THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, October 26, 1995 TAG: 9510250150
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Long : 129 lines
Southampton's 44-0 blowout of Bruton Friday in a game between the Bay Rivers District's only two unbeaten teams clearly left the Indians, ranked No. 1 in the Associated Press Group AA poll, in the driver's seat for the final three weeks.
Southampton's next three opponents (Poquoson, Smithfield and Franklin) are a combined 0-11 in the district and are coming off losses.
``Our goal coming in this season was to be undefeated,'' Southampton running back and linebacker William Brown said after the Bruton game. ``Now, if we play like we should, we've got a good chance of doing that.''
The Indians' win left Lakeland, Nansemond River, York and Bruton in a deadlock for second with one loss each. Nansemond River hosts York, while Lakeland travels to Bailey Field to play Bruton Friday.
A look at this week's games:
Nansemond River vs. York
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Nansemond River
Records: Nansemond River (4-3 overall, 3-1 Bay Rivers); York (5-2, 3-1)
Last year's result: Nansemond River won 35-14
Outlook: The Warriors busted out of an offensive slump with a 47-6 win over Smithfield last week. Clarence Skinner rushed for 142 yards on 17 carries and scored three touchdowns. York has a balanced attack with quarterback Tyrone Dennis and running backs Sinque Holmes and Bryan Smiley.
The pick: Nansemond River 20, York 17. Last minute field goal propels the Warriors.
Lakeland vs. Bruton
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Bailey Field in Yorktown
Records: Lakeland (4-3 overall, 3-1 Bay Rivers); Bruton (5-2, 3-1)
Last year's result: Lakeland won 15-3
Outlook: The Cavaliers have been on a roll, winning three straight and outscoring opponents 141-14. Lakeland's Reginald Wiggins is approaching his third, consecutive 1,000-yard season after rushing for 145 last week. He has 884 yards this year. The Panthers will need to limit turnovers against a Cavaliers defense that has nine interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries.
The pick: Lakeland 30, Bruton 21. The Cavaliers get a big win on the road.
Southampton vs. Poquoson
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Poquoson Middle School
Records: Southampton (7-0 overall, 4-0 Bay Rivers); Poquoson (2-4, 0-3)
Last year's result: Southampton won 61-6
Outlook: The Indians found a new weapon in last week's rout of Bruton - defense. Southampton held the Panthers to 18 yards rushing and forced four turnovers. That means more trouble for the Islanders, who have averaged just over seven points in three district games. Rico Ivey led the Indians with 143 yards rushing on 13 carries and added touchdown runs of 61 and 50 yards.
The pick: Southampton 36, Poquoson 6. No sweat for the Indians.
Smithfield vs. Franklin
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Smithfield
Records: Smithfield (1-6 overall, 0-4 Bay Rivers); Franklin (0-7, 0-4)
Last year's result: Franklin won 30-6
Outlook: Both teams are coming off blowout losses and are hungry for their first district win. The Broncos have shown the ability for big plays with wide receiver Carlandous Banks, but they have struggled defensively. Franklin, which committed five turnovers last week, also has had trouble holding onto the football. The Packers need a big game from quarterback Daryl Savage, who was 2-6 for 11 yards with two interceptions last week.
The pick: Smithfield 20, Franklin 19. Missed extra point costs Franklin.
Nansemond-Suffolk Academy vs. Northampton
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Northampton
Records: Nansemond-Suffolk (2-6); Northampton (6-1)
Last year's result: Northampton won 51-0
Outlook: The Saints have bounced back from a dismal start to win two out of their last three and are tied for second place in the TCIS. Northampton's only loss was to Sussex Central 20-12. Junior halfback Sam Ames leads the Yellow Jackets with 750 yards rushing on 80 carries. Northampton, coming off a 47-0 win over Nandua, has allowed just over a touchdown per game.
The pick: Northampton 33, Nansemond-Suffolk 12. Powerful Yellow Jackets wear down the Saints in the second half.
Windsor vs. Surry
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Windsor
Records: Windsor (6-1 overall, 1-1 Tri-Rivers); Surry (7-0, 1-0)
Last year's result: Surry won 28-25
Outlook: The Dukes are in for another tough game after a 20-8 loss last week to Sussex Central, ranked No. 3 in the Virginia Group A poll. The Cougars are No. 6 and boast a dangerous passing attack led by quarterback Jerome Haskett. Surry, which had last week off, also has a strong defense with what coach Willie Gillus calls ``the Parson gang'' - cousins Herman, Joran and Shawn Parson. Windsor's hopes rest on the shoulders of running back Wayne Briggs, who was held to 50 yards rushing last week, his season low.
The pick: Surry 20, Windsor 18. A heartbreaker for the Dukes.
Isle of Wight vs. Chincoteague
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Chincoteague
Records: Isle of Wight (3-6); Chincoteague (1-6)
Last year's result: Isle of Wight won 52-39
Outlook: The Chargers will try to end their season on a positive note against the Ponies' running attack. Louis Wallop leads Chincoteague with 560 yards in seven games. Last week, Isle of Wight played well in a 28-8 loss against Brunswick Academy, ranked No. 1 in the state private school poll.
The pick: Isle of Wight 38, Chincoteague 12. The Chargers win big.
Southampton Academy vs. Lawrence Academy
Date: Oct. 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Site: Southampton Academy
Records: Southampton Academy (7-1 overall and Colonial Carolina Conference); Lawrence Academy (0-8)
Last year's result: Southampton Academy won 14-12
Outlook: The Raiders haven't given up a point at home this season. Brian Hobbs continued to lead Southampton Academy last week with 227 yards and five touchdowns in a 42-8 win over Enfield Academy.
The pick: Southampton Academy 26, Lawrence Academy 0. The Raiders get another shutout and some momentum for the playoffs.
Last week: 7-0
Overall: 38-6
Best pick: Nansemond-Suffolk 12, Hampton Roads 6; N-SA won 15-8.
Worst pick: none by CNB