THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 29, 1994 TAG: 9410290357
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: By BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Medium: 52 lines
Bigger games may yet be ahead for undefeated Deep Creek. But, for now, Deon Dyer says there's been nothing like the 21-3 victory over Norcom at Frank D. Lawrence Stadium Friday night.
``It's got to be our biggest win,'' the junior running back said. ``They're the defending state champion. We just put it to them in the second half.''
Now needing one win in the two remaining games to wrap up the Southeastern District championship, the Hornets followed a game plan that called for the 6-foot, 235-pound Dyer ``to keep Norcom honest.''
``That was the plan,'' said Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter. ``We wanted to spread out our offense and keep coming back with Deon inside.
``We spent most of our practices on this all week. We know how the Norcom defense comes at you.''
Dyer responded with 120 yards rushing in 21 carries and registered all three Deep Creek touchdowns, boosting his season total to 737 yards in 111 attempts.
``I can't remember the last time a back ran like that against us,'' said Norcom coach Joe Langston. ``He's a good one.
``Now we just have to bite the bullet and lick our wounds.''
Norcom defensive standout Kevin Mapp said ``this hurts but we're not going home with our heads hung down. Our hats are off to Deep Creek because they were a better team this time.
``We just weren't able to take advantage of it when we had our chance early.''
The Greyhounds took a 3-0 lead, missed a chance to build the lead to 6-0 when a 27-yard field goal was blocked and failed to capitalize on a chance for a larger lead when Deep Creek's Kenny Manning broke through to sack quarterback Octavius Brothers on a 4th-and-4 play at the Deep Creek 10.
``We felt like we could stop them,'' said Carter. ``I thought our defensive play was excellent.''
The Hornets intercepted three Norcom passes. Two were picked off by junior back Darryl Huskey. ``I think we were hitting their quarterbacks so much they were getting a little gun shy,'' said Huskey. ``I had good breaks on both of my interceptions and I thought I was going to score on one of them. ''
He had a late-game interception at the 39 and returned it to the Norcom 3. An earlier interception set up Deep Creek's final touchdown.
``This was a big one for the kids,'' said Carter. ``I've coached for so long that every win is getting to be a big one for me. But I'm really proud of the way we played in this one. We played like champions.'' by CNB