THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300231
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
DATELINE: FRANKLIN LENGTH: Medium: 76 lines
After realizing he had an undersized football team, second-year Franklin coach Joe Jones came up with an interesting strategy.
``A lot of teams are going to be much bigger than us,'' Jones said. ``We may just have to starve our players from Wednesday until game time so they'll be hungry when they get out on the field.''
A week of practice may have changed Jones' mind.
``They couldn't wait to get out on the field and start hitting,'' he said. ``They were really going after each other. I'm hoping they'll save some of that for the other teams we play this year.''
That's good news after a 2-8 season last year, said Jones.
``We went into last season cautiously,'' he said. ``I wasn't quite sure what to expect and the players weren't either. This year, I know what to expect and they know they'll be pushed to the limit to get every ounce of potential out of them.''
Jones said if the Broncos reach that potential they could be dangerous.
``The coaches and the players are excited,'' Jones said. ``A lot of people outside the team probably aren't expecting a lot from us, but I think we're going to surprise a few people.''
The most dangerous of Franklin's weapons will be at wide receiver, where two starters - Carlandous Banks and Myroen Barrett - return.
Banks was the Broncos' big play man last year, but he had trouble catching short passes consistently, according to Jones.
``He has really worked hard to catch better, and I think other teams are going to find that out,'' Jones said. ``He'll be looked to a little more this year so he can open things up for other receivers.''
It will be up to new quarterback Lamont Hill to hit those receivers.
``(Hill) went to a lot of football camps to improve himself in the off-season,'' Jones said of the junior. ``We expect he's going to be able to step in and perform.''
After losing its top two starters last season, Franklin has four players expected to make contributions at running back. Sophomores Jody Boyce and Jason Keech are candidates for fullback, while senior Anthony Boone and sophomore Will Harris will see action at tailback.
The offensive line will be anchored by tackle Bobby Cooke and Chris Claggett, both returning starters.
Defense is the big question mark, Jones said.
``We have a lot of new faces on defense,'' he said. ``We're still going to try to play an aggressive attack-type of defense.''
Jones is looking for big things from sophomore Diron Newsome.
``He has a lot of natural football instincts,'' Jones said. ``He's quick, smart and gets to the ball in a hurry.''
Cooke and Banks will be the only seniors on defense. Dishaun Hart and Will Harris, both sophomores, will be looked upon to start.
Jones hopes his young starters get something else in a hurry.
``We've got to get experience quick,'' Jones said. ``For over half of our team, it's their first year playing varsity. The aggressiveness is there. The next step is to get aggressive against opponents.''
This year, the Broncos should be more prepared after a year under Jones.
``Last year, we tried to put everything in before two or three games,'' Jones said. ``This year, I'm being more patient and I think it's paid off.''
If it doesn't, you might find a ``Don't feed the Broncos'' sign at Franklin High. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Lamont Hill,
junior QB
Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Tackle Bobby Cooke will help anchor the offensive line for Franklin
High School.
by CNB