THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT  
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996             TAG: 9608250205
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: V31  EDITION: FINAL 
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts: 
SOURCE: LEE TOLLIVER

                                            LENGTH:   43 lines

PREVIEW: HIGH SCHOOL FORECASTS: TALLWOOD

TALLWOOD

COACH: Ken Barto (5th year, 17-23)

STAFF MEMBERS: Gene Beck, Thad Harold, David Swanger, Jim Young, John Keppel, Richard Barry

WHERE THEY PLAY: Tallwood High (capacity 5,000), 1668 Kempsville Road in Virginia Beach

LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 8-3 overall, 7-2 in the district

RETURNING STARTERS: Brandon Langhorn, Jr., T, 6-0, 340; Gilbert Harris, Sr., QB, 6-1, 200; Ronnie Clark, Sr., DB/RB, 6-3, 200; Travis Mazyck, Sr., DB/WR, 6-3, 185; Damion McGhee, Sr., DB/WR, 6-5, 185; Erik Taylor, Sr., C, 5-11, 200; Joe Jerr, Sr., LB, 5-11, 185; Lavaf Wilkins, Sr., OG/DT, 6-1, 225; Shermaine Reid, Jr., WB/LB, 6-0, 180; Mike Negelin, Sr., K, 6-2, 180.

TOP NEWCOMERS: Chris May, Sr., TE, 6-3, 210; Josh Milam, Jr., DB/WR, 6-0, 185; Sherwin Joseph, Jr., T, 6-0, 330; Lamar Stevens, So., T, 6-0, 325; Kareem Baker, So., T, 6-3, 220; Joe Brimmer, Jr., NG, 5-10, 190; Tharrin Harrold, Jr., TE, 6-1, 225; Anwoine Lockhart, So., C/LB, 6-0, 215.

OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Lions were third in both scoring and total offense last season, but don't have TaRon Anderson back in the backfield this season. Tallwood has 15 running backs battling to step into his big shoes, but none have seen much playing time. Quarterback Gilbert Harris threw for more than 1,000 yards and was ranked eighth in the area in total offense last season. Expect another good year from place kicker Mike Nagelin - fourth in the area in kick scoring with 30 extra points and a field goal. The senior is also a pretty good punter with a 33.4-yard average.

DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Lions were the top defensive team in South Hampton Roads last year - allowing only 6.8 points and 145.1 yards a game during the regular season. Tallwood will be hard-pressed to remain at the top this season although running on the Lions wouldn't be advised. There is plenty of beef on the defensive side of the line and some good linebackers to add support.

IT'S A FACT: Although young, the Lions are big - the top six linemen weigh a combined 1,648 pounds.

KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB