THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Wednesday, October 25, 1995 TAG: 9510250575
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C2 EDITION: FINAL
SERIES: Athletes of the Week
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: Medium: 54 lines
Lake Taylor's Ronyell Whitaker has been known mainly for his offense this season. The 5-foot-8, 160-pound running back is third in South Hampton Roads with 902 yards on 146 carries.
But after returning two interceptions and a punt for touchdowns for the Titans' only scores in a 22-14 upset of previously unbeaten Western Branch on Thursday, the sophomore proved he is not one-dimensional.
``Now I guess other teams will have to watch out for me on defense and returning kicks,'' said Whitaker, The Virginian-Pilot's male athlete of the week. ``I've been having a great offensive year, so that's all that's getting noticed.''
Whitaker's offense didn't suffer despite his defensive and special teams efforts. He gained 135 yards rushing - 100 before halftime - against the Bruins.
``He doesn't get a rest,'' Lake Taylor coach Bert Harrell said. ``He makes a lot of things happen whether it's on offense or defense.''
Whitaker, the nephew of World Boxing Council welterweight champion Sweetpea Whitaker, said he had something to prove after fumbling a punt return and being stopped on a two-point conversion run in a 15-13 loss to Churchland two weeks ago.
``You don't know what could've happened, but I think we probably would have beaten Churchland,'' Whitaker said. ``I was thinking this was my time to shine against an undefeated team. I decided this would show everybody how good I really was.''
Whitaker got his chance in the first half. He intercepted two of Daryl Walton's passes, going 18 and 77 yards for touchdowns to give the Titans a 16-0 halftime lead.
``Both times before the ball was snapped the quarterback looked right at me,'' Whitaker said. ``As soon as he cocked back I knew where he was going and I jumped on it.''
Whitaker then added a 77-yard punt return in the second half.
``I was real excited when I saw they were going to kick it to me,'' he said. ``When I saw it coming I knew I had to make something happen and the blocks were there and I took off.''
Whitaker said he isn't worried if teams decide to avoid kicking to him.
``We can just run a reverse,'' he said. ``So if they don't kick it to me I'll get it one way or another.'' ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Ronyell Whitaker
by CNB