THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc. DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170200 SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 21 EDITION: FINAL TYPE: [High School Football section:] Kickoff '95 SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH, STAFF WRITER LENGTH: Medium: 87 lines
After almost a quarter-century in coaching, Currituck County High School's Donnie Simpson has seen ballplayers go from bellbottoms to earrings, from long hair to close-cropped cuts.
And even with all the changes, he still loves his job.
``I still enjoy it,'' he said, his feet propped on a desk in his office. ``I still enjoy working with the kids. It's a lot of fun.''
Last year, the fun was in short supply at Currituck. Simpson's young club struggled to a 4-6 record, 1-4 in Northeastern Conference play. But with 12 starters and 17 lettermen returning, the thrill of victory may return for the Knights.
Simpson has reason to be optimistic in 1995. With 72 youngsters out for football, depth may be a Currituck strong suit.
``We hope to have enough kids ready so that the kids will only have to play one way,'' Simpson said. ``But when you play as many sophomores as we did last year, you'd better have some depth.''
If any position typifies Currituck depth, it's at quarterback. Senior starter Justin Hill is being pushed by junior backups Jesse Jones and Mike Weatherly for the right to run the Currituck wishbone attack.
``Jesse's putting some pressure on Justin,'' Simpson said. ``Mike is a good kid who has done a lot for us. He played well in the Camden game. We have to find a place for him.''
While the race for quarterback is competitive, junior fullback Anthony Tymul will be a mainstay in the backfield. There are many contenders for the halfback spots. Joseph Moore and Chris Patterson will challenge, as will Dayreum Robertson, Todd Merrill and Christian Burton. Simpson has also praised the pre-season work of halfback Richard Simmons.
``He's got a great attitude,'' Simpson said. ``He's worked hard and done a pretty decent job.''
While other area teams are struggling to find an offensive line, Simpson calls his front ``the strength of our team.''
Center James Midgette, guards Nick Jones and Duane Price and tackles R.J. Perkins and Jonathan Miller make up the first unit. The Knights will get help up front from Richard Burns, Chris Zimbro and Barry Powell.
At tight end, Currituck is four deep, with Ashley Gray, Brad Smith and Adrian Griffith all ready to contribute. Also Cameron Odom has had a solid pre-season.
At the receiver spot, Kenny Simmons is the starter, but Ronnie Culley and Brian Willoughby may see playing time.
Look for Currituck to use multiple formations out of the wishbone.
``We'll be using double split ends, an unbalance line, two tight ends, a broken wishbone, and even a one-back set at times. We want to mix things up.''
Simpson is also mixing up some things on the defensive side of the football. After trying the split-40, and the 6-2, Currituck will line up in the 4-3.
``We haven't been able to stop people,'' Simpson said. ``We spent time with the North Carolina State coaches to learn how they run their defense. Our defense will be modeled after them.''
Quickness will be a strength for the Currituck defense.
Nick Jones and Jamie Rose will work at the nose tackle spot. Dwane Price and Adrian Griffin will line up at tackle. Jonathan Miller and Cameron Odom are the pre-season starters at the ends.
Tentatively, the linebackers will be Tymul, Perkins and Joseph Moore. The secondary will line up with Hill and Culley at the corners, Simmons and Dayreum Robertson at the safeties. Also look for Merrill to see some time at left corner.
Hill will handle the punting duties, but the placekicker's slot is open.
Despite last year's disappointing record, remember that Currituuck lost a close 24-23 game to conference champion Manteo.
``That killed our season,'' Simpson said. ``We played as hard as we could. We just didn't seem last year to be able to play to our ability for a full game.''
But 1995 may be a different story. It's hard for Simpson to conceal his optimism.
``I've been here since 6 this morning,'' he said. ``These kids seem to be real gung-ho about this year. They also get along real well. We could have a good year.''
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