THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 1996 TAG: 9609280530
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C6 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 47 lines
Spoiling previously unbeaten Churchland's debut in the Eastern District and reaffirming its own status as a title contender, Booker T. Washington registered a 14-0 victory over the Truckers at Churchland Friday night.
The Bookers (2-2, 1-0 district) completely shut down one of the area's most potent running attacks, setting up in a 4-4 defensive alignment and daring Churchland to pass. The No. 5-ranked Truckers (3-1, 0-1) managed only 75 yards rushing in the game and were limited to one first down - via a penalty - in the first half.
Demetrius Scott, a 5-10, 180-pound sophomore who started the season as a backup running back, solidified his hold on a starting assignment by rushing for 119 yards in 25 carries for the Bookers.
Scott also hauled in two passes, including a 9-yard touchdown toss from quarterback Dominic Perry in the third quarter.
The Bookers moved out to a 6-0 lead in the second quarter when Perry fired another scoring aerial of 19 yards to tight end Kelvin Fuller. The touchdown was set up by an interception by William Alston, who plucked off a Chatame Ward pass near midfield and returned it to the Churchland 14. After a running play that netted nothing and a delay-of-game penalty, Perry spotted Fuller alone in the left endzone.
Churchland's defensive effort prevented Booker T. from mounting a bigger win - the Bookers lost the ball on downs at the 8 and at the 13.
Ward, Churchland's freshman quarterback who gained 204 yards a week earlier, was limited to 18 yards in eight running attempts. The Truckers had three interceptions and lost two fumbles.
``Just too many mistakes,'' said Churchland coach Ken Taylor. ``We didn't play well at all.''
Booker T. coach Larry Stepney said he thought Churchland might have underrated his team.
``We've been through the fire in these early games against Deep Creek and Indian River,'' he said. ``Our defense was good enough to cause Deep Creek to make changes in their offense until they outmuscled us. But we played sound defense throughout this game.''
Fuller actually started at quarterback. He had practiced there during the week since Perry was favoring an injury. But after an early interception, he was yanked and moved to tight end. Defensively he intercepted a pass.
```No matter where he plays, he can help us,'' said Stepney. by CNB