THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Monday, November 14, 1994 TAG: 9411140182
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: Ed Miller
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
If it's possible for momentum to carry over from one football season to the next, Norfolk State will start next year as the hottest team in the CIAA.
The Spartans closed the season with four wins in a row, including a 60-7 mauling of Kentucky State on Saturday.
``I wouldn't say it was perfect,'' Moore said. ``But we did put all phases of the game together.''
Afterward, the team's seniors talked about what a perfect way it was to end their careers. Many of them had not played in a winning season at Norfolk State.
``It was the best game I've had since I've been playing college football,' senior linebacker James Walton said.
The underclassmen had a different focus: next season.
``We're trying to make it 14 in a row,'' offensive tackle Chris Patterson said.
That's four in a row this season, 10 next.
Sounds like a tall order, but with Hampton leaving the conference next season, the CIAA will be wide open, and the Spartans have as good a chance as any team of winning it.
Returning will be the CIAA's best quarterback in Aaron Sparrow and the top group of receivers in James Roe, Darius Blount and Marty Conner.
The main needs are on defense - all over - and at running back.
Look for Moore to dip into the junior college ranks for some instant help along the defensive line. He'll also go after some defensive backs with speed, something that was lacking this season.
Also on his shopping list is a big, durable tailback who can run and block - again, something the Spartans lacked this season.
If Moore can fill those holes, Norfolk State could be the class of the CIAA next year.
They've already made a start.
``Four in a row is good to have going into next season,'' Moore said.
Sparrow seemed to agree. Asked to sum up this season, he was more interested in next.
``Hey, it's over with now,'' he said. ``I just want to look forward to next year.'' by CNB