DATE: Friday, October 3, 1997               TAG: 9710030869

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C6   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY

DATELINE: CHESAPEAKE                        LENGTH:   28 lines

LAKELAND HOPING FOR A BETTER RESULT VS. BRUINS

It's Lakeland's turn to play top-ranked Western Branch, and one can hardly fault Cavaliers coach Ed Smither for asking what's the rush?

The Cavaliers (3-1, 1-0 Southeastern District) were undefeated last season when they got trampled 40-19 by the Bruins.

Western Branch's Rashad Cook, Marvin Urquhart and Keith Burnell each rushed for more than 100 yards as the Bruins piled up 509 yards of total offense.

Both teams can use the same scouting reports tonight. The Bruins (4-0, 1-0) are the top rushing team in South Hampton Roads, averaging 285 yards per game, and Burnell is the top individual with 562 yards.

Lakeland ranks next to last at stopping the run, giving up 211.5 yards per game.

The Cavaliers' best defense might be a good offense. They are No. 3 in rushing, at 216.5 yards per game, and junior Kevin Knight is second behind Burnell with 460 yards.

Lakeland's hopes of springing an upset will be enhanced if Western Branch is caught looking ahead to next week's game against Indian River.

In the Cavs' biggest victory, they caught Warwick looking back at an emotional loss to Hampton.

Pick: Western Branch 42, Lakeland 14. Bruins are better almost everywhere.

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