THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 25, 1994 TAG: 9411250134
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
The pride of the Beach District will be on the line as well as an Eastern Region Division 6 title when Kempsville (10-1) meets Indian River (8-3) tonight at Kellam High at 8 p.m.
As if it were a big secret, Indian River quarterback James Boyd pointed to the lack of overall strength in the Beach District after the Braves, members of the Southeastern District, beat Green Run, 30-9, Saturday in a semifinal game.
The previous year, Indian River beat First Colonial, 26-13, in a Division 6 regional semifinal.
``I just love the psychological part of football, but I hate the psychological edge those comments might have given (Kempsville),'' Indian River coach Bob Parker said. ``I really got into the underdog role when I was at Cradock and Churchland, and it's just different now that I'm at Indian River, and I've got to get used to it.''
Boyd's comments obviously hit home with the Beach District champions.
``We just hope we can represent our district well,'' Kempsville coach John Bowles said. ``We're just looking for a little respectability. I'm sure they'll be favored. They have great speed and a huge line.''
The Braves also have a revamped running attack that gives Boyd, a sophomore, the green light to run. Meanwhile, Sam Hardy, Quintae McLean and Mike Joyner have improved their running games since leading rusher Shawndell Joyner left the team four weeks ago.
Both teams pick up about 80 percent of their offensive yardage on the ground and both defenses are proven when it comes to stopping the run. So the line play will be critical. And Indian River is much bigger across the front line than Kempsville.
``We know they'll have nine guys, maybe 10, up on the line,'' Bowles said. ``We'd like to throw it, but we want to throw it when we don't have to.''
Mike Pishioneri, who has run for 1,273 yards in 11 games this season, leads the Chiefs' rushing attack. But Pishioneri was held without a touchdown last week in a 6-3 victory over Tallwood. It was only the second game this season in which he hasn't scored.
``What impresses me about Pishioneri?'' Parker asked. ``He has a knack for making something out of nothing.'' by CNB