THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 30, 1995 TAG: 9509300429
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
Top-ranked Deep Creek staved off a second-half comeback by No. 7 Churchland and beat the Truckers 29-21 Friday night in a game that left both teams doubting themselves.
Deep Creek (4-0 overall and 2-0 in the Southeastern District) was left wondering how a seemingly secure 17-0 halftime lead almost got away against a wishbone team that is not supposed to be able to make up large deficits.
``I don't understand it,'' Deep Creek fullback Deon Dyer said. ``Maybe we're not practicing hard enough.''
Dyer would seem immune to self-criticism after carrying 17 times for 160 yards and three touchdowns. His 30-yard burst off the left side made it 29-21 with 1:18 to play.
The second-guessing for Churchland concerned the first half. The Truckers, looking for a surprise lift, came out with a no-huddle offense and an unbalanced line.
``Maybe that was a mistake,'' Churchland coach Ken Taylor said. ``We went back to our basic stuff in the second half and took it to them.''
Churchland (2-2, 2-2) capitalized on a pair of major penalties to drive 75 yards with the second-half kickoff. Jermaine Turner covered the last 5 yards off left tackle for the touchdown, and David Tynch converted the extra point to make it 17-7.
After the teams traded possessions on a punt and an interception, Churchland got the ball back at the Hornets' 28 on a fumble recovery by Kevin Lewis.
Four plays later Steve Johnson bounced off his own blocker in the backfield and squirted 18 yards up the middle for another Churchland score. Tynch's extra point made it 17-14 with 9:57 to play.'
Churchland again forced Deep Creek to punt and took over on its 36 with eight minutes to play. But on third-and-4, cornerback Daryl Huskey picked off his second pass of the game and returned it to the Churchland 38.
``They kept sending the tight end out and lobbing it to him,'' Huskey said. ``I just got a good jump on the ball.''
An unsportsmanlike conduct penalty against Churchland on the return moved the ball to the 23. After Dyer was stopped for a 1-yard loss, quarterback Arnie Powell hit Angelo Sykes streaking down the right sideline for a touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked and Deep Creek led 23-14 with 5:25 left.
Churchland came right back. Otis Jones hit Turner on a deep post for a 72-yard gain to the Deep Creek 8. Two plays later Jones sneaked in from the 4, and the extra point cut the lead to 23-21 with 4:22 remaining.
Churchland again forced Deep Creek to punt, but with the wind at his back, Verdi boomed the kick 66 yards. A 10-yard clipping penalty on the return gave the Truckers the ball at their 11 with 3:11 left.
Three passes gained only 1 yard and Churchland elected to punt. The kick went only 27 yards and Deep Creek took possession at the Truckers' 38 with 2:19 remaining.
Two plays later, Dyer was in the end zone. The Truckers again blocked the extra point try, leaving them only eight points behind.
Verdi's kickoff went through the end zone and Churchland took over at its 20. Johnson took a pitchout 8 yards on first down, but the Hornets sacked Jones twice and his fourth-down pass to Turner was incomplete.
Deep Creek dominated the first half, outgaining the Truckers 219 yards to 69. Dyer scored on runs of 1 and 12 yards and Verdi kicked a 43-yard field goal. ILLUSTRATION: Color staff photo by LAWRENCE JACKSON
Deep Creek quarterback Arnie Powell threw one touchdown pass to help
the Hornets win. Despite the victory, Deep Creek was worried after
squandering a seemingly secure 17-0 halftime lead.
TODAY'S GAMES
Indian River vs. Wilson
Time: 2 p.m.
Site: Churchland High
Records: Indian River (0-0, 3-0); Wilson (0-2, 0-4)
Last year's result: Indian River won 6-0
Outlook: This game has ugly written all over it. The
second-ranked Braves are hitting their stride and Wilson is coming
off a 42-0 loss to Deep Creek.
Riverdale Baptist vs. Atlantic Shores
Time: 2 p.m.
Site: Atlantic Shores
Records: Riverdale Baptist (3-1); Atlantic Shores (3-1)
Last year's result: Did not play.
Outlook: Seahawks must guard against being too emotional playing
against former coach Mickey Toll, now the head coach and athletic
director at Riverdale Baptist.
Benedictine vs. Catholic
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Site: Catholic
Records: Benedictine (3-1); Catholic (1-2).
Last year's result: Benedictine won, 21-12.
Outlook: Youthful Crusaders continue to be plagued by their
mistakes and will need their best defensive effort of the season to
contain Benedictine tailback David Latney, the team's leading rusher
and scorer.
The picks:
Indian River 42, Wilson 0: Braves keep pace with Deep Creek.
Benedictine 25, Catholic 13: Crusaders lose third straight.
Riverdale Baptist 28, Atlantic Shores 14: Seahawks fall to their
former coach.
by CNB