THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 28, 1996 TAG: 9604260155
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 39 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 55 lines
IN YEARS PAST, the Southeastern District boys soccer race has typically boiled down to four teams - Great Bridge, Deep Creek, Churchland and Western Branch.
Heading into the district portion of the season, it looked like Indian River was going to jump into the fray as the Braves were 4-1.
But after two league matches, it appears that form will be followed. Indian River lost its first two district games leading into Friday's match against Wilson - dropping lopsided decisions to the Bruins and Wildcats.
Even so, don't count Indian River out, warns several coaches. Looking past Oscar Smith could also be fatal.
The Braves have been led by Keston Smith's 13 goals in seven games. The sophomore forward has scored four in one outing. Sophan Phith scored the team's lone goal in Tuesday's 3-1 loss to the Wildcats and also has been playing well. Jason Perry has been a leader on defense.
Indian River coach Tom Banford has brought a pair of freshmen into the lineup - midfielder Morgan Murff and forward James Jackson. Jackson has had some quality assists, said Banford.
``I've been a little bit surprised at how we've done,'' Banford said. ``But I felt pretty good going into the season. We had five or six of the guys go undefeated in a winter indoor league, so they know how to play together.''
Heading into Friday's games, Deep Creek has the district lead with a 3-0 record, followed by Western Branch at 2-0-1, Great Bridge at 1-0-1 and Churchland at 1-1.
Deep Creek disposed of the Truckers with a decisive 3-0 victory and was scheduled to face Great Bridge Friday.
A victory there would put the Hornets in the driver's seat going into a May 3 meeting with Western Branch.
Deep Creek wins against both Great Bridge and Western Branch would leave the rest of the pack playing for tournament seedings.
The Hornets have scored 42 goals in 10 games - including 12-0 victories over Nansemond-Suffolk Academy and Wilson. Guy Auguste and Joe Verdi have led the way offensively.
Defending champ Great Bridge will have needed its best effort of the season to beat Deep Creek.
The Wildcats have been on a roller coaster ride so far.
``It's been up and down,'' coach Ed Welliver said. ``Mostly down. I just can't get (the players) to play as a team. At times, we've looked brilliant, and at times, clueless.
``It's been very frustrating, because last year we played steady.''
At the halfway point of the season, it appears the only thing steady is Deep Creek. by CNB