THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 28, 1996 TAG: 9603260160
SECTION: NORFOLK COMPASS PAGE: 25 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
Over the past couple of years, Eastern District boys soccer teams have climbed slowly up the ladder of region respect. This season, a pair of Norfolk teams should move up a couple of rungs.
Last year, Granby and Maury were the class of the conference but fell in lopsided region contests to Peninsula powers Menchville and eventual region winner Lafayette.
This season, the two again will play head and shoulders above their district foes and might just provide a little more competition for traditionally powerful Beach and Peninsula opponents.
The reason is that both the Comets and Commodores have finally filled their rosters with quality private club team players - a key element of success.
``For the last couple of years, we had good athletes trying to play soccer instead of a bunch of good soccer players,'' Granby coach Mike Kennedy said.
Maury coach Mohsin Bouziane added: ``For the first time at Maury, we have 11 starters who play soccer all year round. Most play on select travel soccer teams. We now have the experience we need.''
That spells trouble for the district's remaining three teams and some new competition for the rest of the area's elite.
Several Beach teams qualify as area elites. Among them are First Colonial, Kempsville, Cox, Princess Anne, Salem and Kellam. In the Southeastern District, the teams to beat are Great Bridge, Deep Creek, Churchland and Western Branch.
A look at Eastern District boys soccer teams:
[The rest of this story is not available electronically. For complete text, please see microfilm.] ILLUSTRATION: File photo by GARY C. KNAPP
Junior midfielder Joe Tumminelli returns for a Granby team that
hopes to make more strides in the region this season.
by CNB