THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508230129
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 09 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Kickoff '95
Southeastern District
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Long : 106 lines
Deep Creek is coming off its best season in school history and that may only have been a harbinger of things to come.
The Hornets went 13-0 before losing to Patrick Henry-Ashland in the state Division 5 final and with fullback Deon Dyer, quarterback Arnie Powell and placekicker Joe Verdi back they are poised for another assault on the title.
Defensively, Deep Creek returns five starters from a unit that allowed the fewest points in South Hampton Roads. That doesn't include the 6-1, 239-pound Dyer, who filled in at linebacker in crucial situations and might have been the team's best defensive player.
But most importantly, last year's success has infused the Hornets with confidence.
``The kids believe in our system,'' coach Jerry Carter said. ``They know we can move the ball. They know we are going to get after people on defense. The carryover from last year is just confidence.''
Who wouldn't be confident with Powell and Dyer in the backfield and Verdi waiting in the bullpen should a drive come up short.
Dyer, beset by injuries his first two seasons, fulfilled his potential and more last season by rushing for 1,353 yards and 21 touchdowns in 14 games. Dyer went to camp at Penn State this summer where coaches called him the best fullback on the East Coast.
Dyer averaged fewer than 14 carries per game last season.
``You've got to respect him first and because of that we're trying to develop plays that decoy him a lot,'' Carter said. ``But he'll still get the ball than he did last year.''
Look for Powell to make more plays as well. A defender's nightmare when he rolls out, Powell is more likely to take off and run this year.
The Hornets lack experience at halfback, but have no shortage of speedy candidates. Sophomore Demont Dunlap and junior Teray Frost might be the best.
When Powell goes to the air he has an experienced target in Kendall Watson, who has 25 career receptions.
``Once we break the line we'll be pretty exciting,'' Carter said. ``The key is if the line gives us a little help.''
Guard Kevin Parker (6-1, 2-0) is the only returning starter up front, but Carter is excited about junior guard Nick Cuffee (5-11, 210). Tackle George Mincey (6-1, 245) is the biggest player on an average size line.
There is nothing average about Verdi. He kicked four field goals in the playoffs and his kickoffs regularly reach the end zone.
When all of that fails, there is always the defense. The Hornets ranked eighth in the area in total defense last season, but were tough near their own goal.
Deep Creek's 70 points allowed was the fewest in the area.
The front four of Bryan Wingate (5-11, 227), Tim Griffin (6-2, 228), Richard Rogers (6-5, 262) and Andre Thomas (6-0, 225) could be the best around, especially if Rogers, a sophomore, comes through.
The linebackers are equally formidable when Dyer is in the game. Miller has the makings of a great rusher and Steve Verdi is a hard-nosed tackler.
Cornerback Daryl Huskey brings experience to the three-deep secondary that also includes Terrence Mack and Frost.
``We're a lot quicker and have a lot more speed outside this year,'' Carter said. MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
Coach: Jerry Carter (4th season, 31-13)
Staff: John Dukes, Jeff Beard, Jamie Fraser, Perez Gatling, Todd
Revell
Last year's record: 13-1, 7-0; Southeastern District champion,
Eastern Region Div. 5 champion
Returning starters: Deon Dyer, 6-1, 239, FB-LB, Sr.; Arnie Powell,
QB, 6-5, 195, Jr.; Kendall Watson, WR, 6-1, 187, Sr.; Bryan Wingate, G,
5-9, 227, Jr.; Kevin Parker, G, 6-1, 205; Sr.; Andre Thomas, DE, 6-0,
225, Sr.; Tim Griffin, DT, 6-2, 228, Jr.; George Miller, LB, 6-0, 180,
Jr.; Daryl Huskey, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Joe Verdi, PK, 5-9, 150, Sr.
Top newcomers: Will Raynor, TE, 6-1, 210, So.; Jasmin Copeland, LB,
5-8, 170, So.; Terrence Mack, DB, 5-8, 170, So.; Demont Dunlap, RB, 5-9,
165, So.; Richard Rogers, DT, 6-5, 262, So.
'94 results: (13-1)
D. Creek 13, B.T. Wash. 13-12
Deep Creek 34, Wilson 6
Deep Creek 27, Granby 13
Deep Creek, Churchland 0
Deep Creek 21, Lake Taylor 0
Deep Creek 16, Indian River 8
Deep Creek 26, Oscar Smith 7
Deep Creek 21, Norcom 3
Deep Creek 13, Great Bridge 0
Deep Creek 28, W. Branch 21
Deep Creek 36, Phoebus 19
Deep Creek 48, Hampton 42
Deep Creek 24, E.C. Glass 17
P. Henry-Ashland 21, D. Creek 7
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Deon Dyer
Best fullback on East Coast?
Joe Verdi
Gives kick to attack
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB