THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, November 5, 1995 TAG: 9511030206
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 38 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Long : 110 lines
Deep Creek versus Western Branch. A game that will likely determine who claims the Southeastern District title and an automatic berth in the playoffs.
Will it be a nailbiter? A game for the record books?
Or will one team dominate the other in a mismatch that leaves people scratching their heads?
All questions will be answered when the teams lock horns Thursday in the season-ender for both. For now, let's analyze and compare various aspects of each team's game and determine which squad might have the edge.
(Because of early deadlines, the statistics used do not include games played Nov. 3).
QUARTERBACK
Deep Creek: Junior Arnie Powell came alive last year against Hampton in the playoffs, but hr hasn't shown the same stuff this season. He hasn't needed to. Passing is not a huge part of the Hornets' game, but coach Jerry Carter says that Powell, a classic drop-back passer stuck in a play-action scheme, has adjusted to the system. Still, with less than 53 passing yards per game, Powell is untested.
Western Branch: Although senior Daryl Walton is mobile, he doesn't run with the ball much (only 39 yards rushing so far this season). G1JUFAX05 Walton While his arm strength is above average, Walton's real edge is in his ability to read coverages and find the open receiver. Currently fourth in the area with 870 passing yards and second with 11 touchdown passes, Walton is a key to the Bruins' success.
Advantage: Western Branch.
RUSHING
Deep Creek: Deon Dyer is without parallel. First in the area in scoring (19 touchdowns) and second in rushing yardage (1,108), Dyer averages close to a first down every time he touches the ball. No defense has been able to contain him. Angelo Sykes, Teray Frost and Terrance Mack are dependable when Dyer doesn't get the call.
Western Branch: Even though he's played in only 4 1/2 games, Shyrone Stith is second to Dyer in the district with 670 rushing yards. Stith, however, has been plagued by injuries, first a calf bruise and most recently a bruised kidney. Backup Malik Cook, who scored three touchdowns against Great Bridge, is slowed by a strained knee.
Advantage: Deep Creek.
RECEIVING
Deep Creek: Again, with the focus being on the running game, the Hornets' receivers haven't had much of a workout. Kendall Watson, who broke his leg in the state championship game last season, and Carlos Perry are both solid when needed.
Western Branch: Senior Darren Walton is by far the most prolific wideout in the district, with 477 yards and four touchdowns on 33 catches. According to coach Lew Johnston, Walton excels at beating his defender and getting open at all costs. Lorenzo Ferguson gets whatever passes Walton doesn't.
Advantage: Western Branch.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Deep Creek: Dyer is naturally talented, but he's right when he gives a lot of credit to his linemen, who set enough blocks for Deep Creek to average nearly 260 yards rushing per game. The line isn't huge, but it is experienced - three juniors and two seniors. Nick Cuffee (6-0, 225) leads the way at left guard, but senior George Mincey (5-11, 252) is the Hornets' big man.
Western Branch: Quentin Battle (6-4, 265) is not a guy you can push around. The Bruins' only disadvantage is what gives Deep Creek the edge - experience. All were rookies at the start of the season, although Johnston says they are much improved. Left guard J.D. Smith is slowed by a bruised calf.
Advantage: Deep Creek.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Deep Creek: The front four is one of the Hornets' strengths. The tandem of ends Cuffee and Andre Thomas (5-11, 220) and tackles Tim Griffin (6-1, 220) and Richard Rogers (6-4, 255) hold opponents to an average of 71.5 yards on the ground. Linebackers George Miller and Kevin Parker fill the gaps.
Western Branch: The unsung hero for the Bruins is senior Mark Edmonson (5-10, 185), an end who always lines up on the opponent's strongest side. Jason Hess (6-1, 260) has great size, but Western Branch already gives up 120 yards rushing each game, a figure that is sure to go higher with Dyer in the picture.
Advantage: Deep Creek.
SECONDARY
Deep Creek: If there's a defensive weakness, it's here. Deep Creek allows an average of nearly 120 yards to opposing quarterbacks, and the Hornets aren't known for their tough pass defenses against teams that love to go to the air. Darryl Huskey, Mack and Lamar Claiborne will have to be on their game.
Western Branch: Ferguson is one of the main men in the backfield for the Bruins, who are holding opponents under 85 yards passing per game. Junior Jason Parker is an excellent coverage man, while Ferguson has speed to burn. Clayton Porter is also solid, although bothered by a knee injury.
Advantage: Western Branch.
KICKING
Deep Creek: What more can be said about Joe Verdi? He's the best all-around kicker in the area, nearly flawless on extra-point attempts and puts kickoffs into the end zone at a rate of over 70 percent.
Western Branch: Daniel Dussia has been overshadowed by Verdi to an extent, perhaps unfairly. Dussia is a solid, accurate kicker whom the Bruins will go to whenever necessary.
Advantage: Deep Creek. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Walton
Dyer
Cuffee
Thomas
Ferguson
by CNB