THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250329
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V30 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY
LENGTH: 47 lines
FIRST COLONIAL
COACH: Frank Webster (36th year, 252-106-9)
STAFF MEMBERS: Norbie Wilson, Fred Britton, Sam Scarborough, Don Phillips, Leslie Benjamin, Jaton Hines
WHERE THEY PLAY: First Colonial High (capacity 7,000), 1272 Mill Dam Road in Virginia Beach
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 2-8 overall, 2-7 district
RETURNING STARTERS: Dorman Miner, Sr., QB, 6-0, 200; Dion Olds, Jr., FB/LB, 5-10, 220; Raymond Johnson, Jr., RB/DB, 5-8, 160; Carlton Winston, Jr., RB, 5-11, 175; Steve Tyler, Sr, WR, 5-10, 160; Tom Juskevich, Sr, OT/DT, 6-1, 200; Keynen Almer, Sr., C, 6-1, 210; David Throckmorton, Sr., T, 5-11, 225; Eric Miller, Jr., OG/DT, 6-1, 240; Lamar King, Jr., SS, 6-0, 190; Steve Gallagher, Sr., LB, 6-1, 195; 6-1, 200.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Mustafa Cook, Sr., WR, 6-3, 180; Manzell Hines, Jr., TE/LB, 6-0, 200; Joe Romano, So., OG/C, 5-11, 180; Adam Winfield, So., QB/LB, 6-1, 175; Josh Culley, So., DB, 5-10, 185; Chris Arthur, So., DB, 6-0, 190.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Patriots again will operate from a one-back set with Miner (912 yards, four TDs) throwing an assortment of short passes to a talented receiving corps. Tyler led South Hampton Roads last fall with 50 catches and Cook, a transfer from Western Branch, looked good in early workouts. If the Patriots are to show improvement, however, they must establish an inside running game. That chore falls to the appropriately named Olds. The line, small and often overpowered last year, has bulked up some and must give Miner time to operate. No one emphasizes kicking more than Webster, who will unveil another strong-legged placekicker with outstanding range in junior Tyler Henry.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Any improvement has to start up front. The Patriots allowed 212 yards rushing per game last year and were too frequently victimized by the big play, surrendering eight TDs of 40 yards or longer. Experience along with added strength should solve part of that problem. But size and depth on the line are still concerns.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``I think we'll be an exciting team and entertaining to watch. I feel good about our attitudes. We're really going to get after it.''
IT'S A FACT: First Colonial failed to have a first-team All-Tidewater player last year for the first time since 1984.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB