THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508230128
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Kickoff '95
Southeastern District
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Long : 102 lines
It's very unusual when a team with only five returning starters - three go both ways - and a new offense and defense gets serious consideration for the No. 1 ranking in South Hampton Roads.
But then Indian River has some unusual talent.
Start with junior quarterback and linebacker James Boyd, who could be confused with the second coming of former all-stater Tony Morrison except he's faster and a better all-around athlete.
Add Corey Holley, a running back and defensive back who transferred from Great Bridge, where he rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season.
Then there is Mike Toliver, a center and linebacker, who could be the best lineman in the district; Edward Seward, a 6-foot-8 defensive end who has never heard of former Dallas Cowboys' All-Pro Ed ``Too Tall'' Jones but plays a lot like him; Antwan Stukes, a 6-3 freshman who is so talented Parker isn't sure where to play him. . . . You get the idea.
``If I had to pinpoint how good we'll be,'' Parker said, ``well . . . I've never had this much team speed. This team is fast.''
It's also small, at least by previous Indian River standards, and not very experienced.
Parker has compensated for the lack of size by installing the wishbone, an offense he ran with success at Cradock in the mid-1980s.
One difference is that Parker will use two wide receivers, a position at which he is well stocked - and no tight end. That could make Boyd, a terrific runner and an improving passer, the most dangerous offensive player in South Hampton Roads.
Boyd piled up 1,574 yards of total offense - 831 rushing - in 13 games last season. He was at his best in the playoffs when he rushed for 395 yards (8.8 yards per carry) and passed for 146 yards in three games.
The other primary ball carriers will be Holley, who is also a good receiver and fullback Sam Hardy. Hardy is only 5-8, 165 but his quickness makes him a terror on the inside trap. Mike Joyner (6-1, 190) has the edge for the other halfback spot.
Anthony Cason will start at one wideout, but the Braves have eight capable receivers, including David Selby, the starting point guard on the Braves' Eastern Region champion basketball teams and Stukes.
One unit that Parker is watching closely and could determine whether the Braves win their first district title is the offensive line.
Toliver (6-1, 230) is a mainstay and Parker believes in guard Jeremy Langaster (6-0, 215) and tackle Chris Edmonds (6-0, 190).
Defensively Parker makes no secret of his admiration for Norcom High and has designed the Braves in that mold. Indian River will be smaller, quicker and more aggressive, he promises.
None of the four projected starters on the line weighs more than 210 pounds, but all can run. So can the four linebackers: Toliver and Tony Spivey (6-2, 210) inside and Boyd and hardy outside.
``I don't think you can get outside on them,'' Parker said.
The secondary will be required to play a lot of man-to-man coverage and so two of the best athletes - Cason and Holley - will start at the corners. The safety is still undecided but Boyd and Cason could play there some as well as Selby and Stukes. MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
INDIAN RIVER HIGH SCHOOL
Coach: Bob Parker (3rd season, 22-10)
Staff: Jerry Lauman, Phil Twine, Jack Kramer, Scott Johnson, Jay
Scott, Phil Wood, Dwayne Beale, Robert Ross.
Last year's record: 9-4, 5-2; Eastern Region Div. 6 champion
Returning starters: James Boyd, QB-DB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Sam Hardy, FB;
Anthony Cason, DB-WR, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Mike Toliver, C-LB, 6-1, 230, Sr.;
Chris Edmonds, OT-DG; 6-0, 190, Jr.; Lance Bishop, WR-LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.
Top newcomers: Corey Holley, RB-DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Antwan Stukes,
QB-WR-DB, 6-3, 160, Fr.; David Selby, WR-DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Ronnie
Wilson, DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.
'94 results (9-4):
Indian River 22, Norview 8
Indian River 37, Maury 3
Lake Taylor 7, Indian River 0
Indian River 6, Wilson 0
Indian River 14, Norcom 13
Deep Creek 16, Indian River 8
Indian River 42, Great Bridge 22
W. Branch 30, Indian River 19
Indian River 28, Churchland 12
Indian River 21, Oscar Smith 6
Indian River 30, Green Run 9
Indian River 20, Kempsville 17
GW-Danville 13, Indian River 10
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Corey Holley
Transfers over 1,000 yards
Mike Toliver
Solid in offensive line
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB