THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508230137
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 03 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: KICKOFF '95
BEACH DISTRICT
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Long : 111 lines
It's not often that a high school football team gets a second chance, especially a team as good as Green Run.
But when it happens, look out.
Last year was supposed to be Green Run's season. But a 9-0 start fizzled into a 9-2 finish and the championship hopes of three All-Tidewater seniors, including record-setting quarterback Glenwood Ferebee, were dashed.
Fast forward nine months and again it looks like Green Run's year.
The Stallions will start seniors at 18 positions and at least half of them are Division I college prospects.
Coach Cadillac Harris is counting on them to provide the leadership that was lacking last year and lift this team to new heights.
``There is a sense of urgency this year and it's led by the seniors,'' Harris said. ``They have worked hard in the offseason and are in great shape. We'll go as far as they take us.''
That should be to the playoffs - and beyond.
``If everybody plays to their potential this team could earn national recognition,'' Harris said.
At least one Stallion already has. Plaxico Burress, a 6-6, 215-pound wideout and safety, is listed among the top 10 receivers in the nation by a couple of recruiting services.
Burress caught 32 passes as a sophomore, but dropped off to 15 last year.
``Plax is probably the most talented athlete to ever come through our program,'' said Harris, who was an assistant coach on the 1986 team that features Matt Darby, Keith Goganious and Alton Grizzard.
``He bench presses 275 pounds, which is a lot for his height and the leverage it produces, he runs the 40 in 4.5 seconds and has a vertical jump of 38 or 39 inches. I think this is the year he puts it all together.''
Burress is surrounded by two other outstanding receivers. Wideout Lanier Washington (6-3, 175) caught 10 passes for 200 yards and tight end Ben Root (6-1, 180) caught 17 passes, 10 for touchdowns.
The Stallions also have a terrific pair of runners in tailback Cedric Warren and fullback Larry Jordan. Warren, who has run a sub 4.4 40-yard dash, rushed for 625 yards and Jordan, a bruising 225-pounder, rushed for 574.
Finding holes shouldn't be a problem. The offensive line averages 270 pounds and tackles Ray Shupe (6-3, 275) and Troy Smith (6-4, 250) are drawing lots of recruiting interest. Both shrink under the glare of guard Clyde Byrant, who is 6-4 1/2 and 315.
``This is an offensive coordinator's dream,'' offensive coordinator Jeff Ballance said.
The same could be said about the defense.
The front three of Shupe, Daryl Cherry (6-0, 255) and John Saafi (6-4, 235) is tough against the run and linebackers Corey Cason (6-2, 205), Billy Higgins (6-0, 250), Larron Jones (5-9, 190) and Jordan (5-10, 235) and mean and mobile.
Jones is the least well-known of the group and maybe the best.
``His ability to make plays inside and out is very special,'' Harris said.
The three-deep secondary consists of Warren and Washington at cornerback and Burress at safety.
``If we're going to win the district, it will be because of defense,'' Harris said.
Put the offense with the defense and this team is a coaches' dream.
``I don't feel any pressure,'' Harris said. ``I like our chances.'' MEMO: [Special Section includes football teams for all area high schools.]
ILLUSTRATION: Plaxico Burrus
On recruiting lists already
Cedric Warren
He can really fly
Staff photo by MORT FRYMAN
Green Run's defensive front three of Ray Shupe (6-3, 275), Daryl
Cherry (6-0, 255) and John Saafi (6-4, 235) is tough against the
run.
GREEN RUN HIGH SCHOOL
Coach: Cadillac Harris (7th season, 38-33)
Staff: Andre Vickers, Quincy Bethea, Weymouth Williams, Jeff
Balance, Johnny White, Ernie Burton, Carl Burton.
Last year: 9-2 overall, 8-1 district
Returning starters: Larry Jordan, FB-LB, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Cedric
Warren, TB-DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Plaxico Burress, WR-DB, 6-6, 215, Sr.;
Ben Root, TE, 6-1, 180, So.; Ray Shupe, OT-DT, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Troy
Smith, OT, 6-4, 250, Sr.; John Saafi, DE, 6-4, 235; Daryl Cherry,
NG, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Corey Cason, LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Billy Higgins,
LB, 6-0, 250, Sr.
Top newcomers: Kiki Gorum, RB-DB, 5-9, 170, So.; Shrimp
Gilchrist, WR-DB, 5-9, 170, So.; Terrence Worlds, OG-DT, 6-0, 260,
So.; Charles Wilson, QB-DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Thomas Todd, TE-LB, 6-2,
215, So.
94 results (9-2):
Green Run 41, Maury 6
Green Run 20, Bayside 13
Green Run 63, Ocean Lakes 0
Green Run 21, First Colonial 9
Green Run 35, Princess Anne 11
Green Run 2, Salem 0
Green Run 34, Cox 9
Green Run 49, Kellam 3
Green Run 37, Tallwood 19
Kempsville 21, Green Run 20
Indian River 30, Green Run 9
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB