THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 14, 1995 TAG: 9510140417
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY ED MILLER AND RICH RADFORD, STAFF WRITERS
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 53 lines
It's their final chance.
Seven Norfolk State seniors have faced Hampton three times and have lost three times - by a combined score of 161-49.
``If we could win, it would be like a monkey had been lifted off our backs,'' Spartans receiver James Roe said.
It would also relieve the burden on their ears. With so many South Hampton Roads players on each team - both schools have 26 on their rosters - many Spartans must endure the jibes of former high school teammates and rivals all year long.
Norfolk State defensive back Byron Wilson, from Deep Creek High School in Chesapeake, recalled a night out with Hampton strong safety Kevin Williams, from Norcom High in Portsmouth.
``We're just driving around hanging out one night and he starts in about, `We're gonna bring the wood to you guys again this year,' '' Wilson remembered. ``I'm looking around for the drive-through window so I could say, `Uh, Combo Meal No. 3, please.' What else was I going to say?
``He has legitimate room to talk. If we'd beaten them the way they've beaten us the last three years, I'd have a hard time not talking about it.''
The talk among Hampton players this week was of making it four in a row.
``I feel that we're going to come out on top once again,'' said Hampton defensive end Hugh Hunter, who is from Portsmouth. ``It's happened the last few years and I hope nothing changes. We just keep telling each other it's our homecoming.''
For the Spartans, it's a chance to do some talking of their own.
``I wanted to beat Virginia State,'' said senior Kenny McDaniel. ``But this is the one I've got to have before I leave here.''
NOTES: Norfolk State coach Darnell Moore praised Hampton coach Joe Taylor and his staff as much for their offseason recruiting efforts as for their in-season coaching abilities in a pregame press conference Wednesday. ``You can't take a jackass to the Kentucky Derby and win,'' Moore said. ``You've got to bring a thoroughbred, and they do it time and again.'' . . . More from Moore: ``We're not playing last year's game this year. On paper, we might not have a chance. But we won't be playing paper football.'' . . . Mid-Atlantic Coca-Cola will help sponsor today's game and will present a trophy to the winning team and $500 checks for athletic scholarships to both programs. . . . Norfolk State and Hampton officials are working to develop a trophy replica of the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel that will rotate to the winner of each year's game. by CNB