THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 5, 1995 TAG: 9510040182
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 20 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Long : 145 lines
Nansemond River coach Jerry Varacallo is still waiting for his offense to get going.
``We just haven't been sharp on offense all year long,'' he said. ``Our defense has played OK, but they've been on the field too long.''
This Friday is a good time for the Warriors' offense to start clicking. Nansemond River travels to Southampton to meet the unbeaten Indians.
``It's the same old Southampton,'' Varacallo said. ``They appear to be the team to beat (in the Bay Rivers District). If they knock us off they're in the driver's seat, so it's a key game early in the season.''
The Indians, ranked No. 2 in the Associated Press Virginia high school poll, scored with just over a minute left to beat Lakeland last week.
Varacallo said the heat is on both teams.
``There's pressure on us to play well and pressure on them to stay undefeated,'' he said. ``Whichever team handles the pressure best is going to be the winner.''
A look at this week's games:
Nansemond River vs. Southampton
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Southampton
Records: Nansemond River (1-0 Bay Rivers, 2-2 overall); Southampton (1-0, 4-0)
Last year's result: Southampton won, 19-7
Outlook: Last week's win in the final minute over Lakeland proved that Southampton is for real. The Indians are led by Rico Ivey, who averages over 100 yards a game rushing. DeJuan Gambrell and Clarence Skinner return for the Warriors after serving one-game suspensions for disciplinary reasons, but starting defensive end and backup quarterback Anthony Jones is doubtful with a sprained knee. It's no secret that the Indians will try to play power football and run over Nansemond River, so it will be up to the Warriors' defense to perform.
The pick: Southampton 28, Nansemond River 20. Power football works.
Lakeland vs. Poquoson
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Lakeland
Records: Lakeland (0-1, 1-3); Poquoson (0-1, 2-2)
Last year's result: Lakeland won, 20-15
Outlook: The Cavaliers desperately need a win after dropping three close games. Lakeland's size should help against a scrappy Islander team that runs most of the time. Reginald Wiggins, who leads the Cavaliers with 381 yards rushing, is questionable because of a pinched nerve in his neck. He played only one quarter last week against Southampton.
The pick: Lakeland 22, Poquoson 16. A must win for the Cavaliers.
Smithfield vs. Bruton
Date: Oct. 7
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Site: Bruton
Records: Smithfield (0-1, 1-3); Bruton (1-0, 3-1)
Last year's result: Bruton won, 35-28
Outlook: The Packers held York scoreless last week before surrendering 17 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. Smithfield's passing attack has improved behind quarterback Daryl Savage, who threw for 179 yards and a touchdown last week. The Panthers are coming off a 27-3 win over Poquoson.
The pick: Bruton 27, Smithfield 13. Powerful Bruton offense too much for the Packers.
Franklin vs. York
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: York
Records: Franklin (0-1, 0-4); York (1-0, 3-1)
Last year's result: York won, 42-14
Outlook: The Broncos' tough times figure to continue against the Falcons. Franklin managed only 59 total yards against Nansemond River in a 23-8 loss. In last week's comeback win over Smithfield, York's Bryan Smiley rushed for 119 yards on 15 carries.
The pick: York 35, Franklin 14. It only gets worse for the Broncos.
Nansemond-Suffolk vs. Catholic
Date: Oct. 7
Time: 1:30 p.m.
Site: Catholic
Records: Nansemond-Suffolk (0-0 TCIS, 0-4 overall); Catholic (0-1 TCIS, 1-3 overall)
Last year's result: Catholic won, 18-15
Outlook: The Saints hope they'll have an easier time in district play. Nansemond-Suffolk coach Terry Crigger said his team has not been consistent for four quarters in any game and has made mistakes at crucial times. The teams have played one common opponent, Atlantic Shores. The Saints fell, 35-12, while the Crusaders dropped a 21-13 decision.
The pick: Catholic 24, Nansemond-Suffolk 16. Just a hunch.
Windsor vs. Mathews
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Windsor
Records: Windsor (4-0); Mathews (1-3)
Last year's result: Windsor won, 34-7
Outlook: After facing a wishbone offense for the first time against King and Queen last week, the Dukes will see a single and double wing attack against the Blue Devils. Windsor coach Tommy Austin's strategy against the confusing formation: ``Tackle everybody and if it moves, hit it.'' Against King and Queen the Dukes continued to do what they do best behind Wayne Briggs - run. Briggs ran for 214 yards on 29 carries and David Bickley added 78 yards.
The pick: Windsor 32, Mathews 12. A confusing defense isn't enough to stop the Dukes.
Isle of Wight vs. Tidewater Academy
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Isle of Wight
Records: Isle of Wight (2-4); Tidewater Academy (1-2)
Last year's result: Isle of Wight won, 34-6
Outlook: Charger coach Dale Champman hopes his team's win over Broadwater last week is a turning point. Isle of Wight had success running the ball as Van Williams rushed for 90 yards on 18 carries. Charger quarterback Richard Spady, who has struggled this year, intercepted four passes playing cornerback against Broadwater.
The pick: Isle of Wight 14, Tidewater Academy 6. Two straight for the Chargers.
Southampton Academy vs. Wake Christian
Date: Oct. 6
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Wake Christian
Records: Southampton Academy (4-1 Colonial Carolina Conference and overall); Wake Christian (4-1, 5-1)
Last year's result: Wake Christian won, 32-14
Outlook: The only loss for both teams has come against conference leader Hobgood Academy. The Raiders fell 22-14 in overtime and the Bulldogs lost 30-20. Brian Hobbs led Southampton Academy last week with 235 yards rushing on 19 carries and three touchdowns. Wake Christian is the biggest team the Raiders have faced.
The pick: Southampton Academy 42, Wake Christian 32. The Raiders use their quickness.
Last week: 6-1
Overall: 16-5
Best pick: Windsor 38, King and Queen 6. Windsor won, 32-12.
Worst pick: Wilson Christian 42, Southampton Academy 35. Southampton Academy won, 40-22. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Lakeland's Reginald Wiggins (5) runs around the Nansemond River
defense en route to a touchdown in a recent game.
by CNB