THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508230120
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: KICKOFF '95
BEACH DISTRICT
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Long : 110 lines
Ocean Lakes' inaugural football season had to be considered a success.
Not given much of a chance because of the nature of starting a new program with young, inexperienced players, the Dolphins managed to notch a couple of victories.
And while neither was overwhelming - each was a 1-point victory over the two teams that finished last in the district race - they did provide a more sturdy foundation for the future than expected.
So with the first year out of the way, Ocean Lakes is ready to move on.
``We're 1,000 miles - light years - ahead of where we were last year,'' coach Jim Prince said. ``Our successes last year start us a little faster this year than anticipated. Whether it's enough to close the gap and make us competitive is yet to be seen.''
There are reasons to think the Dolphins might just be able to provide the rest of the district with a test. There is size, speed and good talent at most all the skill positions.
And there is the arrival of Marcus Wilcox - a senior transfer from First Colonial who has the potential to be a franchise player. Especially in a franchise so new.
``He's just a tremendous addition,'' Prince said of the 5-foot-8, 222-pound running back who doubles as one of the hardest-hitting linebackers in the area. ``He's a tough kid who will instantly lift our level of play. He's an instant leader also.
``And he has this toughness about him - an air - that is having an effect on the other kids.''
Wilcox was the Patriots' third-leading rusher, but was used mostly in short-yardage situations. He'll likely see considerably more carries this fall.
Giving him the ball will be second-year starting quarterback Walter Amos, who at 6-3, 195 is one of the most promising returners in the league.
``He's got all the ability and all the skills,'' Prince said of the sophomore. ``And the summer passing league really helped him develop.''
And he has a couple of decent targets in wide receiver Lavoy Harrell and tight end Rob Bosher. Harrell caught seven passes for 74 yards last season.
The skill players will have the protection of a line that averages right at 300 pounds.
``We're going to have good size this year,'' Prince said. ``Our smallest guy is 225 and the rest are 250 and above. They're strong and they can move.''
Providing most of the bulk are Sonny Owens at 6-0, 343 and Mike Carney at 6-2, 310. John Haggard is a 6-3, 245-pound center.
Defensively, the Dolphins are led by linebacker Henry Matthews, defensive ends C.J. Matthews and Bill Tyson, and defensive back Sheron Joseph. Jerome Lauzon is a promising 6-3, 175-pound safety and split end. Donnie Simmons is a new offensive and defensive tackle.
The defense - which allowed 414 points compared to the 43 the team scored - will have to improve if the Dolphins are to step up a notch.
And while things look good, Prince admits that the taste of success wasn't enough to work great miracles.
``It's our No. 1 hurdle right now,'' he said. ``But I'm the eternal optimist and I think we're going to be much better.
``The kids have worked very hard, in the weight room and in the passing league. They have all done everything I wanted them to from January on. We had 40 kids a day, four days a week in that weight room and now they're bigger and stronger. With a year under their belt, they know each other better.
``Now we just have to wait and see.'' MEMO: [Special Section includes football teams for all area high schools.]
ILLUSTRATION: Walter Amos
Has all the tools at QB
Sheron Joseph
Standout in secondary
OCEAN LAKES HIGH SCHOOL
Head coach: Jim Prince (2nd year (2-8)
Staff: Jimmy DiNardo, Morgan Roane, Mike Head, Jimmy Iman, Jerry
Henry, Rob Howard, Mike Banks, Tom Anderson
Last year's record: 2-8 overall, 2-7 league
Returning starters: Walter Amos, QB, 6-3, 195, So.; Lavoy
Harrell, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Mike Carney, OG/DT, 6-2, 310, Jr.;
Sonny Owens, OT, 6-0, 343, Jr.; John Hoggard, C, 6-3, 245, So.; Rob
Bosher, TE, 6-0, 212, Sr.; Sheron Joseph, DR, 5-10, 165, Jr.; C.J.
Matthews, DE, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Bill Tyson, DE, 6-0, 212, Sr.; Henry
Matthews, LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Chris Scott, LB, 5-10, 165, So.
Top newcomers: Marcus Wilcox, RB/LB, 5-8, 222, Sr.; Donnie
Simmons, OT/DT, 6-0, 274, Sr.; Donte Brockington, RB/DB, 5-10, 160,
Jr.; Jerome Lauzon, S/WR, 6-5, 175, Jr.; Chad Holland, RB, 5-9, 155,
Jr.
'94 results (2-8)
Princess Anne 56, Ocean Lakes 0
Ocean Lakes 13, Cox 12
Norview 49, Ocean Lakes 0
Green Run 63, Ocean Lakes 0
Ocean Lakes 14, Kellam 13
First Colonial 36, Ocean Lakes 8
Tallwood 47, Ocean Lakes 0
Kempsville 56, Ocean Lakes 0
Salem 30, Ocean Lakes 0
Bayside 39, Ocean Lakes 8
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB