THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 1994 TAG: 9411160571
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
Stay poised. Keep it simple. And don't goof up.
Those were the instructions given to Norfolk Academy's Tad Galloway four weeks ago when he took over for injured quarterback Drew McKnight.
Galloway, a converted center with no varsity experience, proved to be a quick learner.
He directed the Bulldogs to a 3-0 record, including a 44-12 rout of Catholic Thursday that clinched the Colonial Football Association championship.
Galloway, a 6-foot-1 1/2, 195-pound sophomore, attempted only one pass in his first start.
But as he became comfortable at the controls and - more importantly - as Academy coach Tom York became more comfortable with Galloway, the Bulldogs opened up their attack a little. The results were excellent.
Galloway completed 5 of 8 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown in a 21-19 victory over Fork Union that earned the Bulldogs a share of the Virginia Prep League crown.
He followed that with a 4-of-6 effort for 107 yards and two TDs against Catholic. Both TD passes came in the first half and helped stake the Bulldogs to a 25-0 lead.
For that performance Galloway was named The Virginian-Pilot/Ledger-Star boys athlete of the week.
``Tad needs to be commended,'' York said. ``He made two nice plays on the touchdowns. He had no miscues, no fumbles. He showed a lot of poise.''
The first TD pass was a short toss to tight end Hunter Sims that went for a 61-yard gain.
``He was wide open and just turned on the speed,'' Galloway said.
The second touchdown, an 18-yard strike to Hannon Wright, came on a roll out.
``Coach said to look for him running a flag (pattern),'' Galloway said. ``He was open running parallel to the goal line.''
``It's a lot easier when you've got backs like Damien and D.A. (Taylor) and Adam Raper,'' Galloway said. ``You hand off and they'll do the rest.''
Galloway was third-string at Norfolk Academy last summer. Then starting quarterback Michael Beverly transferred to Booker T. Washington and McKnight broke a bone in his hand.
McKnight, a junior, will be back next year.
``Drew was a receiver before Beverly left and can play most any position,'' Galloway said. Galloway, we know, can play quarterback. by CNB