THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, October 22, 1996 TAG: 9610220452
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: ATHLETES OF THE WEEK
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: PORTSMOUTH LENGTH: 52 lines
In a season of lows for Wilson quarterback Kavonzo Beamon, halftime of Thursday's game against Lake Taylor may have been the lowest.
Under his direction, the Presidents managed minus-15 yards of first-half total offense. His team trailed, 18-6, with their only points coming via special teams on a Michael Hargrave blocked punt. And the Presidents stood just 24 minutes away from their 18th straight loss.
Realizing his quarterback's downcast mood, Wilson coach Jenson Baker set out to do some image repairing.
He started with reassurance: ``You're playing OK.''
``Thanks, coach.''
He then shifted to tactics: ``I think we can work the screen pass on them.''
``Really, coach?''
Finally, Baker tried a little flattery: ``You know, I think you're one of the best quarterbacks in the Eastern District.''
``Yeah, coach!'' Beamon shot back. ``I am!''
Suddenly, the Titans had to deal with a revitalized Beamon.
``Yo, fellas,'' the 5-9, 175-pound junior announced in the huddle on the opening play of the half, ``We can win this game!''
The Presidents responded by making plays. That screen pass Baker called during the half was hauled in by Monte Green and taken 70 yards for a touchdown. The offensive line, sieve-like in the first half, sprung Beamon for three touchdown runs. And the defense held Lake Taylor without a point in the second half.
By the end of their amazing second half surge, the Patriots had won (34-18) for the first time since 1994. Scored more points than any time since 1991. And put up three more points in the second half than they'd scored in their previous six games.
``After the game I just started crying, it felt so good,'' Beamon said. ``Now people won't be able to keep coming up to us and telling us we'll never win a game.'' by CNB