THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, June 19, 1996 TAG: 9606190537
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 33 lines
A matchup of defending state champions could occur in the Eastern Region playoffs next fall as a result of the Virginia High School League's restructuring of divisions.
Indian River, the Division 6 champion, has been moved to Division 5 where it joins Hampton. The Crabbers are the defending Division 5 champs.
``I guess it's just as well,'' Indian River coach Bob Parker said. ``It seems like I've been apologizing all year for winning the Division 6 state championship. We'll see now if we're good enough to win Division 5.''
Both teams return star quarterbacks, James Boyd at Indian River and Ronald Curry at Hampton.
Group AAA is divided into Divisions 6 and 5 with the largest schools in each region in Division 6. Division 5 is perceived as being stronger in Hampton Roads, however, and last year was considered stronger throughout the state.
Seven Division 5 schools won at least eight games last season. That includes Booker T. Washington, which was 9-1 on the field but had to forfeit five victories, and Nansemond River, which is moving up from Group AA.
Also First Colonial, a perennial Beach District powerhouse, has dropped to Division 5 along with Beach also-ran Kellam.
Three teams expected to challenge for district titles next fall have moved from Division 5 to 6: Norview, Ocean Lakes and Kecoughtan. ILLUSTRATION: REALIGNMENT
[For a copy of the graphic, see microfilm for this date.] by CNB