THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, November 12, 1994 TAG: 9411120349
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines
You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows. Or, for that matter, to know that it won't snow today at Indian River High, when Norfolk State hosts Kentucky State in its season finale.
``I think that's one thing we can be assured of,'' Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore said.
It's pertinent only because last season, the Spartans traveled to Kentucky State, got caught in an October snowstorm, and were plowed over, 26-24, by the winless Thorobreds.
Barring similar meteorological conditions, Norfolk State (6-3) has an excellent chance of paying back the 1-8-1 Thorobreds this afternoon.
Bumped out of Foreman Field by the Oyster Bowl and kept out of Harbor Park by the Fish Bowl, Norfolk State will attempt to complete a 180-degree turnaround (from 3-7 last year to 7-3 this year) in the relatively cozy setting of Indian River High.
``It's a chance to end the season on a positive note,'' Moore said. ``And finish with a four-game winning streak.''
For the third week in a row, the Spartans face an opponent that has one win or less. The Spartans, slowed by injuries, have pulled out closer-than-expected victories over Johnson C. Smith and Lane the past two weeks. They'll attempt to hold it together once more against Kentucky State, a team that has been outscored, 116-8, the past two weeks.
``Band-aids and scotch tape,'' Moore said. ``That's what's been holding us together.''
Many of them have been applied to quarterback Aaron Sparrow, who was knocked out of last week's game briefly with elbow and knee injuries.
``He's going to play,'' Moore said. ``I don't know about him being OK, though. His arm is fine but he's got a problem with his knee.''
If Sparrow has anywhere near his typical day (321 yards passing) Norfolk State should be fine. Kentucky State has had major problems defensively all season.
``They're fairly aggressive, but they've given up a lot of points,'' Moore said.
The Spartans have also, although the defense played well in a 28-26 victory over Lane last week. With Sparrow hobbling, the defense may need to step up again. At least two starters - cornerback Lydell Finley and linebacker Antonio Britt - say they're especially ready. Both are graduates of Indian River.
``We're going home,'' Britt said. ILLUSTRATION: CIAA AT A GLANCE
KENTUCKY STATE vs. NORFOLK STATE
Where: Indian River High School (7,500).
When: 1:30 p.m.
Records: Kentucky State is 1-8-1, Norfolk State is 6-3, 5-3
CIAA.
Radio: WNSB, 91.1-FM.
Tickets: $12 reserved, $10 general admission, $5 military,
students, senior citizens.
Key to the game: Norfolk State quarterback Aaron Sparrow is
banged up (elbow, knee) but will play. Kentucky State has struggled
defensively and has been outscored 116-8 in the last two games.
WINSTON-SALEM STATE vs. VIRGINIA STATE (47th annual Fish Bowl)
Where: Harbor Park (12,057).
When: 1:30 p.m.
Records: Winston-Salem State 6-4, 5-2 CIAA; Virginia State is
6-3, 5-2.
Tickets: $10 adults, $6 students.
Key to the game: The Trojans must contain Winston-Salem tailback
Richard Huntley, who has run for 1,577 yards, including a
CIAA-record 361 last week against Virginia Union. Virginia State is
second only to Hampton against the run this year, giving up just 2.5
yards per carry.
HAMPTON vs. FAYETTEVILLE STATE
Where: Bronco Stadium (6,000).
When: 1:30 p.m.
Records: Hampton is 9-1, 8-0 CIAA; Fayetteville State is 4-4-1,
4-3.
Radio: WHOV, 88.1-FM.
Tickets: $10 adults, $8 students, $5 veterans.
Key to the game: Another mismatch for the Pirates, who have not
lost a CIAA game since 1991. Hampton is averaging 47.6 points per
game and is first in the nation against the run.
JOHNSON C. SMITH vs. ELIZABETH CITY STATE
Where: Roebuck Stadium (6,500).
When: 1:30 p.m.
Records: J.C. Smith is 0-9, 0-7 CIAA; Elizabeth City State is
4-6, 2-5.
Tickets: $8 stadium, $5 students.
Key to the game: Johnson C. Smith has played well the past two
weeks in losses to Norfolk State and N.C. Central. The Golden Bulls
will have their hands full with Elizabeth City's running game,
however.
by CNB