DATE: Saturday, August 9, 1997              TAG: 9708090671

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C3   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER

DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                        LENGTH:   53 lines

FAMILIAR CAST LEADS NEW BAY NEPTUNES

Citing concerns about the future of minor-league football in South Hampton Roads, several members of the Hampton Roads Sharks decided last spring to form their own team.

Now the Bay Neptunes have the chance to prove they know how things should be done. The Chesapeake-based team debuts at 7:30 tonight against the Lynchburg Storm at Indian River Middle School.

With the Sharks' move to the new International Football League, the Neptunes will fill the void left in the six-team Mason-Dixon Football League.

But the Neptunes are a new team in name only.

The roster includes more than 20 players who started for the Sharks over the last two years - many who earned all-league honors in the Mason-Dixon.

``We're just ready to play football,'' said Darryl Jackson, a veteran of more than 10 years in local minor-league football and a founding member of the Neptunes. ``We're tired of everybody worrying about what we do, and we just want to play.''

Lynchburg will provide a formidable test for the new organization, especially with the Neptunes' question mark at quarterback. Former Shark Corey Kennedy was expected to start at quarterback, but he is iffy because of personal problems. Next in line is Simuel Frazier.

The offensive line is large and experienced, including all-leaguers Steve Cobb, Richard Cobb, Mark Dodd, Billy Brown and Jim Remsey. The main running backs will be James Rodgers, Aaron Hawkins and Jeff Rameriz. All-league defensive veteran Darryl Nimmo will sometimes block in critical short-yardage situations.

Rodgers was the leading running back in the Mason-Dixon two years ago, but did not play last year.

``Our running game will be a big strength, especially with the veterans we have on the line,'' said coach Ron Hill, who formerly coached the Chesapeake Bay Neptunes and the Tidewater Sharks.

Hill will be assisted by Tony Kerrin, Ralph Everton, Lamar Cuffee, Johnny Ealey and Tom Edwards.

All-league wide receiver Reggie Crosby will be joined by Paul Patterson in the starting rotation, but expect former Princess Anne standout Jose Silver to make an impact.

As with the past two years, the defense will set the tone for how well the offense plays.

``We have nine of the 11 defensive starters from the last two years and the offense will feed off of their play,'' Hill said.

Nimmo, Tim Yannacone and Odell Joyner will anchor the line, while Jackson will spearhead the linebacker corps. Billy Gooden is expected to lead the secondary. Jeff Mettinger and Troy Stuart will be the kickers. ILLUSTRATION: SCHEDULE

[For a copy of the schedule, see microfilm for this date.]

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