THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, March 24, 1996 TAG: 9603290739
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, SUN SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 94 lines
After being a Region I finalist in 1993 and a region semifinalist in 1994, the Franklin boys soccer team went 1-4-2 in the Bay Rivers District last season, tying for fifth place.
Ten returning starters this year, however, make the Broncos one of the district favorites and coach Greg Lomax expects to return to postseason play.
``With the experience we have coming back we see ourselves as a playoff team and possibly challenging for a (district) title,'' said Lomax, in his fifth year. ``All the factors are there for a good season. The first few weeks (of practice) have been the best two and a half weeks I've ever had at Franklin. The players get there early and everybody wants to stay late.''
Poquoson and York should also challenge for first place in the district. The top four finishers earn bids to the district tournament.
Here is a look at each area team from information provided by coaches:
Franklin
Coach: Greg Lomax
1995 record: 6-6-2 overall, 1-4-2 Bay Rivers
Key performers: Mark Evans (Sr., forward); Jordan Councill (Jr., midfielder); Eric Cox (Sr., midfielder-forward); Travis Fowler (Sr., defender); Joseph Harris (Sr., forward); Justin Halsey (Sr., goalie); Matt Adkins (Sr., midfielder); Patrick Kee (Sr., defender); Eric Kee ( Sr., defender); Bryce Powell (Soph., midfielder).
Outlook: Lomax said this team is more talented than the 1993 team that went 15-1. Evans is a two-time first team all-district selection and scored 16 goals last season, while Councill, who had six assists last year, earned first team all-district.
Southampton Coach: Lonnie Reavis
1995 record: 12-2-1 overall, 5-1-1 Bay Rivers
Key performers: Mark Turner (Sr., goalie); Aaron Pittman (Sr., forward); Johnathan Darden (Sr., forward); Robbie Blanford (Soph., defender); Jeff Watkins (Soph., midfielder); Phillip Watkins (Soph., midfielder); Patrick Gilvary (Soph., forward); Chad Nadeau (Fr., midfielder).
Outlook: The Indians are young but return seven players from last year's team. Turner recorded 263 saves and allowed only 15 goals. Blanford earned second team all-district, while Gilvary and Nadeau are up from the junior varsity team and should have an impact.
Smithfield
Coach: Jerry Tenney
1995 record: 8-6 overall, 2-5 Bay Rivers
Key performers: Earl Gibson (Sr., forward); Matthew Guthrie (Sr., sweeper); Gabriel McKusick (Sr., fullback); Jason Riley (Sr., midfielder); Tommy Routten (Sr., goalie); Mike Balentine (Sr., fullback); Chris Dale (Sr., forward).
Outlook: The Packers have a lot of experience and Tenney expects them to be in the top half of the district. Balentine is a transfer from Tabb. Smithfield plays Group AAA power First Colonial early in the season.
Nansemond River
Coach: Kevin Beale
1995 record: 3-9-2 overall, district record not provided
Key performers: Jerred Fender (Sr., goalie); Juston Ellis (Jr., halfback); Mike Merrell (Sr., halfback); Ryan Parrish (Sr., forward); Drey Asbell (Sr., midfielder); Ryan Hammond (Soph., defender); Thomas Merrell (Sr., defender); Jason Jackson (Sr., midfielder); Justin Pretlow (Jr., forward).
Outlook: Beale said this team is the quickest and most skilled he has had in three years as head coach. Nine players that started at some point last season return. Fender is a solid goalie who started last year, while Ellis and Asbell are expected to carry the scoring load.
Lakeland
Coach: David Wessel
1995 record: 3-7-1 overall, 0-7 Bay Rivers
Key performers: Daren Babb (Sr., halfback); Coran Newton (Jr., halfback-fullback); Johnny Goodwin (Sr., goalie); Aaron Dowaliby (Sr., sweeper); Jared Kiesow (Sr., halfback-striker); Alan McCrary (Sr., goalie); Josh Worrell (Sr., halfback); Jennifer Bungubung (Sr., fullback).
Outlook: Seven returning starters will help the Cavaliers improve over last season. Wessel said several players from a junior varsity team that went 8-2-1 last year should also help. Goodwin and McCrary provide Lakeland with a solid platoon in goal, while Dowaliby was a second team all-district selection last year.
Windsor
Coach: Milton Kemp
1995 record: 0-9-1 overall
Key performers: Ben Bowen (Jr., forward); Jeremiah Lewis (Soph., forward); Evan Day (Sr., fullback); Chuck Kemp (Sr., fullback); Chris Zephir (Sr., forward); Tim Andreski (Jr., halfback).
Outlook: The Dukes began soccer last year and were forced to play only Group AA schools since it is not recognized by the Tri-Rivers District. Kemp said the team is 100 percent better than last season, but still has a long way to go. Windsor will play mostly Group AA schools again this year, but Kemp said the tough schedule will help. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by MICHAEL KESTNER
Raymond Brooks, left, and Mark Evans bring the ball down field...
by CNB