THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 10, 1995 TAG: 9510100380
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 60 lines
Indian River's winning touchdown pass against Norcom last Friday - a 22-yard strike from Antwan Stukes to James Boyd with 13 seconds left - wasn't called from the sideline or the press box.
James Boyd, the Braves' junior quarterback, suggested the play during a timeout.
``He came over and said, ``Let me go out. I'll catch it. I promise,' '' Indian River coach Bob Parker said.
Parker consulted with assistant coach Phil Twine, who was in the press box, and was still skeptical, when Boyd piped up again.
Stukes, a talented freshman, has been working a few series each game at quarterback. But he had attempted only two passes - and completed one - before the big moment.
Boyd had spent even less time working at wide receiver, but caught several touchdown passes in the 1993 playoffs as a freshman.
``I've got faith in him,'' Parker said. ``He's that kind of athlete.''
Parker has considerably less faith in the officials.
Indian River has been penalized 46 times for 460 yards; its five opponents have been penalized 21 times for 123 yards.
``We're guilty of our penalties,'' Parker said, ``but a lot them aren't being called on the other side.''
Parker said he will formally complain to commissioner Dick Bowie.
SHORT PASSES: Kudos to WTKR Channel 3 for showing Indian River's winning touchdown pass against Norcom last Friday. All three network affiliates have devoted increased air time to high school football on Friday nights. The best package week in and week out is Bruce Rader's on Channel 10. ... Green Run played without tackle Troy Smith (shoulder), and fullback Larry Jordan (knee) left early in Friday night's 51-13 rout of Princess Anne. Jordan, who is averaging 14.9 yards per carry, is expected back this week against Salem. Smith could be out longer. ... Kempsville's 481 yards rushing against Cox last Friday was a school record. The Chiefs did it without Trey Simkins (shoulder), who entered the game as the team's leading rusher and finished it third behind Zeb Clark and Alex Lleces.
MILESTONES: Deep Creek's Deon Dyer broke the school career-rushing record with his 95 yards against Lake Taylor. Dyer has 2,267 yards. The old mark was 2,194 yards held by Denell Harper (1983-85). ... Indian River's Boyd passed the 2,000-yard mark in career total offense with 186 yards against Norcom. Boyd has 2,048 yards, 1,161 passing and 887 rushing. ... Princess Anne's Mike Majette continued his assault on Terry Ricks' all-time South Hampton Roads rushing record with 111 yards against Green Run. Majette (see chart) passed Norview's Mark Hill and moved into eighth place.
BELIEVE IT OR NOT: An onside kick by Princess Anne's Richie Russo traveled 11 yards backward against Green Run. Russo hooked the ball toward the PA sideline and it hit the ground and rolled backward to the 29. ... First Colonial, Norcom and Lake Taylor are a combined 4-12. Their coaches, Frank Webster (252-101-9), Joe Langston (143-78-4) and Bert Harrell (95-39-4), respectively, are a combined 490-208-17 in their careers. by CNB