THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 3, 1995 TAG: 9511030653
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: Medium: 91 lines
The Division 6 state high school football championship game is six weeks from Saturday, and if Green Run isn't in it the Stallions will be remembered as underachievers.
That's a harsh judgment to bestow on a group of teenagers, but in the opinion of everybody but the O.J. jury this team is a unique collection of talent.
``I haven't seen that kind of speed on a high school team since I've been coaching,'' one college recruiter said. ``If they don't win it all. . . .''
``That's probably as talented a bunch as I've seen,'' another recruiter said.
Green Run coach Cadillac Harris, who has been on the football staff since the school opened in 1979, flatly declares this the best team in school history.
That includes the 1986 team that featured future NFL players Matt Darby and Keith Goganious as well as All-Tidewater player of the year Alton Grizzard, who set several records at Navy.
``I don't see any physical weaknesses,'' Harris said. ``I know we're one of the best teams in the state. If we play to our potential, we can be one of the best teams in the country.''
Green Run has had a high-gloss look in running up an 8-0 record. The Stallions, ranked No. 2 in South Hampton Roads behind Deep Creek and No. 3 in the state, are the statistical darlings of South Hampton Roads.
They rank first in scoring at 42.9 points per game, almost two touchdowns better than runner-up Deep Creek; first in total offense; third in total defense; second in scoring defense.
They average 9.5 yards per play, have punted only five times and boast a turnover margin of plus-14.
The offensive line averages 6-foot-2 1/2 and 272 pounds, and 10 players have scored touchdowns.
The Stallions start 17 seniors; four go both ways. Two of them, flanker/strong safety Plaxico Burress and tailback/cornerback Cedric Warren, comprised one-half of the state championship 400-meter relay team last spring.
Burress and Warren are among eight players being recruited by Division I-A or I-AA programs, Harris said. That includes quarterback Eddie Cuffee, who started only two games before this season.
But, in the reflected glow of the starlight around him, Cuffee has shined brightest of all. He leads the area in passing with 1,093 yards and 16 touchdowns and is third in total offense.
A typical Monday mail drop for Harris brings five recruiting letters for Burress (Georgia, California, Maryland, Vanderbilt, East Tennessee); four for wide receiver Lanier Washington (two from Michigan State and one from Boston College and East Tennessee); three for Warren (two from Tennessee and one from East Tennessee); and one for tackle Ray Shupe (East Tennessee).
Any plans Harris has for the night include sticking close to the phone. A conversation with a reporter is interrupted when Virginia assistant head coach Tom O'Brien calls. He's heard that Burress didn't take the SAT last Saturday; not true.
Recruiters from Notre Dame and West Virginia call later that night.
If there is a knock against the Stallions it's that they play in a watered down Beach District that's added three schools since 1988. Of Green Run's first eight opponents only Salem (5-3) has a winning record.
``I know the perception of our district is that it's kind of weak,'' Harris said. ``That's the way things go.''
In many respects Green Run's season starts tonight when it visits third-ranked Tallwood. The Stallions can win the district title - the first jewel in what Harris hopes will be a state crown - with a victory.
Tallwood is 7-1 and ranks first in the area in total defense and first in scoring defense. The Lions need a victory to stay in the race, but if there is pressure to win it's on Green Run.
``Tallwood doesn't make mistakes,'' Princess Anne coach Mike Benzel said. ``Sometimes Green Run will fight among themselves. It's a curious factor. Will Green Run stay together if they fall behind early?''
Green Run has trailed only three times this season, never by more than a touchdown.
But on a team with so many stars there are just as many egos.
``That can be difficult at times,'' Harris said. ``But I've tried to get them to see that we can all enjoy this season if we play our roles. If we forced the ball to Plax he'd make some spectacular catches, but we'd also throw more interceptions.''
``Stats?'' Burress said with a scoff. ``Nobody on this team is worried about stats or rankings. We're just trying to stay level-headed and win games.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by CHRISTOPHER REDDICK, The Virginian-Pilot
Plaxico Burress is one of four two-way starters for the Stallions.
Cadillac Harris says this team is the best he's coached.
by CNB