DATE: Tuesday, October 21, 1997             TAG: 9710210413

SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C6   EDITION: FINAL 

SOURCE: - ROBIN BRINKLEY

                                            LENGTH:   73 lines

EASTERN, BEACH DISTRICT RACES REMAIN TIGHT

A little parity once in a while can't hurt, right?

Let's hope not, since races in the Eastern and Beach districts are tighter than a John Elway spiral.

With three weeks left in the regular-season Booker T. Washington, Churchland, Norcom, Lake Taylor and Norview are tied for first in the Eastern District.

The Beach is almost as unsettled with First Colonial and Kellam tied for first and four others one game behind.

EASTERN

BOOKER T. WASHINGTON (6-1, 3-1): The Bookers have the inside track on a Division 5 playoff berth because of a better overall record and a higher power rating, a system used by the Virginia High School League to determine playoff participants. Booker T. leads South Hampton Roads in total defense and scoring defense and, while not prolific on offense, is at least balanced. The remaining schedule is tough: at Norcom, Norview at home, at Lake Taylor.

CHURCHLAND (5-2, 3-1): The Truckers have beaten Booker T. Washington and Norcom and have the easiest finishing schedule: at Norview, Wilson at home and at Granby.

NORCOM (5-2, 3-1): The Greyhounds' season is on the line Friday night when they host the Bookers for homecoming. They follow that with road games at Lake Taylor and at Norview. The return of injured wideout/defensive back DeMarkeo Hurdle this week should help in the bid for a Division 5 berth.

LAKE TAYLOR (5-2, 3-1): The Titans are the highest-scoring team in the district and Ronyell Whitaker is on a roll. The win over Churchland looks even better in the District 5 playoff picture, but the finishing schedule is imposing: at Maury, Norcom at home, Booker T. Washington at home.

NORVIEW (3-4, 3-1): The Pilots have won three of their past four and the addition of Mydrione Halsey strengthens them all over the field. But they almost have to win out to have a shot at the playoffs and they face the the toughest schedule: Churchland at home, at Booker T., Norcom at home.

BEACH

FIRST COLONIAL (5-2, 5-1): The Patriots don't do anything spectacularly, but have few weaknesses. Their fate is in their own hands, but if they don't win the district, three losses may not be good enough to make the playoffs. The schedule: Bayside at home, at Ocean Lakes, Kellam at home.

KELLAM (5-2, 5-1): The pesky Knights won't go away despite ranking eighth in the district in total offense. That doesn't leave much room for error against this closing schedule: Princess Anne at home, at Bayside, at First Colonial.

GREEN RUN (5-2, 4-2): A three-game winning streak in which the Stallions forced nine turnovers has thrust them back in the race. An 8-2 record - very possible with a finishing slate of Salem at home, at Cox and Kempsville at home - could leave their Division 5 playoff fate to the power ratings.

TALLWOOD (5-2, 4-2): How often do you outgain a team 328 yards to 91 and lose? That's what Tallwood did last week against Green Run, but the Lions are still in good shape in Division 6. Two more wins against a closing schedule of Ocean Lakes at home, at Princess Anne and Bayside at home could get them in the playoffs.

OCEAN LAKES (5-2, 4-2): The Dolphins would, could, should be undefeated. But they aren't and now must face Tallwood away, First Colonial at home and Princess Anne away. It's hard to see them running the table, but two out of three still makes it interesting for a wildcard bid in Division 6.

PRINCESS ANNE (4-3, 4-2): The Cavaliers have allowed only 10 points in winning four straight. That gives them momentum entering the stretch run. Better yet they face the three teams - Kellam away, Tallwood at home and Ocean Lakes at home - they need to get in the Division 6 playoffs.

SOUTHEASTERN

WESTERN BRANCH (7-0, 4-0): The Bruins are the area's dominant team, ranking first in scoring and total offense and second in scoring defense. They play at Nansemond River and host Great Bridge the next two weeks before closing against Deep Creek.

DEEP CREEK (5-2, 4-0): The Hornets have won four straight by a combined 160-28. They play host to Great Bridge and Indian River before closing the season at Western Branch.

Send Suggestions or Comments to webmaster@scholar.lib.vt.edu