to make up for it,'' Bowles said. ``He can play (in that league).''
He has the grades to play anywhere - sporting a 3.66 GPA and a 1300 SAT score.
``I plan to go somewhere,'' Pishioneri said. ``The people at Yale have expressed an interest, and I think it would be nice to go there.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by L. TODD SPENCER
In three games, Mike Pishioneri has 351 yards rushing and six TDs,
including 145 yards last week against Princess Anne. He also sports
a 3.66 GPA and a 1300 SAT score.
by CNB