THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 28, 1994 TAG: 9410260157
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 61 lines
There is only one way Norcom can go to the Eastern Region football playoffs this year: beat Deep Creek Friday night.
The undefeated Hornets can lose and still get a playoff berth.
And that's why Norcom will win this game.
The Division 5 playoffs will include the Southeastern, the Eastern and the Peninsula District champions.
If Norcom loses to Deep Creek, the fourth team will be the loser of the Hampton-Phoebus game. The Greyhounds will not be able to defend their state championship.
But . . .
If Norcom wins, and the Greyhounds and Hornets both are victorious in their remaining games, they will finish with 9-1 records. The Virginia High School League power rating will determine which team enters the playoff as the Southeastern champion. The other will be seeded fourth in the playoff and the loser of the Hampton-Phoebus game will be the team that sits out in the post-season.
It's a little like walking on eggshells when you make the Greyhounds angry, too.
Prior to last week's game I wrote that Norcom's offense ranked 18th among the 23 AAA teams in South Hampton Roads. I pointed out the Greyhounds had fumbled 20 times, losing 11.
Norcom responded with a 60-0 victory over Wilson, the most points scored by the Greyhounds since they joined the Southeastern District. There was not a single fumble.
Offensive coordinator Sam Warren didn't appreciate the observations. He informed me he had nothing to say to me after the game.
So, if Deep Creek feels Norcom's offense hasn't been playing up to its potential, the Hornets better not say anything about it.
Who wants to get run over by a Greyhound?
And the 10 REASONS WHY NORCOM WILL WIN:
10. Greyhound Pride - always up for the BIG games.
9. Norcom fans - they'll jam 6,000 in 5,500 seats.
8. Norcom band - it gets the crowd into the game.
7. Hound Pound - Norcom's defense always believes it can keep any team from scoring.
6. Home field advantage - Norcom is 18-2 in its last 20 games at Frank D. Lawrence Stadium.
5. Hex over Hornets - Greyhounds have not lost to Deep Creek since 1990.
4. Incentive - Last year the Deep Creek game was the one in which Terry Ricks of Norcom became South Hampton Roads' all-time leading rusher. This year it's a game Norcom must win to have a chance to defend its state title.
3. The surprise play - Last week it was a shift of quarterback Rod Richardson to wingback for one play. He caught a 44-yard pass.
2. Angry offense - Norcom doesn't have a running back in the area's top 20 rushers. Rudy Howard leads the Greyhounds with only 335 yards, ranking 30th, and they know they are much better.
1. Joe Langston - Norcom coach is winningest coach ever in Portsmouth, looking for his 141st victory this week. by CNB