THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 6, 1994 TAG: 9410060196
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 26 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DAN COOLEY, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
The Southampton-Nansemond River game will pit two different football styles against each other.
Nansemond River's Warriors, who have their smallest offensive line in school history, will be trying to finesse and outquick Southampton. Meanwhile, the Indians are big all the way around.
Even the two Southampton running backs - William Brown at 220 pounds and Ronald Williams at 195 - may be bigger than anyone on the Warrior line. With probably one of the largest offensive lines in Group AA competition - an average of 255 pounds per man - the Indians don't have to rely on finesse.
It's smashmouth football at its best. Line up behind the big offensive linemen and shove the ball down the opponents' throats.
If you were comparing the Indians with a college club, Nebraska's Cornhuskers quickly come to mind.
As difficult as it is to downplay all the hype, Southampton head coach Littleon Parker does his best to keep the game in proper perspective.
``We take the season one game at a time,'' said Parker. ``Nansemond River has got a real fine football team.
``We'll try to get prepared for them. We'll just have to execute on offense to win.''
The Indians' execution on offense has looked very impressive thus far. Southampton has outscored its first four opponents, 111-0. Four shutouts is quite a change from the 69 points allowed in the first four games last season.
``The difference is they're a year older and the type of defense we play is no longer new to them,'' Parker said. ``They're used to it.
``We're obviously pleased with the job the kids have done, especially the ones in new positions. We've also had real good play out of our secondary.''
The offense is averaging 235 yards rushing per game, with Brown and Williams both averaging more than five yards per carry.
Despite playing no more than three quarters in the first four games because of lopsided scores, Brown is averaging 112 yards per game and has 448 yards in 84 carries with seven touchdowns. Williams averages almost 84 yards per game with 335 yards on 64 carries and five TDs.
Parker's Indians pass sparingly. Split end Raymond Brown averages 19 yards per reception with seven catches for 133 yards and three touchdowns.
Quarterback Cliff Applewhite has completed eight of 17 passes with only one interception. He has thrown for 172 yards and three TDs.
Although the offense has been stellar, the defense has yielded no points and very little yardage. Indian defenders have given up 114 yards per game, but they have stopped their foes when necessary.
Southampton has had two goal line stands at the one-yard line in the past two weeks and recovered one opponent's fumble inside the 10.
Just how good is Southampton? At this point, it is up for debate. Friday night's game, along with the York contest next week, will go a long way toward making that determination.
``Some high expectations have been put on this team,'' said Southampton principal Bill Wright. ``Now we're going to find out what we're made of.'' by CNB