DATE: Tuesday, October 28, 1997             TAG: 9710280426

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C8   EDITION: FINAL  

SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY

LENGTH: 86 lines

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Norfolk Academy football player Ryan Law was misidentified in a

story in Tuesday's editions.

Correction published Wednesday, October 29, 1997, page C3.

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FOOTBALL REPORT

Lakeland, N. River make strides in AAA

Lakeland and Nansemond River continue to make strides in their second season in Group AAA - and the best may be yet to come.

Lakeland (4-4, 2-3) will be favored in its last two games against Oscar Smith and Nansemond River. If the Cavaliers win both they will match last year's 6-4 record.

But close scrutiny suggests this season's team is better. Of last year's six victories, two came against Group AA teams and two came against Nansemond River.

All four of this year's wins are against legitimate Group AAA opponents, including a 32-18 upset of high-powered Warwick. Better yet, the Cavaliers lose only four seniors and could be the favorite in the Southeastern District next season.

``We have a tremendous junior class,'' Cavaliers coach Ed Smither said. ``I hope what we've been able to accomplish this year will pay off next year.''

Nansemond River (3-5, 3-2) hasn't kept pace with Lakeland, but has had further to go. After winning only one of their first 13 Group AAA starts, the Warriors have gone 3-2 over the past five weeks, including a 7-0 upset of Indian River.

The Warriors lose 12 seniors, but should be strong next season at the skill positions.

The wildcard element for both teams is Suffolk's mandatory 2.0-grade point average for extracurricular activities. Academic casualties have been steep at both schools; Nansemond River lost 10 players before the 1996 season and Lakeland lost six this year, including 1,000-yard rusher Travis Rawls.

``If Chesapeake goes to a 2.0, maybe that will even things up some more,'' Warriors coach Jerry Varacallo said.

Bulldogs go for title

The Prep League championship will be decided Friday when Norfolk Academy (7-0, 3-0) visits Fork Union (7-1, 3-0).

The No. 10 Bulldogs needed a last-minute touchdown against Collegiate last week to set up the showdown, despite running 70 plays to the Cougars' 28. Norfolk Academy running backs Bo Wilkinson and Claude Diggs combined for 65 carries and 390 yards.

``The blocking was just amazing on film,'' coach Tom York said. ``Total domination.''

Ryan Long, a 280-pound senior, and 220-pound Jason Archbell are two sizable presences on the offensive line and they get lots of help from fullback Justin Dale.

Hornets lose Rodgers

Deep Creek's Richard Rodgers, a highly-recruited two-way tackle, injured a knee Friday against Great Bridge and was scheduled Monday for an MRI. He is expected to miss Friday night's game against Indian River, which has been hard hit by injuries all season.

Among the Braves lost for the season are lineman Lonnie Parker, linebacker Derrick Harrell, quarterback/defensive back Antwan Stukes and running back/linebacker Damien Hartwell (shoulder). Also lineman Nick Capolarello has a bad knee and may not return.

Another team hit hard by injuries has been Greenbrier Christian. The Gators have lost eight players for the season and dressed only 23 last week.

No hurry for Curry

The most celebrated injury of the season probably belongs to Hampton's Ronald Curry. He dislocated his left shoulder Saturday against Phoebus and was examined Sunday by University of Virginia team physician Dr. Frank McCue.

The Crabbers, 8-0 and ranked No. 1 in the state, are idle this week and finish the regular season against 1-7 Menchville.

``Ronald probably could play against Menchville but we're going to hold him out until the playoffs,'' Hampton coach Mike Smith said.

Milestones

Lake Taylor's Ronyell Whitaker continues to move up the South Hampton Roads career rushing chart. He has gained 3,326 yards and needs 61 to pass former Maury star George Woodhouse for eighth place . . . Booker T. Washington quarterback Dominic Perry won't soon forget his 25th career touchdown pass. It came in the final minute last week and beat Norcom.

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