THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, August 3, 1996 TAG: 9608030353
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA
SOURCE: JEFF ZEIGLER, CORRESPONDENT
LENGTH: 47 lines
Although summer is still in full bloom, high school athletes in 11 Albemarle communities have already marked an annual rite of fall - the first day of football practice.
Bertie County and Williamston began the defense of their 1995 state championships. Perquimans County and Northampton East started campaigns aimed at improving on their '95 playoff positions.
Gates County set out to prove it is more than a sleeper. Edenton-Holmes hopes to fulfill a preseason prediction of a conference championship, while at Northeastern, Camden County, Hertford County, Currituck County and Manteo, players are dreaming regaining past glories.
Currituck County, 4-6 last year, began the process of rebuilding its once proud tradition between pouring rains at Barco. The Knights began drills which will continue until the first game against Williamston on Aug. 22.
Players picked through helmets, pads, and uniforms which littered the gym. An exasperated Donnie Simpson handed out the red and white uniforms, and said the first day of practice is always the worst.
``I'm excited but this is really frustrating for me,'' Simpson said. ``Some of the kids we're counting on aren't here and we have to get this equipment out. You want to get going, but you have to do the other stuff first.''
Out on the field, the 62 varsity and JV players ran through conditioning drills and later ran some offensive plays. Surprisingly, Currituck tried out some four-receiver sets. Currituck fans are not used to seeing so much passing, but the Knights have some top-notch receivers this year.
One is Brian Willoughby, who will also be catching balls in left field for the 16-18 Albemarle team in the Babe Ruth World Series later in the month. On Thursday, Willoughby made a diving catch of an overthrown pass. He slid across the rain-soaked turf to applause from his enthusiastic teammates.
``You've got to work hard because they (the coaches) want to see who wants to play and who doesn't,'' Willoughby said on his way back to the gym.
Simpson, in his 24th season as a coach, said the players who are AWOL are already in his dog house.
``The kids that don't bother to call to tell me they're not going to be there,'' he said, ``we'll give them three days. After that we won't let them play late.''
Currituck will play Northeastern and Camden County in a scrimmage at Northeastern on Aug. 16. On Aug. 22, Williamston, the defending 1A state champs, will come to Barco for an endowment game. On Aug. 30, Currituck will open the season proper with a home game against Northside. by CNB