THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 3, 1994 TAG: 9411030150
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JOHN GORDON, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Long : 155 lines
Nansemond River's victory over York last Friday left the Bay Rivers District knotted in an incredible four-way tie. Nansemond River, York, Southampton and Bruton are 4-1 in the district.
With two weeks remaining in the regular season, there are several possible scenarios left with Lakeland poised to play the spoiler role because the Cavaliers still have York and Nansemond River to play.
The big games this Friday send York to Lakeland and Nansemond River to Bruton.
Also Southampton visits winless Smithfield and Franklin is on the road against Poquoson.
In Group A competition, Windsor will play host to Essex in a non-district game. Nansemond-Suffolk Academy is at home against Greenbrier Christian Academy in the Saints' season finale.
Isle of Wight Academy and Southampton Academy have completed the season. Nansemond River vs. Bruton
Date: Nov. 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Bailey Field at York High School
Records: Nansemond River (7-1, 4-1); Bruton (5-3, 4-1)
Last year's result: Nansemond River won, 32-0.
Outlook: Nansemond River, ranked seventh in the South Hampton Roads football poll that includes Group AAA schools, will have to make the long bus ride to York High's Bailey Field again this Friday to square off against another district contender.
``Bruton is counting on us being flat after this win,'' Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo told his players after they beat York, 35-14.
Flat is a key word here. Some observers say Nansemond River was flat in its 19-7 loss to Southampton and that Southampton was flat in its 31-0 loss to York.
York was not flat against Nansemond River although Shawn Pugh and Wilvern Flythe flattened Falcon quarterback Brian Ginn a couple of times. Late in the fourth quarter, they knocked him out of the game.
However, the Warriors probably played their best game of the campaign - offensively and defensively - against York. They must muster the same effort this week against Bruton, which considers itself a conference contender.
Running back Clarence Skinner, who reinjured his wrist two weeks ago, may be available on a limited basis. He and Donald Turner could make life miserable for the host Panthers.
Nansemond River may have lost a step in speed when Turner filled in for Skinner last week, but what Turner lacks in speed - which isn't very much - he makes up for in power and overall athleticism.
Leon ``Snake'' Porter also must have another outstanding night throwing the football. Then the defense and special teams must step up and provide enough punch to cover the offense if it should falter. Lakeland vs. York
Date: Nov. 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Cavalier Park
Records: Lakeland (4-4, 3-2); York (7-1, 4-1)
Last year's result: Lakeland won, 22-12
Outlook: Coach Ed Smither's Cavaliers might have overlooked an orchid in Bruton while waiting for a rose (York) last week. Well, ``next week'' and York are here, and the Falcons are so angry they are shaking after losing to Nansemond River last Friday.
Lakeland on the other hand is not totally out of the running although it would take a couple of minor miracles to claim even a single star of the district crown.
York is going to score some points. Count on it. The Falcon offense is well balanced and senior quarterback Brian Ginn can run, throw and even kick.
Thus, Smither needs for the Lakeland offense to get back on track. After Southampton shut out the Cavaliers, 16-0, Lakeland racked up 110 points while allowing only 29 against the likes of Poquoson, Smithfield and Franklin. Then the Cavs' offense seemingly went on strike in a 7-0 loss to Bruton.
Smither needs a big game from Reginald Wiggins who needs only two yards to net 1,000 yards this season. And quarterback Jessie Bradshaw must avoid any interceptions and keep the York defense honest with his passing. Franklin vs. Poquoson
Date: Nov. 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Poquoson
Records: Franklin (2-6, 1-4); Poquoson (1-7, 0-5)
Last year's result: Did not play.
Outlook: Coach Joe Jones' Broncos are raring for two victories in a row, and Poquoson's Islanders, with only one win by forfeit, are a prime prospect.
Franklin seemingly is finally adapting to Jones' new brand of football and quarterback Xavier Scott is beginning to find his receivers. Jones has a corral full of receivers and he shuffles his receiving aces in and out of games quicker than a western card shark.
Senior Lynwood Joyner, who grabbed six passes for 137 yards last week, is Scott's No. 1 target, but Poquoson will have to watch Lajuan Whitfield closely. Meanwhile the Bronco defense, which has given up more than 25 points a game, will have to tighten up. Southampton vs. Smithfield
Date: Nov. 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: The Pig Pen in Smithfield
Records: Southampton (7-1, 4-1); Smithfield (0-8, 0-5)
Last year's result: Smithfield won both games, 41-16 and 42-36.
Outlook: Southampton may have been caught flat-footed against York for its only loss of the season, but coach Littleton Parker is making sure the Indians don't let that happen again. They have ripped Bruton and Poquoson for a total of 102 points while giving up only 12 in the last two outings - both at home.
However, this contest is at Smithfield, and the Pig Pen is an apt description. It's a shame school officials didn't notice how well marked York's Bailey Field is.
Football is not a game for prima donnas in white ballet shoes, but the conditions at Smithfield leave something to be desired. It's doubtful the sorry playing field will stop Southampton, but it might slow down the Indians' express a little bit.
The host Packers will have their hands full trying to stop junior fullback William Brown who scored four touchdowns and kicked four extra points against hapless Poquoson.Date: Nov. 4 Windsor vs. Essex
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Windsor High
Records: Windsor (5-3); Essex County (3-5)
Last year's result: Did not play.
Outlook: It's the last home game of the season for coach Tommy Austin's Dukes and it's a non-district contest because the Essex Trojans are members of the Northern Neck District.
Windsor will try to rebound after blowing a 25-16 lead in the fourth quarter and losing to Surry County, 28-25. The Dukes will be counting heavily on Wayne Dukes who rushed for 110 yards and tallied twice last week. N-SA vs. Greenbrier
Date: Nov. 4
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Art Jones Stadium at N-SA
Records: Nansemond-Suffolk Academy (2-7, 1-3); Greenbrier Christian Academy (3-6, 0-0)
Last year's result: Did not play.
Outlook: Although both teams are members of the Colonial Football Association, this is not considered a conference contest because GCA is not eligible for the championship.
Former members of the lightweight Metro Conference, the Gators have struggled against tougher competition this year. Any similarity between the Gators and their Florida namesake is limited to their orange and blue colors.
However, coach Terry Crigger's Saints need a victory against GCA to improve on last year's 2-8 showing. ILLUSTRATION: Staff file photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Lakeland running back Reginald Wiggins tries to get past Nansemond
River's defense in a recent Bay Rivers game.
by CNB