THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508250412
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Kickoff '95
Southeastern District
LENGTH: Long : 105 lines
If Wilson football coach Joe Ladisic had his druthers he would have his 22 best players evenly split - 11 on offense, 11 on defense.
But when the Presidents line up this fall, most of the faces will be the same on both sides of the football.
Just about every player on his squad is working at two positions.
Only seven of his players have ever started in a game for Wilson.
Suffice to say, it's a building year.
Although Ladisic is moving to the helm of the Presidents after two years as an assistant to Jenson Baker, he is no newcomer to the Wilson program. He was on Darnell Moore's staff at the old Wilson, a coach on the Presidents' two state championship teams.
In 1992, Ladisic succeeded Moore as the head coach and his team had to struggle to get a single victory (1-9). Wilson and Manor were merged the following year and Ladisic has been an assistant on a pair of Wilson teams that went 2-8.
``We know we're in a rebuilding year,'' said Ladisic. ``We expect to be competitive; we may surprise some teams.''
Ladisic is anxious to turn the program around. But the squad is so inexperienced Ladisic and his staff have had to spend considerable time teaching fundamentals - stances, getting set, etc. Only six seniors are on the team.
``I'm pleased that we've had 40 to 60 players at practices,'' said the coach. ``Our numbers are up. We simply must mature.''
Medical problems have hampered the Presidents some. Quarterback Terrance Winston has been undergoing blood tests for low iron and running back Stephen Ridley, who had an asthma attack at practice, passed out and had to be taken to the hospital.
Winston provides the Presidents with excellent leadership. He's only a sophomore but passed for nearly 1,000 yards (961) last season. He completed 83 of 188 passes.
His prime target could be Kavonzo Beamon, a sophomore wide receiver. The versatile Beamon also is working at quarterback and as a cornerback on defense.
Adding support at quarterback is junior Corey Holland, a transfer from Lakeland.
Ridley, a junior newcomer, and fullback Stephen White should be the workhorse runners. Graduation claimed Darryl Scott, who rushed for 1,183 yards last season.
White carried only 17 times for 43 yards.
An offensive key will be the development of the line, where Ladisic believes the Presidents will be improved. ``We have some beef and we have a good one in (center) Paul Connolly,'' he said.
Defense is where the Presidents must shore up. Wilson ranked next to last against the rush two years ago and yielded 359 points, the most by any area AAA team.
Last year the Presidents gave up 289 points, a big improvement, but 196 of those came in the last five games.
Newcomer Rahn Sykes has shown well at defensive end in practices. The 6-2, 190-pound Sykes also will be a tight end.
Linebacking appears solid with White, Dante Barnes and Andre Kemp. White is a three-year defensive starter.
Another three-year regular is Carroll Finch, a two-way tackle.
``The team attitude is excellent,'' said Ladisic. ``Now it's just a matter of maturing as a team.''
The Presidents will open against Granby on Sept. 1. MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Head coach: Joe Ladisic (1st year but was 1-9 three years ago in an
earlier stint as Wilson's head coach)
Staff: Ken Dugan, Terrance Green, Steve Cassell, Oliver Hayes, Mike
McClure.
Last year: 2-8 overall, 0-7 district.
Returning starters: Carroll Finch, OT/DT, 6-1, 310; Steven White,
FB/LB, 6-1, 195; Andre Kemp, RB/LB, 5-10, 175; Terrance Winston, QB/DB,
5-10, 155; Kavonzo Beamon, DB/WR, 5-11, 165.
Top newcomers: John Clark, OT/DT, 6-3, 330; Corey Holland, QB/DB,
6-0, 170; Rahn Sykes, TE/DE, 6-2, 190; Stephen Ridley, RB/DB, 5-10, 175;
Antoine Orton, WR/DB, 5-10, 165.
'94 results (2-8):
Granby 22, Wilson 19
Wilson 19, Lake Taylor 14
Deep Creek 34, Wilson 6
Great Bridge 17, Wilson 6
Indian River 6, Wilson 0
Western Branch 48, Wilson 26
Oscar Smith 26, Wilson 15
Norcom 60, Wilson 0
Wilson 23, B.T. Washington 21
Churchland 41, Wilson 14
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Carroll Finch
6-1, 310 OT/DT
Kavonzo Beamon
Versatile performer
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB