THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 14, 1996 TAG: 9609140544
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMES C. BLACK, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: 28 lines
Before Churchland's offense ran a single play, Jamin Elliott was already racing to the end zone.
The linebacker/fullback returned an interception 25 yards for a touchdown on the third play from scrimmage as the Truckers defeated Nansemond River 47-0 in non-district football game at Arrowhead Stadium Friday night.
Elliott's play was a prelude to the dynamics of freshman quarterback Chatame Ward and the Truckers' running game.
Elliott scored on a 79-yard run after taking a pitch from Ward with 6:42 left in the second quarter for a 21-0 lead.
On Churchland's final possession of the first half, Ward went 46 yards, breaking two tackles, for a touchdown and a 27-0 lead.
Elliott finished with 128 yards and three touchdowns on just five carries. Ward finished with 142 yards and three touchdowns on seven carries and Marcus Doxie had 123 yards on 15 carries.
Churchland gained 432 yards - all on the ground - in Nansemond River's (0-2) official welcoming party to Group AAA. Ward, who alternated with fellow freshman Brandon Hall throughout the game, attempted the Truckers' only pass.
Nansemond River was held to just 71 total yards and no second-half first downs. by CNB