THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, September 28, 1996 TAG: 9609280525
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY LEE TOLLIVER, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH LENGTH: 58 lines
The Hampton Roads Sharks have picked a good time to start playing up to potential.
In the Mason-Dixon Football League, this is crunch time.
``We'll definitely know how good we are after the next two weeks,'' owner/coach Dr. T.J. Morgan said.
The Sharks return from a two-week road trip to face Richmond tonight at 7:30 at Kempsville High before taking on league champ Fredericksburg - the only team to beat Hampton Roads last year - on the Generals' home field.
National rankings are also at stake.
The GameFace Top 30 Coaches' Poll - from a Chicago publication - has the Sharks listed at No. 25, while Fredericksburg is 13th and Richmond 14th. The American Football Association has the Sharks at No. 8 in the Eastern Region. Fredericksburg is listed third and Richmond fourth.
``We could make a big name for the team this next two weeks,'' Morgan said.
To do that, the team will have to do something it hasn't done since last year - establish the running game.
``Richmond lines up in a 4-3 and really stacks the defense on the line,'' Morgan said. ``Last year, we overloaded two tight ends on one side and ran a sweep to that side. I think we can run on them this year.''
The fact that his team is finally settling into a new offense helps.
Corey Kennedy has matured into his quarterback role. He has completed 23 of 89 attempts for 637 yards and nine touchdowns and three interceptions. His primary target is Brian Darden, who has 12 catches for 342 yards and five touchdowns. He's averaging 28.5 yard a catch.
Keith Abston has emerged as the top running back, rushing 39 times for 229 yards and three touchdowns. But he has fumbled five times.
Defensively, it's the same strong unit that gave opponents fits last season - so far allowing only 584 yards total offense to the Sharks' 1,098.
Hampton Roads Sharks
vs Richmond Ravens
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Kempsville High School
Tickets: $5.
About the Sharks (5-0 overall,5-0 league): Hampton Roads is finally getting into an offensive rhythm. Corey Kennedy is coming into his own at quarterback and Brian Darden is his main target. Keith Abston is the top rusher, and the defensive pair of Darryl Nimmo and Odell Joyner smash the line in key short-yardage situations.
About the Ravens (5-1, 3-1): This is a better Richmond team than the one the Sharks crushed last season in the rain in Richmond before winning by a mere touchdown in the playoffs. The Ravens' only loss is to Northern Division leader and defending Mason-Dixon Football League champion Fredericksburg. Terry Chisley of Virginia Union is the quarterback and has thrown nine TDs and run for two more. His main target is Darrell McCatty, who has 19 receptions for 467 yards and eight touchdowns. John Wyatt has run for 460 yards and three scores, while Anthony Barnes has 346 yards and five TDs. by CNB