THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408250190
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: I12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Long : 109 lines
After losing five consecutive games to open the season last year, Great Bridge head coach Phil Webb resorted to drastic measures to jump start his ailing football team.
He promoted 10 junior varsity players to start on the big squad.
The change not only ended the Wildcats' losing streak, it also gave Webb a head start on preparations for the 1994 campaign.
``We brought the JV players up because we really needed a shot in the arm,'' said Webb, in his second year as coach of the Wildcats. ``It gave us a good look at some of the players who we hope will be big for us this year.''
Case in point: sophomore quarterback Michael Cuddyer, who started the last five games for Great Bridge and captained the Wildcats to their first win, a 19-8 decision over Norview. Cuddyer was impressive in his games on the JV squad and racked up credible numbers in his five varsity starts (10-for-39, 3 TDs, 211 yards).
Although Cuddyer is being pushed by Chris Duda in practice, he's a lock for the starting nod barring unforeseen injury.
``It's a big deal when you throw a freshman into a varsity program, but Michael handled it very well,'' Webb said. ``He's got a lot of potential, he's got good size and throws well. And he's extremely coachable.''
The Wildcats have a lot happening offensively. Cuddyer will be handing the ball off primarily to senior wingback Monte Gorum, who rushed for 488 yards and four touchdowns in 80 carries last year. Junior Corey Holley, one of the JV call-ups, also returns at running back.
According to Webb, both Gorum and Holley have ``a lot of aptitude for the game.''
Great Bridge has two inexperienced players at fullback in Zack Younce and Tony Felton, so Gorum's senior leadership is crucial.
When the Wildcats go to the air, the first target will be senior wide receiver Bryan Curtis. Curtis started the first five games last season at quarterback before switching positions after Webb's shakeup.
``He is extremely smart, both on the field and off,'' said Webb of Curtis, who has a 4.0 grade point average. ``Plus he's got good hands and speed.''
On the offensive line, right tackle Brian Miles (6-foot-3, 285) is a force to be reckoned with. Dan Davis, Matt Russell, and Christian Basnight are also standouts.
The biggest question mark for Webb at this point is the defensive line. Davis, Russell, Miles, and Matt Webber will fit in somewhere.
``We have some kids who we know can play there . . . we're just going to have to wait and see how the season goes,'' Webb said.
At defensive end, Marcus Lawrence will start with either Michael Landen (who also handles kickoff and punt returns) or Dan Ross.
The linebacking corps is led by senior Josh Fannon, whom Webb considers the focal point of the Wildcats' defense.
``He's a catalyst . . . he's always active on the field and on the sidelines. He's incredibly intense and leads by example rather than talking.''
Senior Steve Weir will handle all of the kicking duties.
After enduring several below-average seasons, Webb would like to see the Wildcats return to the glory days of the 80's, when Great Bridge football really was great. Except for the 1985 season, when the Wildcats went 0-9-1, Great Bridge was a force in the Southeastern District during that time with a
``I think we'll be competitive. We were in every game last year, but we made a lot of mental mistakes,'' Webb said. ``The first year under a new coach is not always easy.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo by STEVE EARLEY
The Wildcats have high hopes for sophomore quarterback Mike Cuddyer,
who was one of 10 junior varsity call-ups. ``It's a big deal when
you throw a freshman into a varsity program, but Michael handled it
very well,'' Webb said.
Photos
Monte Gorum
Averaged 6.1 yards per carry last year
Bryan Curtis
Wide receiver will be primary target
Brian Miles
6-3, 285-pound right tackle
Josh Fannon
Webb calls him the catalyst of team
Head coach Phil Webb
Mike Landen
M. Lawrence
Chart
AT A GLANCE
Includes:
1994 Schedule
Team data
1993 Results
Year by year
For copy of chart, see microfilm
by CNB