THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 20, 1995 TAG: 9508170219
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: [High School Football section:] Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: Long : 118 lines
After his team hit rock bottom two years ago, George Moody rebuilt the Elizabeth City State University football program back to where he wants it. The Vikings could finally challenge for a spot near the top of the CIAA.
That is, if all of Moody's starters can play.
A big ``if'' in mid-August was Aaron Murchison, the Vikings' top running back and the man anchoring Moody's offense. Moody said he was waiting for Murchison's summer school grades to come in to determine if he is eligible.
``He means such a big part to this team. He has a lot of experience and talent,'' Moody said. ``I just don't want to believe it.''
Even if Murchison turns out to be ineligible, ECSU (5-6 in 1994) still has much of its offense intact from last year. Kenny Crump, who improved vastly last season, will be the starting quarterback. Abe Jones is set at one of the running back positions. Also returning are wide receivers Marlon Hall and Sharano Woodley. Woodley made some key receptions last year.
Also back on offense are guards Alonzo Sawyer and Eric Martin, and center Travis Wright.
There are many familiar faces coming back on defense, as well. All-CIAA defensive end Barry Lipscomb will anchor the ``D.'' Others will include tackles Ivan Deloatch and Raymond Williams, and linebackers Dameon Latta and Andrew Richardson.
Moody has also brought in some transfers that could break the starting lineup. These include running back Nathaniel Lewis, a transfer from Hampton University; center Jermaine Brown and offensive tackle John Scott, both from Lackawanna Junior College in Scranton, Pa.; and defensive tackle Omari Salisbury from Idaho State.
Moody said the team will conduct two intrasquad scrimmages, then host Livingstone on Sept. 2. A key CIAA game will be a road matchup with Winston-Salem State on Sept. 16.
``We look at the Winston-Salem game as pivotal. By that time we ought to know where are and where we stand,'' Moody said.
Norfolk State will also be looking for revenge when the Vikings come to town after ECSU upset the Spartans last year. ``That's a matchup that I'm really looking forward to,'' Moody said.
The Vikings will also travel to play Grambling State the final week of the season (Nov. 11) in what could be Eddie Robinson's last game as head coach of the Tigers.
``It's good to play the top teams to find out where your program is,'' Moody said. ``I'm going to be awed by it (playing Granbling). But that's the initial awe. After that, kick the ball off and it's time to play.''
Moody said he hopes that ECSU can contend for an elusive CIAA title.
``We want to end with at least three more wins than last year, which would put us up for contention for the championship,'' he said. ``We came back with a lot of spirit this year and in shape. We're looking for good things.''
ELIZABETH CITY
After his team hit rock bottom two years ago, George Moody rebuilt the Elizabeth City State University football program back to where he wants it. The Vikings could finally challenge for a spot near the top of the CIAA.
That is, if all of Moody's starters can play.
A big ``if'' in mid-August was Aaron Murchison, the Vikings' top running back and the man anchoring Moody's offense. Moody said he was waiting for Murchison's summer school grades to come in to determine if he is eligible.
``He means such a big part to this team. He has a lot of experience and talent,'' Moody said. ``I just don't want to believe it.''
Even if Murchison turns out to be ineligible, ECSU (5-6 in 1994) still has much of its offense intact from last year. Kenny Crump, who improved vastly last season, will be the starting quarterback. Abe Jones is set at one of the running back positions. Also returning are wide receivers Marlon Hall and Sharano Woodley. Woodley made some key receptions last year.
Also back on offense are guards Alonzo Sawyer and Eric Martin, and center Travis Wright.
There are many familiar faces coming back on defense, as well. All-CIAA defensive end Barry Lipscomb will anchor the ``D.'' Others will include tackles Ivan Deloatch and Raymond Williams, and linebackers Dameon Latta and Andrew Richardson.
Moody has also brought in some transfers that could break the starting lineup. These include running back Nathaniel Lewis, a transfer from Hampton University; center Jermaine Brown and offensive tackle John Scott, both from Lackawanna Junior College in Scranton, Pa.; and defensive tackle Omari Salisbury from Idaho State.
Moody said the team will conduct two intrasquad scrimmages, then host Livingstone on Sept. 2. A key CIAA game will be a road matchup with Winston-Salem State on Sept. 16.
``We look at the Winston-Salem game as pivotal. By that time we ought to know where are and where we stand,'' Moody said.
Norfolk State will also be looking for revenge when the Vikings come to town after ECSU upset the Spartans last year. ``That's a matchup that I'm really looking forward to,'' Moody said.
The Vikings will also travel to play Grambling State the final week of the season (Nov. 11) in what could be Eddie Robinson's last game as head coach of the Tigers.
``It's good to play the top teams to find out where your program is,'' Moody said. ``I'm going to be awed by it (playing Granbling). But that's the initial awe. After that, kick the ball off and it's time to play.''
Moody said he hopes that ECSU can contend for an elusive CIAA title.
``We want to end with at least three more wins than last year, which would put us up for contention for the championship,'' he said. ``We came back with a lot of spirit this year and in shape. We're looking for good things.'' ILLUSTRATION: File photos
Elizabeth City State's longtime regional rival, Norfolk State
University, will be looking for revenge for last year's upset when
the Vikings come to town this year.
An ECSU player catches up to an NSU player during last year's
contest.
ECSU Coach George Moody
Says Winston-Salem game is ``pivotal.''
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