THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, August 30, 1995 TAG: 9508260124
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: 89 lines
The dawning of a new football season always brings an influx of new faces to a team, but Greenbrier Christian Academy will have another change to face in 1995.
After years of going it alone, the Gators have traded in their unaffiliated status in order to join the Tidewater Conference of Independent Schools.
``We have respect for those teams, and we'll just try to come in and make a decent showing,'' said coach Ronnie McGuire. ``The players like the challenge.''
The key for the Gators this season is defense.
``We were strong offensively last year. We put up the yards, but our defense was not where we wanted it to be,'' said McGuire. ``This year the defense could be the strongest we've had since I've been here.''
An offseason commitment to the weight room should make the defense much more potent.
The Gators linebacking corps is especially strong, anchored by three-year starters Joe Curtis, Heath Gibbs and John Moshier. Co-captain Jason Zemaitis, Richard Thomas and big man Joshua Celestin return for their third years on the defensive line.
In the secondary, Greenbrier Christian has an embarrassment of riches. Whereas last year they were hard-pressed to find enough players to start regularly, the Gators head into the 1995 season with 10 men competing for spots.
On offense, Greenbrier Christian surrounds an unproven quarterback with a solid core of backs and receivers. Although the Gators lost 1,000-yard rusher Brian Smith to graduation, Moshier has the ability to step right into that role.
``He played fullback last year, but we've moved him to tailback,'' said McGuire. ``John's just a hard-nose, punishing-type runner who's hard to bring down.''
Moshier's bruising style in the backfield will be offset by Harrell, who has good quickness and lateral movement.
Senior Chad Dunlow (6-3, 215), who started at tight end last season, has moved over to flanker, the position he's being scouted at by college recruiters.
The big question for Greenbrier Christian is at quarterback. Last year's starter, David Hair, has transferred to Indian River, so junior Tommy Keiper steps up to call the shots.
``Mentally he's got the work ethic to learn from his mistakes,'' McGuire said. ``The biggest concern is if he can step in and take the pressure of starting.'' MEMO: Special section includes football teams for all area high schools.
GREENBRIER CHRISTIAN
Coach: Ronnie McGuire (3rd year, 4-16).
Assistants: Dave Garratt, Joel Towe, Phil Towe, Bobby Hines.
Last year: 3-7
Returning starters: Joe Curtis, C/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.; Heath Gibbs,
G/LB, 5-7, 190, Jr.; Richard Thomas, OT/DT, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Joshua
Celestin, OT/DT, 6-3, 310, Sr.; Chad Dunlow, FL/LB, 6-3, 215, Sr.; John
Moshier, RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Jr.; Jason Zemaitis, T, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Chris
Babb, CB, 5-9, 180, Sr.
Top newcomers: Tommy Keiper, QB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Joey Harrell, RB,
5-9, 180, Jr.; Anthony Gammage, WR, 6-2, 180, Jr.
94 results (3-7):
Fuqua School 22, Greenbrier Christian 0
Benedictine 29, Greenbrier Christian 21
Greenbrier Christian 33, Isle of Wight 12
Greenbrier Christian 41, Chincoteague 0
Greenbrier Christian 19, Colonial Beach 0
Brunswick A. 26, Greenbrier Christian 13
Quantico 36, Greenbrier Christian 12
Huguenot A. 28, Greenbrier Christian 18
Broadwater 27, Greenbrier Christian 0
Nans.-Suffolk 30, Greenbrier Christian 19
ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Heath Gibbs,
3-year starter
John Moshier,
now a tailback
KEYWORDS: SUPPLEMENT SPECIAL SECTION by CNB