THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508250156
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Kickoff '95
Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 88 lines
There will be some heads turning when it's announced that Whitehead is the starting quarterback for Catholic this year.
Didn't Jimmy Whitehead, an all-state player who passed for more than 2,000 yards the past two seasons, graduate?
Yep!
That's younger brother Byron at the throttle this year.
Byron, a tight end the past two seasons, along with versatile Anthony Olivedo, will be steering the Crusaders' attack. Whitehead, a 6-foot-1, 175-pound junior, had a back-up role to brother Jimmy at quarterback.
Olivedo, a 5-10, 145-pound sophomore, could win another spot in the starting lineup. He probably will be the starting safety.
John O'Hara, starting his 13th year as the Catholic coach, had high hopes of a winning campaign after finishing 4-5 a year ago. There were 17 sophomores on that squad, some who saw action as freshmen on a squad that went 7-2.
``But when practice started we had only 11 juniors and one of those was a transfer,'' said O'Hara. One major loss was Tom Juskevich, a 5-11, 180-pounder who started for two years and has transferred to First Colonial High.
``It's still primarily a junior team,'' added O'Hara. ``We have only four seniors. We'll just have to see how much help we get from the newcomers.''
One addition who has shown well is Marty White, a sophomore. He's a 6-2, 170-pounder and will play both ways - in the defensive line and at wide receiver.
Another is Justin Dalton, a junior. The 5-10, 170-pound Dalton is working at center and guard.
O'Hara has been particularly pleased by the work ethics of senior wide receiver Dana Rice. ``If everybody worked as hard as Dana works, this team could reach its maximum potential,'' said O'Hara. ``He always gives 100 percent.''
The Crusaders will build around 290-pound Nat Falcone up front. A center and defensive tackle, the 6-3 Falcone is a team leader on the field.
Another returnee at tackle is James Aspatore, a 5-9, 160-pound junior.
Catholic has 12 lettermen. These include running backs Jonathan Holmes, Jasen Holley, Justin Nixon and Dereck Hardy. All are juniors.
Holdover Eric Washburn provides strength at tight end.
Also bidding for a starting assignment as a linebacker is sophomore Jeremy Davis, a 6-1, 165-pounder.
O'Hara rates Nansemond-Suffolk and Norfolk Academy as the top teams in the Tidewater Conference. Catholic went 3-2 in the now defunct Colonial Football Association.
``We're young and without much depth,'' O'Hara said.
The Crusaders have one change in their schedule from a year ago. Model School was dropped and Greenbrier Christian was added. MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
CATHOLIC
Head coach: John O'Hara (13th year, 46-64-7)
Staff: James Whitehead, David Stubbs, Steve Whitehead
Last year: 4-5 overall, 3-2 conference
Returning starters: Nat Falcone C/DT, 6-3, 295; Byron Whitehead, TE,
6-1, 175; James Aspatore, T, 5-9, 160; Jeremy Davis, LB, 6-1, 165; Jasen
Holley, RB, 6-0, 190; Justin Nixon, RB, 5-11, 185.
Top newcomers: Marty White, DL/WR, 6-2, 170; Justin Dalton, C/G,
5-10, 170.
94 results (4-5):
Catholic 34, Christchurch 0
Atlantic Shores 22, Catholic 21
Benedictine 21, Catholic 12
Catholic 18, N-SA 15
Catholic 36, Hampton Roads 2
Fuqua 14, Catholic 6
Catholic 25, Model School 6
Richmond Coll., 35, Catholic 14
N. Academy 44, Catholic 12
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Byron Whitehead
Nat Falcone
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB