THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 5, 1996 TAG: 9609040147
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: WESTERN TIDEWATER FOOTBALL
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE AND JAMES BLACK, STAFF WRITERS
LENGTH: 91 lines
The 14th edition of the Nansemond River-Lakeland football rivalry headlines Friday night action, the first full week of activity for Western Tidewater teams.
Nansemond River holds an 8-5 edge in the series, including a victory in last year's Region I championship game. But the Cavaliers will be looking for more than just revenge. Lakeland has four of its first five games at home and will be looking to use Friday's game as a springboard to a fast start in its initial Group AAA season.
The teams will play twice this season, but tonight's game is a nondistrict game. The Southeastern District game will be played Nov. 8 at Nansemond River.
A look at tonight's local games:
Nansemond River at Lakeland
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last year's records: Nansemond River was 8-5, 6-4 in Bay Rivers District; Lakeland 8-4, 7-3 in Bay Rivers.
Outlook: Nansemond River lacks experience at its primary, skilled offensive positions: quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Defensively, the Warriors are led by senior Lamont Perry. Lakeland lost a wealth of talent to graduation, missing four all-district players on offense alone. However, Ed Smither feels comfortable that sophomore DeQuinton Baker will succeed at quarterback behind an experienced offensive line. Defensively, the Cavaliers are led by the district's defensive player of the year, Darius Bryant, and senior defensive linemen Jamie Groves, Nathan Sarr and Matthew Schenk.
Isle of Wight at Greenbrier
When: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Isle of Wight (1-0); Greenbrier (0-1).
Outlook: Griffin Williams scored three touchdowns as the Chargers routed Kenston Forest 36-6 in their opener. Thomas Creason had two interceptions in addition to throwing two touchdown for Isle of Wight. Despite forcing five first-half turnovers, Greenbrier only held a 7-3 lead at intermission before eventually losing 38-7 to Benedictine in its opener.
Greensville at Franklin
When: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Greensville (1-0); Franklin 0-10, 0-7 in the Bay Rivers District.
Outlook: Greensville opened the season with a 15-8 victory over Smithfield. The Broncos hope the return of quarterback Xavier Scott, who sat out his junior year, can put Franklin in the win column this season. Myroen Barrett leads the Bronco defense.
Smithfield at Surry
When: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Smithfield (0-1); Surry (0-0)
Outlook: The Packers struggled to find offensive consistency last week in a 15-8 loss to Greensville, but they can take consolation in the fact that they appear to be an improved team. Last year, Greensville opened by whipping Smithfield, 33-0. Surry, which features good size on both lines, should pose another tough test. Having already played a game (Friday is Surry's opener) is a plus.
Brunswick at Southampton
When: 7:30 p.m.
Last year's records: Brunswick: 4-6; Southampton 11-1
Outlook: The Indians will be out to employ patented Southampton football - ball-control offense and stingy, aggressive defense. Without William Brown in the backfield, Brunswick will be keying on Rico Ivey. But Ivey has enough speed to get to the outside behind what appears to be a solid offensive line. If the Indians have their way, sophomore quarterback Mitchell Pillsbury will only have to attempt 5-7 passes.
Southampton Academy at Northeast Academy
When: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Southampton Academy (1-0); Northeast Academy (0-1).
Outlook: Any questions about Southampton's new option offense were answered emphatically last week against Hobgood, as brothers Adam and Jareb Webb each ran for more than 100 yards and Bland Pope threw three touchdown passes in a 40-0 romp.
Poquoson at Windsor
When: 7:30 p.m.
Records: Poquoson (0-0); Windsor (0-1).
Outlook: The most glaring deficiency in Windsor's surprising 25-0 loss to Nansemond-Suffolk Academy was the Dukes' inability to stop the run. The Saints ran for more than 270 yards. Windsor also needs to find some offensive consistency. But if you can't stop the run in high school football, nothing else really matters.
A brief at the Saturday game:
Nansemond-Suffolk at Atlantic Shores
When: 2 p.m.
Records: Nansemond-Suffolk (1-0); Atlantic Shores (0-2)
Outlook: The Saints came running out the gate last week, piling up 288 yards on the ground in a 25-0 rout of Windsor. Sophomore Warren Carroll, previously better known for his exploits in basketball, blew past the Dukes for touchdown runs of 45 and 92 yards. Sidney Hazelwood ground out 58 yards on 14 carries. N-SA's defense was surprisingly strong against Windsor, holding the Dukes to just 51 yards and four first downs. by CNB