THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250208
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V29 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY
LENGTH: 46 lines
INDIAN RIVER
COACH: Bob Parker (4th year, 41-11)
STAFF MEMBERS: Scott Johnson, Jerry Laumann, Jay Scott, Phil Twine, Jack Kramer, Phil Wood.
WHERE THEY PLAY: Indian River High (capacity 7,000) 1969 Braves Trail, off Dunbarton Rd., in Chesapeake
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 12-2 overall, 6-2 district, state Division 6 champion.
RETURNING STARTERS: James Boyd, Sr., QB-DB, 6-1, 190; David Selby, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 146; Chris Edmonds, Sr., OL, 6-0, 182; Lonnie Parker, Jr., DL, 5-10, 216; Lance Bishop, Sr., TE-LB, 5-11, 217; Tony Spivey, Jr., LB, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Dereck Brooks, Sr., LB, 5-8, 190.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Damien Hartwell, Jr., RB, 6-1, 184; Nick Capolarello, Jr., OL, 5-10, 180; David Ware, So., OL, 6-0, 228; Chester Newton, Jr., DL, 6-0, 250; Don Manigault, Sr., DB, 5-11, 180.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Boyd, with more than 4,000 yards in career total offense, is the quarterback for now. But sophomore Antwan Stukes has developed to the point that he will see time at the position. When Stukes plays, Boyd will move to running back. Spivey, Hartwell, Rasheed Johnson and Jessie Grant give the Braves the best depth in the area at running back. But that doesn't mean they will be one-dimensional. Boyd continues to improve as a passer and Selby and Bishop combined for 27 catches in the regular season last year. David Blount (6-5, 185) gives the Braves another big receiving target. If there is a weakness it is a lack of depth on a small offensive line. Kicking also will not be a strength. Parker was looking for a placekicker in camp. Bishop is an experienced punter, but the Braves were near the bottom in average punting yards last season.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Braves will be fast and aggressive. Boyd's ability to move between safety and linebacker allows the defense to give multiple looks without changing personnel. The line again is small except for Newton, but the linebackers - Bishop, Brooks and Spivey - are big and nasty. The corners, Selby (nine interceptions) and Stukes, can cover man-to-man.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``We have an opportunity to be better than last year. Hopefully we will be.''
IT'S A FACT: Indian River's 56 victories in the '90s are the most of any team in South Hampton Roads.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB