THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, November 10, 1995 TAG: 9511100651
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
While there has never been any question about Deep Creek's dominance on the offensive side of the ball, the Hornets' defense had never demonstrated the same kind of mastery.
That changed Thursday night, when Deep Creek exploited every imaginable Western Branch weakness in a 38-0 romp, sealing the Hornets' second straight undefeated regular season.
It was the Bruins' first shutout in 70 games, dating back to the 1989 season.
``Western Branch has an excellent running attack, especially off tackle and in the sweep area,'' said John Dukes, Deep Creek's defensive coordinator. ``We tried to be aggressive and stop the short passing game.
``Actually, we just played our base defense and the kids executed very well.''
The Bruins netted a season-low 135 yards, 170 yards below their average.
Western Branch failed to mount a significant offensive threat beyond its opening drive, when quarterback Daryl Walton was intercepted by George Miller at the Deep Creek 15.
The Hornets' defense forced four turnovers on the night, leading to 17 points.
After that initial possession, Western Branch didn't pass midfield again.
``We could tell they were frustrated,'' said lineman Nick Cuffee, who sacked Walton for a 10-yard loss that killed a Bruins' drive in the third quarter.
``When you've got a high-powered offense who's being shut down, I guess it is frustrating.''
If Deep Creek had a perceived shortcoming entering into the game, it was the team's pass defense, which had given up an average of 115 yards in its first nine games. The Hornets' backfield responded with several tipped passes in key situations, holding the Bruins' vaunted air attack to just 47 yards.
``Everybody said we had a weak secondary and that we allowed too many yards through the air,'' said defensive back Teray Frost. ``We proved ourselves tonight.
``We just kept our heads and played ball.'' by CNB