THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300211
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 13 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
After finishing 11-2 and reaching the Group AA state semifinals last year, Nansemond River would seem to be the favorite in the Bay Rivers District. Not according to Warriors coach Jerry Varacallo.
``We've really got a lot of holes to fill because we graduated 15 players last year,'' Varacallo said. ``We have to replace a quarterback that started for two and a half years and we've got to replace our entire secondary, who played together for three years.''
The major loss from last year will be Donald Turner, who played defensive back, tailback, wide receiver and punter. He also returned kickoffs and punts.
``You don't just replace a guy like Donald Turner,'' Varacallo said. ``For us to replace him, you're looking at four or five guys.''
Also gone are quarterback Leon Porter and linebacker Wilvern Flythe.
``Losing those good athletes is going to hurt,'' Varacallo said. ``We have some good athletes now, but they don't have the playing time that those guys we lost had.''
Don't feel too sorry for the Warriors.
Nansemond River lost 19 players to graduation two years ago and still made it to the Group AA state semifinals.
The Warriors also have some solid players returning.
Clarence Skinner is one of them. The senior rushed for 892 yards and eight touchdowns in the first seven games last season before suffering a broken wrist.
Also returning is linebacker/tight end Anthony Jones, who may split time with Johnta Knight at quarterback.
``They're pretty even,'' Varacallo said. ``One of them has to take charge right now. I think they're both a little gun-shy and I think that's because of inexperience.''
LaShawn Pugh, an all-district, all-region and second-team all-state selection last year as a junior, is back at defensive end and tight end. He'll be joined by Chris White, Chris Thomas and DeJuan Gambrell, who each saw considerable playing time last season.
On offense, Thomas and Gambrell provide depth and experience at fullback, while Roland Gates and newcomer Jason Gifford will anchor the front line.
``We have some good seniors out there and some guys who are really doing a good job of being leaders,'' Varacallo said. ``The younger players need to develop some confidence.''
Thomas said confidence may be all the younger players need.
``The inexperienced guys are faster and bigger than last year,'' he said. ``They're real hungry. . . so I think they'll pick (confidence) up as the year goes on.''
After a few successful season - the Warriors reached the Divison IVstate championship in 1993 - Varacallo hopes overconfidence doesn't get in the way this season.
``That's always the thing we worry about,'' he said. ``We've been lucky to be on top of the mountain the last few years. They have to realize that what they did last year doesn't win you a football game this year.''
Varacallo added that being successful can help the younger players.
``We've established a tradition here and we're hoping that can carry on,'' he said. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond River's Johnta Knight, left, and Anthony Jones may split
time at quarterback.
by CNB