THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 29, 1996 TAG: 9608250346
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: V29 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Preview: High school forecasts:
SOURCE: REA FARMER
LENGTH: 45 lines
OSCAR SMITH
COACH: Bill Lyons (2nd year, 5-5)
STAFF MEMBERS: Ernie Rogers, Sid Savoy, Vic Shandron, Jay Weidman, Chris Brumm.
WHERE THEY PLAY: Oscar Smith High (capacity 8,000), 1994 Tiger Drive, off Great Bridge Blvd. in Chesapeake.
LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 5-5 overall, 3-4 district
RETURNING STARTERS: Rafael Butts, Sr., OL-DL, 6-1, 250; Thywenston Swain, Sr., OL-DL, 6-3, 230; Harold Grant, Sr., OL, 6-4, 300; William Fuller, Sr., FB-LB, 6-0, 210; Latron Cox, Jr., WR-DB, 5-9, 160; William Cox, Sr., LB, 5-11, 170.
TOP NEWCOMERS: Antwoine Anderson, Jr., DB-RB, 5-8, 165; Shawn Boone, Jr., RB, 5-9, 150; Lavar Griffin, Sr., QB, 6-2, 150; Mydrione Halsey, Jr., WR-S, 6-2, 200; Antwoin McNair, Jr., FB-LB, 5-10, 170; Larry Smith, So., TE-DB, 6-0, 175; Clyde Spellman, So., RB-DB, 5-9, 160; Terrence Stubbs, Jr., WR-DB, 5-9, 155.
OFFENSIVE OVERVIEW: Cox is joined by four solid receivers to give the Tigers depth and speed in the passing game. The offensive line is formidable with Butts, Swain and Harold Grant. Quarterback Griffin, who missed last season with an injury, returns and adds leadership and strength.
DEFENSIVE OVERVIEW: The Tigers are young at tackle, but have experienced backs in Fuller and Cox and linemen in Butts and Swain. After searching his ranks, Lyons fingered sophomore Franco Nigro, Mike Phelps and Tim Gatson at tackle. The three have developed quickly and erased Lyons' doubts about the position.
COACH'S QUOTE: ``I feel comfortable with the year. I don't think I'm overly optimistic. The kids have a good attitude and they want success. The junior varsity has always had success, but for whatever reason it hasn't translated to the varsity.''
IT'S A FACT: On Sept. 6, Oscar Smith will rename its facility Beard-DeLong-Easley Stadium in honor of former Tigers Ed Beard, Steve DeLong and Ken Easley - all of whom went on to star in the NFL. The three ex-pros will be on hand for the ceremony. <
KEYWORDS: SPECIAL SECTION PREVIEW by CNB