THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 21, 1994 TAG: 9410190154
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
PLAY NO TAPS for the Norcom football team.
There were a lot of I-told-you-sos when the Greyhounds' 18-game winning streak came to an end two weeks ago in a 14-13 loss to Indian River.
But Norcom rebounded with a solid 15-0 victory over a Booker T. Washington team that very likely is the premier team in the Eastern District. This shutout was over a team that had blasted Bayside, 40-0, just two weeks earlier. The only previous defeat for the Bookers in five outings was a one-point season-opening loss to undefeated Deep Creek.
Yet there still are questions to be answered about the Norcom team this year.
Why does the offense rank 18th among South Hampton Roads' 23 AAA teams?
Why does quarterback Rod Richardson throw so many interceptions? He had 14 last season and six already this year.
What is causing all the turnovers? In addition to the six interceptions, the Greyhounds have fumbled 20 times, losing 11 of them.
But there has been one constant. The defense.
The Greyhounds rank No. 2 in the area on defense - behind a Tallwood team that has played six teams with a combined record of 7-31. In contrast, Norcom's past foes this season are 18-19.
Norcom is third against the rush, seventh against the pass. The Greyhounds are No. 5 in points allowed.
Even head coach Joe Langston, the mastermind of the Norcom defense, feels his stop unit is starting to peak.
``This was one of the best Booker T. teams we have played,'' said Langston. ``We're very pleased with getting a shutout.
``The last four games we have played very well defensively. And I'm including the loss to Indian River. We played well enough to win the Indian River game. We just had a couple of adversities they capitalized on. And, remember, the opportunity presented itself for us to win that game. We just didn't take advantage of it.''
Does Langston view the turnovers as the cause of a sputtering offense?
``Hey, we're not making any excuses,'' he said. ``We have folks on offense who can play. We have big, skilled people. Now it's just a matter of our leaders stepping up and being counted.
``We're not where we want to be yet, but we're getting there.''
Some contend that Richardson's size - 5-9 and 155 pounds - hampers his vision in throwing passes over tall linemen. Only in two of last year's 10 regular-season games did he pass without an interception. There was one interception for every eight passes thrown.
But the senior signal-caller still directed the Greyhounds to an undefeated season and the state title. Including the playoffs, he passed for more than 1,000 yards. He threw for 11 touchdowns in regular-season play.
This year, he has shared more duty with back-up Octavius Brothers. The 6-1, 180-pound Brothers, also a senior, has a stronger arm but lacks Richardson's experience at quarterback.
``We feel we have two competent quarterbacks,'' said Langston. ``This week, as any other week, we'll be going with the one we feel has the hot hand.''
Norcom plays Wilson Friday in Frank D. Lawrence Stadium and, despite the Presidents' 1-6 record, Langston expects a tug-of-war. ``The kids on these teams all know each other and you'll see all of them playing their hearts out. We definitely will focus on this game and not be thinking about the following week.''
The following week is the showdown with unbeaten Deep Creek.
In the other local game Friday, Churchland is host to Booker T. Washington. It's the last home game this season for the Truckers. Churchland has split its four home games, beating Great Bridge and Western Branch and losing to Norcom and Lake Taylor.
In other games, Deep Creek entertains Oscar Smith, Great Bridge is at Indian River and Western Branch is home to Lake Taylor. ILLUSTRATION: Quarterback Rod Richardson
He has six interceptions this year
by CNB