THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408250154
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: S04 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY PAUL WHITE, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 75 lines
For the first time since the Bay Rivers District originated five years ago, Nansemond River enters the season as the unquestioned title favorite.
Warriors coach Jerry Varacallo is just disappointed the distinction didn't come during a year in which his team has to replace 18 seniors.
But that's what happens when you go 11-3 and reach the Division 4 state championship. People don't look at where you are, they look at where you've been.
``I've told the guys already that people are going to be looking at us as the team to beat,'' Varacallo said. ``Whenever we lose a game, some people will consider it an upset. But we can't get caught up in that. We have to be realistic.''
The reality is that Nansemond River will take the field without three All-State defenders and its leading rusher from a year ago, and will be fielding probably the smallest team in its five-year history.
But with perennial champion Tabb making its long-awaited move to the Group AAA Peninsula District and Smithfield losing more players than Nansemond River to graduation, like it or not, the Warriors become the favorites.
Then again, it's not as though Nansemond River's cupboard is completely bare.
The Warriors return shifty quarterback Leon Porter, whose insertion as a starter midway through the 1992 season coincided with the team's rise to prominence.
Donald Turner, who returns at wide receiver, has also proven his effectiveness at running back.
And while last year's leading rusher Torrance Bryant is gone, sophomores DeJuan Gambrell and Clarence Skinner each saw significant action last year, leaving the Warriors with a somewhat experienced backfield.
They'll be picking their holes carefully behind the smallest offensive line in school history. The unit averages between 200-210 pounds, Varacallo said. One of their bigger players, 6-foot-3, 265-pound Antonio Jackson, has been moved from offensive tackle to tight end.
``We're going to have to outquick people, because we can't slug it out with them,'' he said.
The same philosophy will hold true on the defense, where Varacallo must replace all-state performers Shannon Eley, Percy Lassiter and Jeremy Rodgers, along with Bryant, a second-team all-district pick. Bryant and Eley combined for 21 sacks.
The Warriors will be looking for junior LaShawn Pugh, Chris Raper, Skinner and first-year junior Curtis Barnes to fill the void.
There's some experience at linebacker, as Gambrell and Wylvern Flythe return along with Marlon Riddick, who opened the 1993 season as a starter. And there's even more experience in the secondary with returning starters Porter and Turner.
First-year senior Kendale Crocker, who has looked impressive in early workouts, also could challenge for a spot.
It all adds up to a Nansemond River team unlike any other in the school's history, both on the field and in terms of expectations.
``We can't rely on last year's success, but we would like to feed off it,'' Varacallo said. ILLUSTRATION: Photos by MICHAEL KESTNER
Back for the Warriors this season is shifty quarterback Leon Porter,
whose insertion as a starter midway through the 1992 season
coincided with the team's rise to prominence.
Antonio Jackson, a 6-foot-3, 265-pounder, is becoming a different
kind of offensive threat - he's moving from tackle over to tight
end.
by CNB