THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, August 11, 1995 TAG: 9508110034
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 59 lines
If any team has a claim to unfinished business this fall, it's Green Run.
The Stallions won their first nine games and were ranked No. 1 by The Virginian-Pilot last season before they lost a heartbreaker to Kempsville for the Beach District title and then got drummed by Indian River in the Eastern Region playoffs.
``We were a good team that didn't wear any crowns,'' coach Cadillac Harris said.
Larry Jordan, a fullback and linebacker and one of 18 returning seniors, has a theory on what happened to last year's team.
``We didn't have strong senior leadership,'' he said. ``We had a lot of good juniors, but there just wasn't that feeling of urgency.''
Jordan, who gained 35 pounds through offseason weightlifting, senses a new attitude that's captured in the Stallions' motto.
``T.E.A.M. - together everyone achieves more,'' he said. ``I thought it up myself.''
Harris hopes Jordan is right.
``This is the most seniors we've ever had,'' Harris said, ``and pretty much all of them have playing experience. I think they are self-motivated.''
PLAYERS TO WATCH: The most improved player in South Hampton Roads could be Deep Creek quarterback Arnie Powell.
Powell, a 6-foot-5 junior, was kept under wraps while directing the Hornets to a 13-1 record last year. He attempted only 72 passes in the regular season and was rarely used as a runner.
Powell showed flashes of potential in the region final against Hampton when he passed for 185 yards and two touchdowns.
``Arnie has grown up a lot and will be a big factor in our offense,'' Deep Creek coach Jerry Carter said. ``We didn't run him much last year, but he should be a real triple threat.''
Tallwood's John Joseph is a one-man gang for the Lions. Joseph, a 6-2, 215-pound senior, is listed as a tight end, running back, defensive end, linebacker and defensive back.
Lake Taylor's Brian Kelly has moved from wide receiver to running back, where he can be more involved in the offense. Kelly, a 6-3, 195-pound senior, caught five touchdown passes last season.
QUICK HITS: Robert Jackson, the architect of Tallwood's fourth-ranked defense last fall, has returned to Norcom as the offensive coordinator. Jackson appears to be the heir apparent to Greyhounds head coach Joe Langston. Churchland, but the full impact won't be felt until winter. Morton placed second to Western Branch's Byron Tucker at 152 pounds in the state wrestling tournament. Churchland football coach Ken Taylor said Morton moved so he could wrestle for new Truckers coach Joe Boone. . . . Turnouts are down slightly in Portsmouth as a result of stricter academic requirements. Churchland had only 30 players for Monday's first practice. Portsmouth athletes must have a 1.66 grade point average, and coaches at Churchland, Norcom, and Wilson are each hoping to add players at the conclusion of summer school. by CNB