THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 13, 1995 TAG: 9510110209
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 22 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Sports
SOURCE: BY JULIE GOODRICH, CLIPPER SPORTS EDITOR
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
THE SCHEDULE GODS did not smile upon Indian River this season.
Not that the Braves could have done anything about that. It's not their fault that only one of their first five opponents - Norview - has a winning record.
On the back five, Indian River, ranked No. 3 in the Virginian-Pilot poll, has games against Southeastern District foes Deep Creek today, Western Branch and Churchland.
The top-ranked Hornets, who have matched Indian River win for win for a 5-0 record, already have victories over three ranked teams.
``Deep Creek has faced tougher competition, there's no doubt about that,'' said Braves coach Bob Parker. ``The better the competition, the better you play - it's a plus for Deep Creek, definitely.''
Although on paper Indian River's 26-20 win over Norcom looked like an embarrassment for the Braves - the team turned the ball over three times, was called for 78 yards in penalties, and only won the game with a touchdown in the final 13 seconds - Parker believes his team can learn from the experience.
``I don't think anyone was satisfied with the performance, but it was good because it was the first time we had a scrap, a fight. Other than that we haven't had a hard time,'' he said. ``It was the first time the kids have had to play the whole game.''
One area of the Braves' offense that has improved dramatically is the passing game. Last season, Indian River averaged barely 60 yards passing per game. This year, that figure has more than doubled.
The development of quarterback James Boyd is the biggest factor. Although Boyd still prefers to just receive the snap and take off himself, the junior is beginning to appreciate the need for a balanced attack.
``We've brought in a quarterback coach (Dwayne Beale, who coached with Parker at Cradock) and he's helped out a lot,'' said Parker. ``The summer passing league also did some good.''
Against Norcom, the Braves had eight different players - Boyd, Anthony Cason, Corey Holley, Mike Joyner, David Selby, Lance Bishop and Sam Hardy - catch a pass.
``Was it that many? That's good . . . that's what we're trying to do,'' Parker said.
``It's a conscious change, really. It's something we should have done years ago. We've got good receivers and we're trying to make people defend the entire field.''
Indian River puts its ranking on the line today against Deep Creek with Holley trying to mend an injured ankle. Although he sat out of practice Monday, Parker said that Holley ``swears up and down he'll be ready.''
But there's a bigger concern on Parker's mind. One that goes beyond play calling or formations.
It's that little wagon.
Deep Creek has unveiled the spirit wagon this season, a crafty little object that has what is tantamount to an air raid siren attached to it, which blares every time the Hornets score. Already it has been banned from a game at Harbor Park.
``I want to think that if we play our best we'll beat them,'' Parker said. ``But if we keep that horn quiet it will be a real plus.'' ILLUSTRATION: High School Football
Staff photo by TAMARA VONINSKI
Indian River's passing attack doubled from last year with the
development of quarterback James Boyd, No. 5.
by CNB