THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300213
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 16 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: SMITHFIELD LENGTH: Medium: 67 lines
To say last year was difficult for the Smithfield football team would be an understatement.
After going 10-2 overall and 9-1 in the Bay Rivers District in 1993, the Packers slipped to 0-10. They went from being in a three-way tie for first with Tabb and Nansemond River to the cellar.
``We hadn't been losing before last year,'' Smithfield coach Miles Blount said. ``Our tradition here has always been good. Last year we were very young and we lost 18 seniors.''
Not surprisingly, Blount and the Packers would rather forget last season.
``We have to put it behind us and look forward to this season,'' he said. ``We don't need to use last season for anything . . . not even motivation.''
This year figures to be much better as the Packers return 12 starters. More importantly, said Blount, most of the starters are in the trenches.
Heading the list of returning linemen is tackle Michael Kreyling.
``He's a lot stronger and quicker this year,'' Blount said. ``I'm looking for him to be an impact player for us.''
Center/defensive tackle William Parker is also back.
``There's no question he's much better,'' Blount said. ``He came back trimmed up and much stronger.''
Damion Walker, John Godfey and Richard Grimes are also returning linemen for the Packers.
Smithfield also returns last year's starting quarterback, Daryl Savage. Jason Probst, a junior, will likely split time with Savage.
``They're really almost the same with equal ability,'' Blount said. ``When one's playing better, we'll use him and when the other is playing better, we'll play that one.''
The quarterback will have some experienced targets, with wide receivers Dwayne Wilson and Gabriel McKusick returning.
``He's smart and brings his intelligence to the field,'' Blount said of McKusick, who will also play defensive back.
Derrick Porter and Chris Scott, both newcomers, will be looked upon to take over at running back.
Returning 12 starters doesn't make Smithfield an automatic contender, Blount said.
``Depth will be a problem,'' he said. ``The people we have are good players and we have a real good front line. We have to stay healthy to compete.''
Blount knows the Packers will have to be patient after an 0-10 season, but he's optimistic.
``We're not expecting to be losers,'' he said. ``We're all looking forward to this season and they've shown a lot of enthusiasm and hustle. I'm not saying we're district contenders, but anything can happen.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Gabriel McKusick will play wide receiver and defensive back.``He
brings his intelligence to the field,'' says Smithfield High coach
Miles Blount.
Daryl Savage, last year's starting quarterback for Smithfield High
School, is one of 12 starters returning to the team. He may split
time with Jason Probst, a junior.
by CNB