THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, August 28, 1994 TAG: 9408310638
SECTION: VIRGINIA BEACH BEACON PAGE: R6 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Football Special '94
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, BEACON SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 85 lines
Approaching the end of three decades of high school football in Virginia Beach, the most spoken pre-season words are already echoing at area practice fields.
``Never count out Frank.''
Entering his 28th season as First Colonial's head coach, Frank Webster has earned his reputation.
His 212-77-8 record at FC, numerous district and region titles, and several state playoff appearances are proof enough. Webster-led First Colonial teams have never had a losing season. Only twice have his teams finished .500.
As if that isn't enough, it is more his uncanny way of always sporting a competitive team that keeps the mystique going.
Take last year for instance.
First Colonial figured to be a decent team as always, but had lost too many skill people to really figure in the hunt. Other teams had more talent.
But at the end of the regular season, it was First Colonial that was playoff bound. Nobody else.
This season, figure Webster's Patriots to again be in the running - if not the leader of the pack.
Running backs Chris Green (5-foot-9, 160 pounds) and Marcus Wilcox (5-8, 220) will provide most of the ground yardage. Wilcox finished with 669 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, but his 5.5 yards-per-carry average was his most impressive statistic.
Green could see some action at quarterback, but senior Scott Christy (5-10, 165) and sophomore Dorman Miner appear to be in a dog fight for the position.
The third man in the backfield will likely be freshman Dione Olds (5-11, 200) who will probably also see time at linebacker. He is the cousin of former FC talents Daryl and Ted Olds.
``He's a good one,'' Webster said. ``I'm sure that he'll start.''
Other newcomers who figure into Webster's ``whole-bunch-of-backs'' philosophy are Sokhen Om (5-8, 165) and Ronnie Shaw (5-9, 150). Carlton Winston (5-9, 160) and Juan Colon (5-10, 160) are other projected rushers.
Returning wide receivers Brian Ruzzi (5-8, 165) and Emanuel Baker (5-11, 175) are definite threats, and will be joined by newcomers Adam Cooke (5-10, 180) and Steve Tyler (5-9, 150).
``Our situation is much like last year,'' Webster said. ``If we come through with good play at quarterback, these other kids will be able to do their things.''
Returning on the line are two-way All-Tidewater tackle Patrick McDowell (6-2, 240) and two-way guard Jamie Chuy (6-1, 225). Chris Goodwin (6-4, 240) and Richard Johnson (5-11, 215) return at tackle and guard, respectively.
A newcomer to the line who will attract much attention is Eric Miller (6-0, 185) - the freshman brother of former All-Tidewater lineman Andy Miller. Sean Holloway (6-4, 240) is a big transfer from New Jersey who will play offensive tackle and defensive end.
Defensive end Tom Hall (5-10, 170), linebacker Anthony Jeanette (5-11, 170) and safety Ben Rivera (6-4, 190) are all returning.
Corey Fogle (6-0, 170) - brother of former kicker Lance Fogle - will handle the punting duties.
Mike Butler (5-10, 200) was a backup center last year and moves into the starting lineup.
Webster is, as always, hopeful of repeating as district champion.
He likes his reputation for always being in the hunt.
``I wouldn't want to get started if we didn't think we could compete for it,'' he said. ``A big key is filling the quarterback position. If we do, we can be pretty good. We're probably stronger this year, because of a few more returners than last year.
``But we're not as deep as you'd like to be. If you dig very deep, we have a lot of young kids. I don't like to talk about weak areas, but that might be one.''
An area that isn't weak is coaching. Just ask anybody. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photos by Charlie Meads
First Colonial's football team, shown getting in shape for this
season with some formation sprints, has not had a losing season in
28 years.
Chris Green, left, Marcus Wilcox, center, and Brian Ruzzi are
expected to provide most of First Colonial's offensive punch.
by CNB