THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, November 16, 1994 TAG: 9411160555
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
South Hampton Roads swept the top spots on the All-CIAA football team as Norfolk State quarterback Aaron Sparrow was named offensive player of the year and Chesapeake's John Meredith, a Hampton linebacker, was named defensive player of the year.
Sparrow, a junior from Portsmouth's Wilson High, threw for 3,212 yards and 31 touchdowns and led Norfolk State to a 7-3 record, its best finish since 1991. He broke virtually every Norfolk State passing record and set a CIAA record for completions with 216.
``We were fortunate to have Aaron on the team,'' Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore said. ``He helped make his teammates better.''
Meredith, a senior from Deep Creek High, had 53 solo tackles, four sacks and two interceptions for the 10-1 Pirates, who won their third consecutive CIAA title.
``He's been the heart and soul of our defense,'' Hampton coach Joe Taylor said.
Norfolk State receiver James Roe and offensive tackle Chris Patterson also were named to the team.
Roe caught 77 passes for 1,454 yards and 17 touchdowns, all CIAA records. Patterson, a 6-foot-3, 290-pound junior, anchored the Spartans' offensive line.
Hampton led all schools with seven players on the team, chosen by league coaches. Defensive end Hugh Hunter, defensive tackle Corey Swinson, defensive back Melvin Crawford, kicker Todd Covington, center Antonio Poag and guard Roderick Briggs join Meredith on the team. ILLUSTRATION: Color photo
The Spartans' Aaron Sparrow was named the CIAA's offensive player
of the year.
by CNB