THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1997, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Friday, January 31, 1997              TAG: 9701310747
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C6   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY ROBIN BRINKLEY, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   34 lines

CASON OF INDIAN RIVER TO PLAY AT N.C. STATE

Former Indian River wide receiver and defensive back Anthony Cason, the hero of the Braves' Eastern Region championship game victory over Green Run two seasons ago, has given an oral commitment to N.C. State.

Cason (5-foot-9, 170) played last fall at Milford Prep in Connecticut. He enrolled in prep school to raise his standardized test score to qualify for college.

Cason will play defensive back for the Wolfpack. He had 27 receptions for 352 yards as a senior at Indian River and caught the winning touchdown pass against Green Run. The Braves won the state Division 6 title.

Norcom's Mike Ponds, a second-team All-Tidewater defensive back, has given an oral commitment to James Madison where he is expected to play wide receiver. Ponds (6-5, 210) played safety and wide receiver for the Greyhounds, who won the Eastern District title. He caught 14 passes for 185 yards and four touchdowns last fall. Ponds is the second area player to commit to JMU, following Norview's Hannibal McFarland.

Granby's D. J. Alexander has given an oral commitment to William and Mary. Alexander, a second-team All-Tidewater pick, played free safety and cornerback, made three interceptions and was third on the team in tackles last fall. He turned down Army.

NOW HIRING: Maury is accepting applications for its head football coaching position through Feb. 14. Contact Jack Baker at 441-261. ILLUSTRATION: Photo

Anthony Cason, who went to prep school for a year, will be a

defensive back for Wolfpack.