THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508230193
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 07 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: KICKOFF '95
BEACH DISTRICT
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Long : 101 lines
The big news in Cavaliersville is that senior running back Mike Majette has the chance to become the area's all-time leading rusher this fall.
Majette needs 1,266 yards to surpass the record of 4,085 set in 1993 by Norcom's Terry Ricks. Majette finished the season last year as the area's leading rusher with 1,325 yards - so the record is well within his range.
The All-Beach, All-Tidewater and All-Eastern Region selection ran for a marvelous 7.1 yards a carry and scored 13 touchdowns.
``We're counting on Mike to do big things this season,'' coach Mike Benzel said. ``Mike didn't really get any bigger (6-foot, 205 pounds), but he sure is a lot quicker.''
Majette will also be running behind a line that has a trio of three-year starters - so he knows where to go when he gets the ball.
The bad news at Princess Anne is that, Majette's personal accomplishments aside, last season's 4-6 effort was more than a little disappointing.
``It sure was,'' said Benzel, who had figured his team had enough talent to win a least a couple more ball games. ``I really think we'll improve on that.''
He has several reasons to believe so.
One is sophomore running back/quarterback David Johnson - a transfer from South Carolina.
``He's an excellent runner and pass receiver,'' Benzel said. ``Physically, he's just got a load of talent. He's one of those runners who can stop on a dime at full speed, change direction and be back at top speed instantly.
``He's a great addition.''
Marcus Cornick will provide some additional deception for Majette at split back. Benzel said he's a great leaper, so his play as linebacker will help on pass defense. Rodney Barr will see time in the offensive backfield, also.
Aaron Mitchell saw some playing time at quarterback toward the end of the season - backing up three-year starter Justin Sharpe - and won't be starting this year raw.
T.J. Ucciardi is a two-way tackle Benzel is counting on for spiritual leadership.
``He's the best leader I have out there,'' the coach said.
His role will be most important on defense, where the Cavaliers will field a young and inexperienced crew, overall.
Mike Adair and Mansa Knox are returning defensive backs, while Justin Bailey joins Ucciardi on the line. Jason Willie and David Ward are two-way linemen, and Barr, Bobby Julian and Ajack Scott are returning linebackers.
Helping the effort on defense will be Benzel's new style of play because of added defensive quickness.
``We sat back and read the offenses last year and I think it hurt us a little,'' he said. ``We're going to try to be more aggressive and attack more. I think that style will fit our talent a little better. I want to force some things instead of reacting.''
Opposing defenses will likely be reacting to Majette's every move and that could give the other rushers all the window they'll need to help Princess Anne improve on last season's disappointing effort. MEMO: [Special Section includes football teams for all area high schools.]
ILLUSTRATION: Mike Majette
On record rushing pace
T.J. Ucciardi
Spiritual leader of Cavs
PRINCESS ANNE HIGH SCHOOL
Head coach: Mike Benzel (9th year, 29-51)
Staff: Wayne Bright, Leon Proffitt, Paul Shows, Mike Kinzel,
Bobby Niedbala
Last year: 4-6 overall, 3-6 league.
Returning starters: Mike Adair, WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Rodney
Barr, RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Charles Blalock, P, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Bobby
Julian, OG/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Mike Majette, RB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Mansa
Knox, DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Chris McDaniels, RB/DE, 6-0, 195, So.;
Aaron Mitchell, QB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Richie Rosso, K, 5-10, 160, Jr.;
T.J. Ucciardi, OT/DT, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Jason Willie, OG/NG, 6-1, 235,
Sr.; David Ward, OG/DT, 6-2, 235, Sr.
Top newcomers: David Johnson, RB/QB, 5-10, 180, So.; Marcus
Cornick, SB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Greg Allen, RB/LB, 6-2, 210, Jr.;
Aaron Deberry, LB, 5-9, 205, Fr.; Gavin Hall, OT/DT, 6-0, 215, Jr.
'94 results (4-6):
Princess Anne 56, Ocean Lakes 0
Tallwood 21, Princess Anne 7
Kempsville 34, Princess Anne 10
Bayside 21, Princess Anne 20
Green Run 35, Princess Anne 11
First Colonial 34, P. Anne 26
Princess Anne 23, Maury 13
Salem 28, Princess Anne 19
Princess Anne 47, Cox 13
Princess Anne 45, Kellam 25
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB