THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300212
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 69 lines
Nansemond-Suffolk coach Terry Crigger doesn't need much time to think when asked what kind of year he expects for the Saints.
``We're in a rebuilding year, that's for sure,'' he said. ``We're still in the process of finding out who's going to play where.''
The Saints have four returning starters; tackles Bryan Abernathy and Billy Cridlin, guard Brian Pack and center Brian Fowler. Of these, only Abernathy is a senior.
Making things more difficult, Nansemond-Suffolk graduated six players who played both offense and defense last season.
``That's like losing 12 people,'' Crigger said. ``When you only have 23 players coming out, losing them makes it tougher.''
Crigger, who returned as Nansemond-Suffolk's coach last season after a 10-year absence, said a positive aspect of this year is that he and his players know more of what to expect from each other.
``It's been much easier,'' he said. ``The offense has been put in and the timing of the plays has been good.''
``I'm sure I'm more comfortable working with them and they're more comfortable with me after a year,'' Crigger added.
Joby Webb, who will start at quarterback and linebacker, agreed.
``We definitely had a chance to adjust to Coach Crigger's plays,'' he said. ``It's a lot easier to get used to it after you've been learning the system for a whole year.''
``It took a year to understand (Crigger's) coaching philosophy and the way he did things,'' said Sydney Hazelwood, a junior who will start at running back.
Crigger said he'll keep the same no-nonsense approach on offense and defense this season.
``I've always run the same system, so we can do things right every time,'' he said. ``It's easier for a team to learn when they don't have to learn something different every week.''
Nansemond-Suffolk's straight forward style of play should help the younger players who are expected to start this year.
The Saints expect to start two sophomores on offense - Cridlin and running back Mike Barrett - and four on defense - tackle Adrian Barrett, guard Travis Parker and linebackers Michael Cale and Jay Nixon.
``We have some players at the JV and junior JV levels who may be able to play up this year, but I'd rather see them develop first,'' Crigger said.
Defensive end Jason Strickland and tackle Will Webb, both seniors, are expected to fill important roles as first-year starters. Guard Art Hengler is the only other senior starter.
``They've all been an eager and enthusiastic group who'll work hard,'' Crigger said. ``We can definitely be at least .500 (in the Tidewater Conference).''
``We'll do all right,'' Joby Webb said. ``We'll have to have guys step up and play.''
Added Crigger: ``We're guardedly optimistic.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy's Joby Webb will start at quarterback and
linebacker. ``We definitely had a chance to adjust to Coach
Crigger's plays,'' he said.
by CNB