THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, August 31, 1995 TAG: 9508300236
SECTION: SUFFOLK SUN PAGE: 18 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: High School Football: Kickoff '95
SOURCE: By KEVIN DOEPP, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
After losing in the first round of the playoffs last year, losing some players to graduation, and having to play people in new positions as a result, Windsor football coach Tommy Austin isn't ready to push the panic button.
``We expect to compete for the (Tri-Rivers) district title,'' said the second-year coach Austin. ``Unless we fall completely apart I think we have as good a chance as anyone.
We don't really have any new faces. We just have some guys in new positions. I feel very comfortable in our personnel.''
Austin also feels more comfortable with himself. Last year, his first at Windsor, he didn't feel like he had a good grip on his personnel. He thinks knowing his players and their abilities better this year will help the team be more successful.
Leading the way for Austin's offense will be the 6-8 senior quarterback Cory Liggins. Last season Liggins served as the backup quarterback and tight end.
Protecting the big quarterback is an experienced offensive line. This line returns five starters and boasts eight altogether that started two or more games last season.
Leading the way on this front line is senior tackle Will Jones. He, along with guard Carlton Wright, center Steven Harrell, tackle Parker Ramsey and tight end Reggie Nichols all tip the scales at 200 pounds or more.
``We have good size up front and the guys have really worked hard so far,'' Austin said. ``This line is our main strength. They gotta do well.''
Torrance Saunders, a senior, will see a lot of time at wide receiver. He was primarily used as a defensive back last year. John Ruffin, a junior, Robby Tew last year's backup quarterback and junior Raymont Denson will also play wideout.
In the backfield Austin will go with junior David Bickley, who moved from right guard and another junior, Wayne Briggs. Last season Briggs rushed for more than 1,200 yards.
On defense the Dukes return eight starters. Four were all-district performers last season.
Leading the way is Wright. Wright, a left end, was a first-team all-district selection last year. He is joined by defensive tackle Ramsey, who also plays on the offensive line.
The other first-team all-district of 1994 was Bickley. Bickley, along with his running back duties, will be at right end.
In the secondary the team of Saunders and Ruffin as well as Briggs are the key players. Ruffin and Saunders were second-team all-district last season.
One last thing that concerns Austin is the depth of the squad. He has only 40 players from the sophomore class to the senior class.
``We have a lot of experience in our returning players,'' said Austin. ``We just aren't going to be that deep.''
Windsor opens the season Sept. 1 at home against Cumberland at 7:30 p.m. ILLUSTRATION: Staff photo by Michael Kestner
Junior David Bickley, a first-team all-district of 1994, will play
in the backfield. Last season Briggs rushed for more than 1,200
yards.
Leading the way for Windsor High's offense will be the 6-8 senior
quar-ter-back Cory Liggins. Last season Liggins served as the backup
quarterback and tight end for The Dukes.
by CNB