THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508260122
SECTION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL PAGE: 19 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Kickoff '95
Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 97 lines
Last year, few people expected Atlantic Shores to be a player in the private school football scene. The Seahawks were fielding a team after a one-year layoff, and while the players were long on enthusiasm, they were short on experience.
Atlantic Shores silenced the doubters by turning in a 7-3 record during the regular season and a trip to the state private school playoffs.
Now under the direction of Adam Cheyunski, the Seahawks hope to counteract their losses to graduation with a tough new crop of talented but raw players.
``We probably have more young starters than senior starters,'' said Cheyunski, a former assistant head coach at Providence Day School in Charlotte with his father, Jim, a former NFL linebacker. ``But it's a good mixture.''
Chief among the losses are Jonathan Keese, a dual threat on offense, and quarterback Micah Clymer, an excellent all-around athlete with size.
``We replaced everybody, and we'll come back stronger this year,'' said co-captain Stephen Hopkins, a returning starter at tackle who cuts an imposing figure at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. ``We're a little weak in the quarterback position, but we've got a guy that can handle it.''
That would be junior Sean Roddy, who makes up for average arm strength with good foot speed and superior quickness. Freshman John McDermott is the backup.
Getting the ball into Roddy's hands is senior co-captain Josh Fansher, a player whom the coaching staff calls ``our computer chip''.
``He's brilliant and he runs the show,'' said Cheyunski. ``He's the essence of our whole offense.''
Although Fansher weighs in at just 165 pounds, the men around him on the line have plenty of bulk.
Hopkins starts at right tackle and his brother, David, lines up beside him at left guard. Newcomers Chris Connors and Raymond Helvie will share the left guard position. Two players, returners Jon Parr and Mark Beers, are battling for the starting nod at tight end.
And then there's ``Big Nasty'' - Bryan Trotman, a 6-4, 250-pound sophomore transfer from Lake Taylor, who earned that nickname at the beginning of practice.
Cheyunski plans to rotate the trio of Danny Budde, Eric Neff, and Josh Milan as receivers, and returning to the backfield is standout tailback D.J. Jordan, one of five co-captains on the team.
When the Seahawks switch over to defense, the play will be dictated by size. The line is anchored by the Hopkins brothers.
B.J. Skipper, a powerful fullback on offense, is a driving force at middle linebacker. Cheyunski plans to rotate several players in the secondary.
``Our size, speed, and aggressiveness makes the defense a strength,'' Cheyunski said. MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
ATLANTIC SHORES CHRISTIAN
Head coach: Adam Cheyunski (first year).
Assistants: Greg Porter, Maurice Jones, Lonnie Steadman.
Last year: 7-3 (lost in first round of private school playoffs).
Returning starters: Josh Fansher, C/OLB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; B.J.
Skipper, FB/MLB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Shaun Williams, WR/CB, 5-11, 175, Sr.;
D.J. Jordan, TB/SS, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Steve Hopkins, OT/DT, 6-4, 310, Sr.;
Mark Beers, TE/DE, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Eric Neff, WR/CB/K, 5-11, 170, Jr.;
Sean Roddy, QB/CB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Jon Parr, TE/OLB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Josh
Milan, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, So.
Top newcomers: Bryan Trotman, OT/DE, 6-4, 250, So.; Chris Connors,
OG/DE, 6-5, 230, So.; Charles Wilson, TE/LB/P, 5-11, 180, Jr.; David
Hopkins, OG/DT, 6-1, 230, So.; Raymond Helvie, OG/DT, 5-11, 180, Sr.;
Danny Budde, WR, 5-10, 165, Fr.
'94 results (7-3):
Atlantic Shores 20, Isle of Wight 13
Atlantic Shores 35, Nans.-Suffolk 6
Fuqua School 18, Atlantic Shores 12
N. Academy 32, Atlantic Shores 20
Atlantic Shores 22, Catholic 21
Atlantic Shores 41, Halifax Academy 8
Atlantic Shores 29, Lynch. Christian 22
Atlantic Shores 60, Chincoteague 12
Atlantic Shores 35, Colonial Beach 26
Atlantic Shores 43, Hampton Roads 8
Blue Ridge 30, Atlantic Shores 14
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
D.J. Jordan,
standout runner
Steve Hopkins,
6-foot-4, 310
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB