THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, June 25, 1995 TAG: 9506240075
SECTION: PORTSMOUTH CURRENTS PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY BILL LEFFLER, CURRENTS SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 82 lines
Maybe the inspiration came from an injured teammate.
A short-handed team of 11-year-olds has progressed from a so-so group of individual standouts into what quite likely is the finest youth soccer team Portsmouth has ever had.
The Elizabeth River Soccer Club Renegades finished their season with their seventh tournament victory, compiling a remarkable 26-0 record in that span.
It was accomplished without the services of one of the Renegades' finest players, Jason Wallbank, who was seriously burned in a fire at his home in December.
When he was able, he became a sideline rooter and served as honorary captain for the last two tournament titles.
Jason is the son of the Renegades' coach, Ashley Wallbank.
``This team really came around,'' said Wallbank. ``We were 2-3-5 in the Select league and playing with just 12 on the squad.'' That allows only a single substitute.
At the finish, the Renegades were down to nine on the field - and still winning. They won the U-ll crown in the Lafayette June Fiesta at Lake Taylor, capturing four straight victories and posting a 30-1 scoring edge over their rivals.
``We had a player out with an injury and another with pneumonia. Then we had one hurt on the field,'' said Wallbank. ``So we played with nine.''
The opposing Division 1 teams had their usual complement of 11. ``Select teams don't cut any slack,'' added Wallbank with a laugh.
Wallbank, who was assisted by Ron Lewis, credits team camaraderie as the primary reason for the success of the Renegades.
``We have some good players,'' said Wallbank. ``But it was the togetherness of the team that made us a winner. These kids have spent eight hours every week together in practice and have become a very close bunch.
``Next year we'll all move to U-12.''
The goalie is Johnny Moore. ``He has really developed,'' said Wallbank. ``He didn't have a lot of soccer experience. But his field skills are getting so good it might be difficult for us to keep him as goalie.''
The primary scorers are Matt Bright and Chris Paige. Bright, son of Western Branch boys soccer coach Ricky Bright, is regarded as the premier 11-year-old striker in the state by Wallbank. ``He's an all-state-caliber player,'' said Wallbank.
``Paige is another good scorer.''
Wallbank regards sweeper Shemiah Davis as ``the best defender in our league.'' Davis, called Shaq by his teammates, is the son of former Wilson High School football great Tom Davis.
Jonathan Buxton and Bret Franks also bolstered the Renegades defensively. Midfield mainstays are John Lewis, son of the assistant coach, and Rocky Parr. The other midfield contributors are A. J. Facenda, Chris Baumgarter and Reed Bender.
``Our utility was Todd Winfree,'' said Wallbank. ``He's a solid performer. And he had a 45-minute one-way commute to practices.'' Winfree's family moved from the Churchland area to Newport News.
The Renegades unquestionably received a morale boost by the presence of Jason Wallbank at the closing games. He was on the sidelines in a lawn chair under an umbrella.
A forward and midfielder, Jason was the team's playmaker before the Dec. 12 fire left him with second and third-degree burns over nearly 50 percent of his body.
The fire was caused by an electrical heater.
Jason was hospitalized at Sentara Norfolk General until mid-February. Twice since he has returned to the hospital for surgery.
``Jason has nerve damage to the feet and it will just take time,'' said Wallbank. ``I said when it happened that if anybody could handle this, it was Jason. He is progressing nicely. And we're still hoping he will be able to play next year.''
The Renegades are just as proud of the reputation they are building from their accomplishments on the field.
``I don't know of any club from this area that has won seven tournaments,'' said Wallbank. ``And look how far we have come.
``People never expected an Elizabeth River team to be competitive with the powers in the state. When we first went to tournaments, I think the feeling of the other teams was `Here's an easy one.'
``Well, now we've earned their respect.'' by CNB