THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170208
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: [High School Football section:] Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Perquimans County will be a team in transition in 1995.
An abrupt coaching change took place over the summer, and the team has a new schedule of opponents. But just like the old Pirates, this version will rely on speed.
Rookie head coach Andy Hunt, who was defensive coordinator for the past two years, has some burners back in his lineup. Leading the pack will be tailback Tykensten Wood, who is arguably the best running back in the Albemarle region. Speedy halfbacks Demadre Jennings and Tavarus Ferebee will also see time.
Expected to lead the Pirates' offense is A.J. Miller, who played free safety last year. Ben Gerganus and Mark Clinkscales are expected to both see time at tight end. Other starters on offense will be Lamond James at tackle, guard Jason Browning and center Brad Owens. Hunt said that other positions are still up for grabs.
Hunt said he is still toying with the idea of using a no-huddle offense, which the Pirates used successfully two years ago.
``It's something nice to have and we can use,'' he said. ``I would rather use it in two-minute situations.''
On defense, Clinkscales will play free safety, Ferebee will open at strong corner, and David Lake is expected to play strong safety. Other starters will be Jennings at weak corner, linebackers Wood and Calvin Hurdle, and defensive end Brad Owens. As on offense, other positions are up for grabs.
Another weapon for Perquimans is kicker Clint Eley, who booted a 50-yard field goal last year before injuring his foot.
``He kicked some this week (first week of practice) and hit one from 58 yards out, but that was with no rush,'' Hunt said. ``It depends on the situation, but I have no reservations using him to kick field goals. He's accurate and he has distance.''
The Pirates, picked by Albemarle Conference coaches to place third in the conference, failed to make the playoffs last year. Hunt would like nothing more than to see his team back on top.
``If we don't get hurt and play well, we could conceivably win the conference. I would have picked Williamston first because they have more depth than anyone in the conference,'' he said. ``I feel they have the best program in the area.
``The surprise is going to be Gates County. They struggled philosophically at the beginning of last year. I feel like they've found what offense and defense they want to stick with. The pivotal game will be Gates County.''
Before the Pirates get to Gates on Oct. 6, they will face 4A Northeastern to open the season and 2A Edenton-Holmes on Sept. 8.
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