THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 21, 1995 TAG: 9509210525
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C8 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 79 lines
One threw for 480 yards and four touchdowns. The other caught nine passes for 209 yards, including an 87-yard touchdown reception.
Norfolk State University's Aaron Sparrow and James Roe should have been easy picks for offensive back and receiver of the week in the CIAA.
Instead, the CIAA selected N.C. Central's Duran McLaurin (228 yards passing, two TDs) and Bowie State's Thomas Destry (four receptions, 103 yards, one TD).
The Spartans are not pleased with the selections, but are willing to take partial blame for the oversight.
The CIAA has invoked a 10:30 a.m. Sunday deadline for nominations. The Spartans were in transit Sunday morning from High Point, N.C., where they'd stayed following a Saturday night 42-28 victory over Livingstone College in Spencer, N.C.
``We were a little bit late filing our information,'' said Spartans sports information director John Holley. ``We filed our paperwork with the CIAA office sometime after 12. Of course, when you play a night game out of town the previous night, that deadline might be a little early. I was more concerned with getting the statistical packages in correctly.''
Holley said there was also a breakdown in communication between the CIAA office and Norfolk State. He'd believed the deadline was for Monday morning, not Sunday.
``We weren't notified of the change,'' Holley said. ``But I must take the blame for this oversight.''
The CIAA office, however, should have employed best judgment and nominated Sparrow and Roe on its own.
Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore's reaction to the omission?
``No comment.''
TOP-20 RANKING: Elizabeth City State, following its 22-19 victory over Winston-Salem State last week, improved to 3-0 and broke into this week's Division II poll at No. 20.
The Vikings have won seven of their last nine games heading into Saturday's 7:30 p.m. showdown with Norfolk State at Foreman Field. Elizabeth City State beat the Spartans 27-26 last year.
``I had no idea it would happen,'' Vikings coach George Moody said after learning of his team's ranking. ``We weren't even thinking of it. We knew we were first in the conference and ranked in the South Atlantic Region. But top 20? Wow.
``It can do nothing but just up the tempo and indicate to the players that they have to turn what they're doing up two or three notches. I've always stated that anything positive for the image of the school is great.''
CORNERBACK CORNER: Norfolk State sophomore cornerback Lydell Finley came through with a timely interception with 3:38 remaining in the third quarter Saturday.
Just minutes after Sparrow had been intercepted and with the Spartans nursing a 27-21 lead, Finley picked off a Pernell Wilder pass at the Spartans' 37 that was intended for Livingstone's Shawn Foster, who had already caught two touchdown passes.
It was Finley's first interception of the season. He also has batted down six passes.
``Finley's being picked on because people see Byron Wilson as being our best defensive back right now,'' said Norfolk State defensive coordinator James Garland. ``Lydell had gotten caught sleeping earlier (37-yard halfback pass from Timmy McClain to Foster in the first quarter).
``But to his credit he didn't go into shell shock and played pretty well after that. Defensive backs have to realize they're going to get beat every once in a while. How they respond to it often makes a difference.''
INJURY REPORT: Spartans offensive tackle Cornelias Biagas is still nursing a bad back and is doubtful this week. Linebacker Robert Johnson is expected back after a knee sprain limited his play against Livingstone. Also, tailback John Quinerly is still bothered by a bruised shoulder and fellow tailback Jerry Davis should see additional action against Elizabeth City State. ILLUSTRATION: STAFF FILE photo
James Roe caught nine passes for 209 yards, including an 87-yard TD,
but was not named receiver of the week in the CIAA.
by CNB