THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 4, 1996 TAG: 9608020164
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 27 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 109 lines
HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL kicks off Monday with the start of preseason practice and the overriding theme in Chesapeake is change.
The many storylines include the realignment of the Southeastern District, with Nansemond River and Lakeland replacing the three Portsmouth schools; the opening of Hickory High; and Indian River's move to Division 5 from Division 6, where it is the defending state champion.
Change goes only so far, however, and this year - at least - it's not likely to extend to the playing field.
Deep Creek, Indian River and Western Branch were a combined 31-5 last season and could approach those numbers again.
Following is a brief look at the city's six public school teams entering training camp.
DEEP CREEK
Coach: Jerry Carter
1995 record: 11-1
1996 overview: The defense should be outstanding led by All-Tidewater linebacker George Miller. The offense will have a slightly different look without fullback Deon Dyer, last year's Abe Goldblatt Award winner. Quarterback Arnie Powell, a three-year starter, is being heavily recruited and will have to take up some of the slack.
Summer surprise: Wideout Kendall Watson, who broke his leg in the 1994 state championship game, has regained his form and played well in the passing league.
Biggest hole: James Green, Henry Martin and Tyrone Hall are competing for Dyer's starting spot, but none can really fill his role.
First game: Aug. 30 at home vs. Booker T. Washington
Carter's preseason pick: Indian River
GREAT BRIDGE
Coach: Dennis Myers
1995 record: 1-9
1996 overview: Small and inexperienced sums up the Wildcats, who could have only two seniors. Mike Cuddyer, a three-year starter at quarterback, would be the most experienced player if he returns, but his availability is in doubt after making the U.S. Junior National baseball team.
Summer surprise: None. Myers, a new coach, spent the summer evaluating talent and using as many players as possible in the summer league.
Biggest hole: There are too many to name one, but quarterback stands out if Cuddyer doesn't play.
First game: Aug. 29 at Kellam
Myers' preseason pick: None.
HICKORY
Coach: Joe Habit
1995 record: Did not play
1996 overview: Like any new program, Hickory will take its lumps. Jesse Jones, a tight end and linebacker and two-year starter at Great Bridge, is the Hawks' most experienced player.
Summer surprise: The Hawks beat Great Bridge in the passing league and lost to Western Branch by only one touchdown.
Biggest hole: Building an offensive line is Habit's main concern.
First game: Sept. 6 at home vs. Ocean Lakes
Habit's preseason pick: Deep Creek
INDIAN RIVER
Coach: Bob Parker
1995 record: 12-2
1996 overview: The Braves should feature an explosive offense led by quarterback James Boyd, a leading candidate for the Goldblatt Award. The secondary, with Boyd and David Selby, should be the strength of the defense.
Summer surprise: David Ware, a 6-2, 230-pound sophomore, continues the Braves' recent tradition of outstanding transfers. Ware, from St. Louis, will be tried at tight end and linebacker.
Biggest hole: Replacing the leadership of Sam Hardy and Mike Toliver. Hardy, the hero of the state final, was a key figure on offense, defense and special teams.
First game: Sept. 13 at Norview
Parker's preseason pick: Indian River
OSCAR SMITH
Coach: Bill Lyons
1995 record: 5-5
1996 overview: The Tigers will be athletic with outstanding team speed, but lack size.
Summer surprise: Interest and participation continues to rise with an average of 21 players turning out for summer league games.
Biggest hole: Quarterback, specifically as regards the passing game, is a big concern. LeVar Griffin, an outstanding basketball player with no varsity quarterback experience, is the frontrunner for the job.
First game: Sept. 6 at home vs. Churchland
Lyons' preseason pick: Deep Creek, Indian River and Western Branch
WESTERN BRANCH
Coach: Lew Johnston
1995 record: 8-2
1996 overview: The Bruins again will score lots of points led by quarterback Daryl Walton, halfback Keith Burnell and wideout Darren Walton.
Summer surprise: Senior Mark Overby (6-5, 200) has worked hard since deciding to give football a try in February and shows promise of contributing at defensive back, tight end and split end.
Biggest hole: Three-year placekicker Daniel Dussia is gone and there is no obvious replacement.
First game: Sept. 6 at home vs. Norcom
Johnston's preseason pick: Deep Creek, Indian River and Western Branch ILLUSTRATION: HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL
File photo by L. TODD SPENCER
The Indian River Braves should have an explosive offense led by
quarterback James Boyd. by CNB