THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250336
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V28 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY
LENGTH: 48 lines
NORVIEW
COACH: David Heath (first year)
STAFF MEMBERS: Carlton Thomas, Brian Becker, Andy Miller, Carlton Nelson, Bruce Zanke, Linwood Baker, Russell Barclift.
WHERE THEY PLAY: Chittum Field
(capacity 8,000) 6401 Chesapeake Blvd in Norfolk.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 4-6 overall, 2-2 district
RETURNING STARTERS: James Whitley, Sr., QB-DB, 5-11, 180; Larry Austin, Sr., TB-DB, 5-10, 170; David Martin, Sr., WR, 6-5 1/2, 218; Joe Jordan, Sr., WR-DB, 5-9, 155; Brian Faulk, Sr., TE, 6-1, 205; Melwood Waters, Jr., T, 6-3, 310; Mike Hicks, Sr., G, 5-10, 200; Robert Bray, Sr., OC-LB, 5-10, 215; Wayne Majors, Sr., G, 6-1, 240; Hannabal McFarland, Sr, E, 6-4, 215;
TOP NEWCOMERS: Dante Dozier, So., T, 6-2, 260; Shermane Carlisle, Fr., T, 6-2, 260; Keith Willis, So., TE-DE, 6-5, 205; Shanton Hobson, So., FB-LB, 6-1, 200; Aaron Baker, Fr., TE-DE, 6-2, 205.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: It's hard to imagine an expanded role for Whitley, who passed for 1,142 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 268 yards and 5 TDs last year. But if the Pilots hope to do one thing better it's run the ball with the option. When Whitley makes the pitch it's likely to be to Austin, last year's leading rusher with 480 yards. Martin (23 catches, 6 TDs) might be the best wideout in the area and with Jordan on the other side defenses will have to play honest. The line struggled against physical defenses last year, but with five returning starters it could be a strength. Whitley is the All-Tidewater punter. As for placekicking, Heath will be happy if he can find someone to kick extra points.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Pilots had problems stopping the run last year so Heath has committed to a 4-3 scheme with an emphasis on beating teams physically. McFarland, an all-district pick at end, might be the team's most improved player. Majors and Bray are returning starters at linebacker and no one closes faster or harder than Whitley.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``This is a senior team and a lot of guys understand what happened last year. We beat Granby 33-14 and they went to the playoffs. We hung with Booker T. (a 28-26 overtime loss) and that game left a taste in everyone's mouth. That was the only time we came ready to play.''
IT'S A FACT: Norview's last winning season was 1988, when the Pilots went 8-2.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB