THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250331
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V28 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: BILL LEFFLER
LENGTH: 40 lines
CHURCHLAND
COACH: Ken Taylor (4th year, 18-12)
STAFF MEMBERS: Bobo Ricks, Jerry Taylor, Ray McGinley, Brian Maus, Mike Middleton, David Moss, Charlie Sealey, Kaiser Simien.
WHERE THEY PLAY: Churchland High Stadium (3,500 capacity) off Cedar Lane in Portsmouth.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 6-4 overall, 4-3 district
RETURNING STARTERS: Malcolm Dillard, Sr., RB/DB, 5-9, 160; Tee Styles, Sr., OT/LB, 6-0, 217; Jamin Elliott, Sr., SE/DB, 5-11, 175; Mike Allen, Jr., LB, 5-11, 180; Kenny Lokie, Jr., OG, 6-2, 240; Jacob Middleton, Jr., OG/DT, 6-0, 243; Nehemiah Thrash, Jr., C, 6-1, 195.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Carlton Darden, Jr., NG, 5-10, 180; Matt Allen, Jr., E, 5-11, 175; Paul Glover, Jr. RB/DB, 5-10, 175; Justin Scott, Jr., DE, 5-11, 195; Eric Casterlow, So., OT, 6-2, 220; Nate Parker, Jr., DB, 5-9, 150; Deon Thomas, Jr., DT, 6-0, 220.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Taylor has nearly a complete rebuilding task with two freshmen the primary quarterbacks. There are only three returning starters and all in the line. But a new offense, dubbed the wingbone, should enable the Truckers to generate a better passing game with their running attack.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Only four starters are back from a year ago but All-Southeastern linebacker Tee Styles will be a force. There are new faces in the secondary, making it potentially suspect. A satisfactory early scrimmage against state champion Hampton should bolster the confidence of many of the newcomers.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``We should improve as the season progresses. The key will be the continuing outstanding attitude of all players.''
IT'S A FACT: In three seasons Taylor has won more games (18) at Churchland than were won by the Truckers in the previous eight years (16).
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB