THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508310242
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 17 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: By KEVIN DOEPP, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: ISLE OF WIGHT LENGTH: Medium: 72 lines
After going winless in the Virginia Commonwealth last season and posting a 2-8 overall record, coach Dale Chapman of Isle of Wight Academy is hoping for the sun to shine brighter on his team entering the 1995-96 football season.
``Last year the sun was always shining on the other dog,'' said third year head coach Chapman. ``The breaks were always going to the other team. Hopefully we can change that this year.''
Helping Chapman to try and change the team's luck will be his seven returning starters. He also believes that he has three newcomers who will be big contributors this season.
``The difference between this year's team and last year's is that we are more experienced.'' Chapman said. ``I have seven seniors who have played a lot of football since the eighth grade. We have a lot of leadership this year.''
Leading the way for the returners is the team's prolific passer, quarterback Richard Spady.
Last year Spady, a rising senior, threw for an astonishing 1,689 yards. Along with his quarterbacking duties, Spady will assume the placekicking role and will start in the Chargers' secondary.
Joining Spady on offense will be wide receiver Dwayne Hall. He and tight end Robert Chappell return and will serve as Spady's main targets.
According to Chapman he plans on throwing about 60 percent of the time and running the other 40 percent. He hopes his lack of size on his offensive line will be offset by quickness
``We aren't real big,'' said Chapman. ``I think we have only one guy on our offensive line who weighs more than 200 pounds.
``The one thing I know we will be is aggressive on offense. We aren't gonna be afraid to throw it. For us to be successful we are going to have to make things happen.''
Rounding out the other key positions on offense will be Mike Rogers as the Chargers' starting fullback. This will be Rogers' third year at the position. Last season he rushed for 588 yards.
Ursulus Day is the other senior in the backfield.
The top two lineman on offense are Phillip Upton, a guard, and Josh Fisher at the other guard. The lone 200-plus lineman is Josh Harrington who checks in at 228 pounds.
Leading the way for the newcomers is Van Williams. Williams, a rising sophomore, will see considerable time at running back. He will be one of the starting linebackers on defense.
``Another difference from last year's team is that not only will the younger guys play, but they will be step in right away and help us,'' Chapman said. ``They won't just be members of the team.''
Josh Harrington and Justin Harrington are the other two top newcomers. Josh is a rising junior who will play offensive and defensive line and Justin, a rising sophomore, will also play offensive and defensive line.
This year Chapman has 28 varsity players. That is the most that he has had since he has been head coach. He just hopes that he is able to keep the team healthy.
``Keeping everyone healthy will be our biggest problem,'' Chapman said. ``If we can stay healthy and get some breaks we aren't going to be in the middle of the pack.'' ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by Michael Kestner
Isle of Wight Academy's Dwaynee Hall will play the position if wide
receiver. He is one of seven returning starters.
by CNB