THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 10, 1994 TAG: 9411090168
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY DENISE MICHAUX, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 96 lines
By most standards, a 5-4 record would hardly signify success.
But five games is one more than the Lakeland Cavaliers won last season, and they still have one regular-season game remaining.
For that reason alone, head coach Ed Smither can chalk this season up as a success even before it is over.
``We're a better team than we were last year,'' Smither said. ``It's really been inexperience that has caused the losses. We really haven't been dominated.''
The Cavaliers, who are 4-2 in the Bay Rivers District, were shut out in a non-district season-opening game against Nansemond River, 16-0, and blanked by Southampton, 16-0.
Both of those teams are ranked in the top 10 in the state.
The Cavaliers' other two losses were to Greensville, 15-14, and to Bruton, 7-0. Lakeland contributed to its own demise against Bruton with two costly fumbles.
``We really should have won that game,'' Smither said. ``You have to realize that this is the first time a lot of these kids have played varsity football. I'm fairly pleased with how well they have come along.''
Of the 25 players on Lakeland's team, only five are seniors. After getting off to a 1-3 start, Smither fully expected his young group to write the season off as hopeless.
``They could have folded up and died,'' Smither said. ``But they didn't. They were pretty down (after the loss to Bruton Oct. 28). They know we should have won that game, but they came back and beat York. They could have laid down and quit, but they didn't.
``This has been the most enjoyable season I have had as a coach. I have had more talented teams. This isn't the biggest team, but they are good guys to work with and they are always giving it their best.
``I go home every night and feel good about this team and the fact that I don't have to worry about them. They're not going to go out and get into trouble.''
Smither firmly believes that Suffolk's 2.0 grade-point average requirement has a lot to do with the dedication and commitment he sees on the field.
``It is tough to find kids these days who are willing to make the commitment to football for this long,'' Smither said. ``When I was growing up that was all we had to do. Now there are so many other things they can do. Kids are having to work now.
``I think the 2.0 makes a difference. I know there are a lot of good athletes walking the halls that don't have the grades, but the kids on the field have made the commitment to be here. They have been here since August and they are working hard to stay with it.''
The Cavaliers close out the regular season tonight against neighborhood and district rival Nansemond River.
There are no playoff spots on the line - each has qualified. The battle here is for pride and bragging rights, which the Warriors have owned for the past few years.
Smither isn't too sure what to make of the rivalry. Lakeland dominated the first two years, but ever since Nansemond River has consistently blown the Cavaliers away.
``I'm not really sure how much of a rivalry this really is,'' Smither said. ``They have had super teams and it has been frustrating, but everything that has happened in the past doesn't matter.
``Talent-wise we can't match up with them at all. But they have to play the game just like we do and the ball can bounce any number of ways. All it takes is for it to bounce right for you once.''
The Warriors are tied for the district lead with Southampton, which plays host to Franklin this week, and while Smither may not make much of the rivalry, Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo doesn't take it lightly.
``It is a big game anytime you get neighborhood rivals together,'' Varacallo said. ``They are on an up note after last week.''
Varacallo's biggest complaint is the Thursday date.
``Thursday stinks,'' Varacallo said. ``I don't know how it is going to affect the kids, but I don't like change. It upsets the routine. You lose a day of practice, a day to prepare, a day to heal.
``I don't know what to expect, but come Friday nights I never know what to expect. You never know what 16 and 17-year olds are going to do when they hit the field.''
Warriors quarterback Leon Porter, who bruised a kidney during gym class last week, played sparingly in their 32-0 win over Bruton. Sparingly enough to set up the first touchdown and then intercept a pass to score another. Porter has the green flag to start on Thursday and looks to be feeling fine.
Donald Turner will continue to be the go-to man when the Warriors want to get the job done.
``Donald is Donald,'' Varacallo said. ``He's the best athlete in school. If he gets the ball in his hands he is going to make something happen.''
Smither admits the Cavaliers are going to have to play a ``perfect'' game to down the Warriors.
``It is definitely a challenge,'' Smither said. ``We will try to stop them before they get going. I really feel like we are a good, not dominating, but good team. Last year, we were 4-6 and made the playoffs. We didn't deserve to be there then. This year we deserve it.
``We can give anybody a good game.'' by CNB