THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 3, 1995 TAG: 9509010229
SECTION: CAROLINA COAST PAGE: 58 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JEFF ZEIGLER
CORRESPONDENT
DATELINE: BARCO LENGTH: Short : 44 lines
Something very odd happened in Currituck County's 24-22 loss to Northside Aug. 25. The Knights scored three touchdowns on pass plays!
The Knights, known for their wishbone offense, have added a new option this season. Quarterback Justin Hill came out throwing. He tossed only five passes, but that's usually several games worth for Currituck.
``When's the last time you saw Currituck score three times on passes?'' joked Donnie Simpson, Currituck head coach.
Hill made two of his three receptions count. The first was a 70-yard touchdown strike to Ronnie Culley in the first half. The second completion was a 40-yard touchdown pass to Ken Simmons in the second quarter. The third pass play was a halfback option, something which the Knights have used in the past. Chris Patterson slung a 42-yard pass to Culley for the third touchdown in the fourth quarter.
Simpson said that Northside was daring the Knights to pass.
``We had to take what they would give us,'' Simpson said. ``They were ganging up on us at the line.''
The two teams are familiar with each other having played four close games in the series. But this year, the Knights have four good wide outs - Ken Simmons, Brian Willoughby, Culley and Kevin Long - which Simpson intends to use.
``Justin was there last year and threw quite well off the play action,'' Simpson said. ``We've talked about the fact that we've got four good wide outs. Usually we only use one, but we've got four this year. Culley, who caught two touchdown passes was the No. 3 split end to start the year.''
Simmons is still the Knights' biggest threat at receiver. Last year he set a school record with six receptions in a game against Plymouth.
``We'll have more play action plays,'' Simpson said. ``When they gang up on us, we'll throw stuff over the top. The kids are a year older and we have better athletes. We can do some things that we couldn't do last year.'' by CNB