THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 2, 1995 TAG: 9509020539
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Short : 42 lines
Following his first game as a college head coach, Darnell Moore was talking with a friend who told him about a fishing trip that netted 75 spot.
``I told him, `That's where I should have gone,' '' Moore said. ``He'd had a lot better luck than I had.''
What would become a 7-3 campaign got off to a horrible start for Norfolk State last season when the Spartans were trounced, 54-6, by Virginia State.
Moore's, and the Spartans', opportunity for redemption arrives tonight (WAVY, 7 p.m.) at Foreman Field in a nationally televised game.
Nine Norfolk State turnovers, including seven fumbles, made matters almost too easy a year ago for the Trojans, who turned six of those turnovers into touchdowns.
``It was a situation where we made mistakes that could be corrected,'' Moore said. ``If everything had gone right and we'd gotten beaten, then I would have worried.
``As it was, it was an entire learning experience and directed our attentions as a coaching staff. We thought we were prepared. We weren't. I can only say we're ahead of where we were last year in every aspect.''
Two injuries, however, could cause first-game shuffling. Backup tailback Jerry Davis is nursing a leg injury and is doubtful; left tackle Cornelias Biagas has a back strain and is questionable.
John Quinerly and Chris Williams will share time in a one-running back setup; Kenny McDaniel could move from left guard to tackle for the opener.
Virginia State will be without a lineman of its own. Offensive guard Jermaine Lovelace tore a shoulder muscle and is out for the year.
``We are not looking down our nose at them because of last year's game,'' Virginia State head coach Lou Anderson said. ``I never thought in all my years of coaching a team could give up that many turnovers. I'm sure they will be mindful to take better care of the ball this time.'' by CNB