THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170203
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: [High School Football section:] Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY PAUL SOUTH
LENGTH: Medium: 99 lines
For some coaches, the idea of returning to their alma mater to practice their craft is a dream come true.
But new Manteo High School head football Coach Steve Basnight wants to take his dream a few steps further.
``Getting this job is something I've always wanted,'' said the 34-year-old Basnight. ``But our goal here is to bring a state championship to Manteo High School.''
The Redskins (9-3 in 1994, 5-0 in conference) put together a stunning late-season run to capture the Class 2A Northeastern Conference championship before being eliminated in the first round of the North Carolina state football playoffs. Riding the crest of emotion surrounding Coach Moncie ``Punk'' Daniels' retirement, Manteo rolled to the playoffs with five straight regular season wins before the playoff loss to Northside.
But Basnight said that last season, despite its successes, should not be the measuring stick for Manteo programs in the future.
``I guess it depends on where you put the ruler,'' Basnight said. ``We went to Asheville and made a good showing. When you look at last season, though, we won the conference and we made it to the first round of the state playoffs. It was a stepping stone. Our next goal is to go the sectionals, the regionals, the eastern championship, and then to Chapel Hill and the state championship game. That's where we want to be.''
Basnight said the 1995 Redskin club will be less predictable offensively than the 1994 team.
``A football field is 100 yards long,'' Basnight said. ``There's no rule that says you can't score from 99 yards away. If you always do the safe thing, you're going to be predictable. If you never do the safe thing, you could lose every game. We don't ever want to be predictable.''
Offensively, Manteo returns some powerful weapons, led by running back Jeff Wescott. Wescott rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a junior. Joining Wescott will be junior Danny Davis, who has been mentioned as a possible all-state candidate on several pre-season lists because of his blazing speed and tremendous athletic ability.
Starting at quarterback for Manteo will be senior Pat McNeely. McNeely, who has impressed coaches in pre-season drills with his passing ability, will get his chance as the starter after serving as a backup the last two seasons.
``He's been throwing the ball right at about 60 yards,'' said Basnight. ``He can throw it on a rope.''
The Redskins will have to find a replacement for Larry Tolley at key positions on both sides of the ball. Tolley played a pivotal role as Manteo's fullback and noseguard.
``There aren't too many people like Larry,'' Basnight said. ``He was right in the middle for us on offense and defense.''
The critical area for Manteo in 1995 will be in the interior line on both offense and defense. As in 1994, the Redskins will have to build their fronts from scratch.
Junior center James Wright is the lone returning starter on the offensive line.
``We're just like we were last year,'' said Basnight. ``Our offensive line came together as the year went on. But when we started the year, we didn't know what our line would look like.''
Kevin Wescott, Andy Mallory and Phillip Foreman will be among those vying for positions on the offensive line.
Defensively, it is much the same story. But the Manteo 5-2 defensive look returns some proven performers in Mallory, linebacker Doug Butler, tackle Matt Meekins, safeties Jeff Wescott and Ashley O'Neal, and end Casey McPherson.
Manteo must also replace its kicking game. All-state selection Jake Twiford graduated and will apply his talents at Fork Union in the fall. Matt Meekins is expected to handle the punting chores for Manteo, but the placekicking duties are wide open.
Manteo faces another tough schedule, featuring a trip to Asheville and the always-tough Albemarle Conference slate. Basnight admitted that a repeat as conference champ would be a tough row to hoe.
``This year, the teams again are very equal,'' said Basnight. ``It's going to be an uphill climb. But like the old saying goes, if you're going to be somebody, you've got to beat somebody.''
Basnight, whose father, Steve Sr., coached at Manteo, once served as a mascot for his father's basketball team. He said he understands the rich tradition at the small coastal school. Basnight played and coached under two legendary figures, Daniels and former head football coach Jerry Cahoon.
``Getting the job at Manteo was something I always wanted,'' Basnight said. ``The tradition here means a lot to everyone, every former player, every person with a tie to the school in the county and in the community. We want to do something that has never been done before, and that's bring a state championship to Manteo.
``Is it a lofty goal? Yes it is.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by DREW C. WILSON
``Getting this job is something I've always wanted. But our goal
here is to bring a state championship to Manteo High School,'' said
Coach Steve Basnight.
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