THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 9, 1995 TAG: 9511090507
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
They hear it from schoolmates in the hall, from strangers in the mall and even in their sleep.
``You're going to lose,'' the mantra goes. ``Western Branch can't win the big one.''
Oh, boy. Here it is, the day of Western Branch's biggest game since 1977, and the Bruins not only have to beat Deep Creek but the three witches from Macbeth, as well.
Life is tough when you play for the region's best team in the 90s never to make the playoffs.
Western Branch is a combined 40-19 over the past six seasons. Throw out a 5-5 mark in 1990 and the record is a gaudy 35-14.
But like clockwork the Bruins' season ends the second weekend in November.
Western Branch coach Lew Johnston can remember a couple of times the Bruins entered their last game with a chance to make the postseason. But it always depended on another team losing and they never did.
That's what makes tonight's game so deliciously different.
The Southeastern District championship and the top seed in Division 5 will be on the line when the Hornets and Bruins meet at Western Branch.
Deep Creek, 9-0 overall, is in the playoffs win or lose. The worst that can happen for the Hornets is a rematch next week.
But Western Branch is 8-1 and the margin for error is as narrow as a yard stripe. The Bruins can lose and still make the playoffs, but it could come down to a draw from a hat.
Western Branch wouldn't be in this predicament if it had beaten Lake Taylor. But the underdog Titans, who have won only three games on the field, got a herculean effort from Ronyell Whitaker, who returned two interceptions and a punt for touchdowns in a 22-14 upset.
``I'd thought we'd be 9-0,'' said Lorenzo Ferguson, a wingback and defensive back who has committed to Virginia Tech. ``But we still knew everything would come down to Deep Creek.
``This game means everything, especially to us seniors. It's our last chance to do something and I want to go to the playoffs.''
No one would take a loss harder than Bruins' wingback Shyrone Stith. He missed last week's victory over Oscar Smith with a swollen kidney and is doubtful for tonight.
``I'd give up my kidney to beat Deep Creek,'' he said, only half-kidding.
Johnston would never permit that. It's his job to keep things in perspective, a point hammered home Sunday night by Florida State coach Bobby Bowden in a speech at First Baptist Church in Virginia Beach.
Bowden's team likely lost its shot at a national title three nights before in a loss to Virginia.
``I want to win as badly as anyone,'' Johnston said. ``But the Bible says we must persevere. If we don't win or make the playoffs it won't be the end of the world.''
There are few minefields more dangerous to maneuver than making the Eastern Region Division 5 playoffs. The region has produced three state champions and a runnerup since 1989.
Five Eastern Region Division 5 teams - Deep Creek, Hampton, Western Branch, Phoebus and Kecoughtan - received votes in this week's state poll. Booker T. Washington would have too, if it hadn't forfeited five victories.
Granby (6-3) will replace the Bookers as the Eastern District's playoff representative. Western Branch beat Granby 28-20 in its season opener.
The Bruins also whipped Indian River for the second straight year. The Braves (7-2) won the Division 6 region title last season and figure to make the playoffs again.
``The kids claim they understand how teams we beat get in the playoffs and we don't,'' Johnston said. ``But I'm not sure they do.''
It has been suggested that the top four teams in the power ratings advance to the playoff - a slap at the Eastern District whose champion often fails to meet that criteria - but Johnston disagrees.
``I still think it's the best system,'' he said.``If you're a district champion you've earned the right to advance. I also like what is happening next year with realignment. I think there will be more balance.''
The region expands to 37 schools next year with the addition of Hickory, Lakeland and Nansemond River. That also means there will be some shuffling between Divisions 5 and 6.
``That won't be determined until the spring, but I think we'll be in Division 6 and probably Deep Creek, too,'' Johnston said.
That would separate the two Chesapeake powers from the always strong Hampton schools, ostensibly making it easier to make the playoffs.
But that's 1996 and the last thing anyone at Western Branch wants to hear this week is ``Wait until next year.'' ILLUSTRATION: BRUINS' BLUES
Western Branch hasn't won a Southeastern District championship or
advanced to post-season play since 1977. The Bruins' fortunes began
to change five years ago, but with a 34-15 record since 1991 its
been their dubious distinction to be the best team not to make the
playoffs in this decade. Western Branch can shed that label tonight
with a victory over top-ranked Deep Creek.
by CNB