DATE: Friday, October 3, 1997               TAG: 9710030868

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C6   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: ROBIN BRINKLEY

DATELINE: VIRGINIA BEACH                    LENGTH:   27 lines

KELLAM LOOKS TO KEEP SURPRISING STREAK ALIVE

The little team that could seeks its fourth consecutive victory tonight when No. 8 Kellam visits seventh-ranked Tallwood in a bigger game than anyone could have imagined four weeks ago.

The Knights (3-1, 3-0) dress only 29 varsity players but are tied with First Colonial for first place in the Beach District. Tallwood (3-1, 2-1) is one game back, although you'd never know it by reading the statistics.

Tallwood leads Kellam in every important statistical category but two: scoring defense and turnover differential. The scoring difference is minute: 11 vs. 12.3. Where Kellam cashes in is on turnovers.

The Knights have forced 17 turnovers to 6 for Tallwood.

``We're finding a way to win,'' Kellam coach Chris Worst said.

Keys for Kellam are preventing Tallwood from sustaining long drives and keeping the Lions guessing with the most balanced attack in the area.

Keys for Tallwood are asserting dominance on the offensive line, something it couldn't do in last week's 16-6 loss to First Colonial.

The Lions also need better special-teams play, especially if the game develops into a battle of field position.

Pick: Kellam 20, Tallwood 7. Never pick against a streak.

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