THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 27, 1994 TAG: 9410270624
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CIAANOTES NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 62 lines
With Hampton out of the picture, the CIAA could be out of luck when it comes to the Division II playoffs this season.
The Pirates, who are 7-1 and can clinch their third straight CIAA title with a win over Elizabeth City State Saturday, would be a lock to receive a playoff bid, if they were eligible.
But because the Pirates are moving to Division I-AA next season, they aren't eligible. And that could leave the CIAA without a representative in the 16-team playoffs.
Some of the league's coaches have been under the impression that because Hampton is ineligible, the league's second-place team would receive a bid to the playoffs.
Not true, according to Douglas Porter, chairman of the Division II football committee.
``There are no automatic bids in Division II,'' Porter said. ``The selection committee picks the teams.''
Hampton has gone to the playoffs the past two seasons because the Pirates were one of the top four teams in the South region, not because they won the CIAA title, Porter said.
``Based on their record, and their strong showing last year, I'm sure Hampton would have gotten a bid again this year,'' Porter said.
The six-member South region committee, also chaired by Porter, ranks teams each week. The top four at season's end go to the playoffs.
This week's top four are North Alabama, Valdosta State, West Georgia and Albany State. The highest-rated CIAA team is Virginia State, which is 10th.
Livingstone, currently in second place at 5-2, had been in the top 10 but dropped out after a 47-7 loss to Hampton last week.
SACK MAN: With five sacks against Elizabeth City State last week, Virginia State linebacker Silas Demary has 16 on the season, easily the best in the CIAA.
How does Demary stack up nationally? No one knows. The NCAA doesn't keep track of sack leaders in Division II.
``All the pros (scouts) who have been in have talked about his quickness,'' coach Lou Anderson said. ``A lot of times he looks like he's offsides. But he just gets a real good jump on the ball.''
HERE'S THE BEEF: Hard to believe, but at 6-foot-4 and 285 pounds, Virginia Union left tackle Eric Johnson is the smallest member of the Panther offensive line.
In fact, compared to his line mates, Johnson is downright small.
Lining up next to Johnson at left guard is Jayson George (6-4, 345). Next to him is center Chris Calloway (6-3, 345). Rounding out the line is right guard Bamideli Akibi (6-3, 330) and right tackle Jermaine Trowler (6-3, 320).
Average weight: 325 pounds.
But not the best. Union is averaging just 3.3 yards per rush. Hampton - 30 pounds per man lighter on the line - averages 6.1.
GOLD BOWL: Saturday's game between Virginia Union and Virginia State, the 18th annual ``Gold Bowl,'' will be televised live on WJCB at 1:30 p.m. Home Team Sports will show the game on tape delay Sunday at 4 p.m. . . . Norfolk State's Aaron Sparrow is ninth in the nation in passing efficiency, while teammate James Roe is 3rd third in receiving yardage per game. by CNB