THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 16, 1995 TAG: 9511160428
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 77 lines
As the only team in the Eastern Region playoffs with an asterisk beside its name, one might expect Granby to be self-conscious about Friday night's date with mighty Hampton at Darling Stadium.
The Comets (7-3) haven't beaten a team with a winning record this season and made the playoffs only when Booker T. Washington forfeited five victories and the Eastern District title.
But one of the hallmarks of youth is the ability to look past the storm and find the rainbow.
``I don't feel like Hampton has played a defense as good as ours,'' said Granby's Mike Urbaniak, a 5-foot-11, 229-pound inside linebacker. ``I feel we can play with anyone in the area.''
There is some evidence to back that claim.
The Comets held top-ranked Deep Creek to its lowest point total of the season in a 17-6 defeat. They also kept it close against fifth-ranked Western Branch (28-20) and sixth-ranked Booker T. Washington (17-12).
Granby's last defeat occurred four weeks ago against Norview and appeared to snuff out the Comets' playoff hopes. Granby was 3-4 and Booker T. was 6-1.
``There was a lot of talk about salvaging the season at that point,'' Granby coach Dave Hudak said. ``We talked about making it a three-game season. Then we shut out Lake Taylor (14-0) and changed our goal to a three-game season with no one scoring on us.''
The Comets achieved that last Thursday with a 12-0 win over Norcom.
Hudak had questioned whether the Comets were playoff material until then. But that victory convinced him that if Granby doesn't exactly belong in the playoffs, the Comets aren't trespassing, either.
``I know Norcom isn't having a banner year,'' Hudak said. ``But they are a lot better than they were at the beginning of the season and that win made us feel better as a whole team.''
For most of the season Granby's identity has been linked to quarterback and safety Anthony King, who announced in August he will sign with Penn State.
King, a whirling dervish, finished second in South Hampton Roads in total offense with 1,720 yards. But as the shutouts began to mount the Comets' character turned defensive.
Granby's five shutouts were the most in South Hampton Roads.
The Comets' ``Silver Death'' defense - the school colors are silver, gold and blue - relies on quickness and experience. The unit features eight seniors and right tackle Ray Martin (6-2, 258) and noseguard William Thornton (6-0, 185) are four-year starters.
The two linebackers, Joe Bryant and Urbaniak, are a perfect pair. Urbaniak is a disciple of smash-mouth football while Bryant, the team's leading receiver, is fast enough to run down backs from the opposite side of the field.
One of the few places Hudak tinkered with the defense is in the secondary. When teams stopped throwing to King's side of the field they moved him from cornerback to free safety and he returned an interception for a touchdown against Norcom.
What truly distinguishes this defense, however, is its work ethic.
``Any free time they have is spent watching film,'' Hudak said. ``Some come in before school, a lot bring their lunch in the locker room. Over a four-day period that adds up to an extra two hours per week.
``These guys are so focused and understand what we're trying to do so well that they have almost become coaches themselves.''
Understanding their assignments is one thing. Executing them against a team like Hampton is another.
``This is just another chance to prove ourselves,'' said tight end Anthony Allen. ``Now we have to go out and do it.''
PLAYOFF TICKETS: Tickets will be on sale during school hours today and Friday at Green Run, Kempsville, Indian River, Tallwood, Deep Creek, Granby, Hampton and Kecoughtan. Advance sale tickets are not available at the game sites. The tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for children. ILLUSTRATION: Photos
Noseguard William Thornton, left, and linebacker Mike Urbaniak help
anchor Granby's ``Silver Death'' defense.
by CNB