THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250344
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V29 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: JAMES BLACK
LENGTH: 44 lines
LAKELAND
COACH: Edward Smither (11th year, 56-53).
STAFF MEMBERS: Ron Robertson, Richard Formel, James Dabney, Tom Hall, Gail Parker, Greg Rountree, Steve Wood.
WHERE THEY PLAY: Lakeland High (capacity 4,000), Kenyon Rd. in Suffolk.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 8-4 overall, 7-3 in Bay Rivers District.
RETURNING STARTERS: Darius Bryant, Sr., OT/NG, 6-2, 245; Jamie Groves, Sr., OG/DT, 6-1, 230; Nathan Sarr, Sr., C/DT, 6-0, 255; Matthew Schenk, Sr., G, DE, 5-11, 215; Eugene Saunders, Sr., TE/FS, 6-0, 170; Phoenix Long, Sr., TE/DE, 5-10, 165; Kevin Bell, Sr., FB/LB, 5-10, 205; Sam Dunn, Jr., TE/LB, 6-1, 180; Travis Rawls, Jr., RB/CB, 5-9, 155; Anthony Dildy, Sr., FL/CB, 5-8, 150; Coran Newton, Sr., K, 6-1, 205.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Kevin Knight, So., RB/CB, 5-8, 150; DeQuinton Baker, So., QB/S, 6-0, 150; Adam Barnett, Jr., OT/DT, 6-1, 240; Daryl Mizell, Jr., FB/LB, 5-9, 180.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Lakeland will have to make some adjustments after losing all-district first team members quarterback Lindell Hunter, running back Reginald Wiggins, fullback Antoine Riddick and guard James Temple. The group led an offense that averaged 40 points during their last seven games. Smither hopes sophomore Baker can step behind an experienced line and lead the offense. Four of the starting linemen are seniors along with veteran tight ends Saunders and Long.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Cavaliers anticipate having a solid unit with last season's district defensive player of the year Bryant. As a junior, Bryant led the team in sacks (7) and was second in tackles (61) and was named to the all-state first team. In addition, Lakeland has three seniors on the defensive line: Groves, Sarr and Schenk. Smither also expects consistent play from the linebackers, led by senior Bell.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``The Southeastern District is probably the toughest in the state but we'll make it tough for everyone we play.''
IT'S A FACT: Bryant has already been contacted by several state colleges, schools in West Virginia and the ACC.
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB