THE COMPASS
‘‘Together we will find the right direction”
OCTOBER
ELIZABETH CITY, N C
1981
“T
Vikings no. 1
Southern Division
By Gary Savage
Sports Writer
The Vikings have gone
strong into this season thus
far, as they have ac
cumulated an overall record
of seven wins and one loss. In
conference, the current
record is 4-1. This year’s
team is definitely heading in
the direction of the CIAA
championships.
Head Coach Johnnie
Walton made comments
about the team’s only loss
against Norfolk State: “I
can’t blame any of the ball
players for the defeat
because I mostly blame
myself. 1 have high con
fidence in this ball club. For
the remainig season, we shall
determine, in the next five
weeks, how we’ll do in the
conference.”
The team has maintained a
good defensive line this year.
Congratulations should be
awarded to the defensive
coaches and players.
Together, they have wdrked
very hard to keep the defense
in the right direction.'
Defensive coordinator, Alvin
Kelley, feels that “we have an
outstanding defensive line.
We like to put a lot of pressure
on the opposing team’s of
fense to force turnovers.
With the size of our defensive
linemen, we like to control the
line of scrimmage. Our
defensive front is led by
James “Sugar Bear”
Hamilton, a Genial Pro
Prospect.”
Kelley feels that ECSU has
the best cornerbacks in the
CIAA. Currently, the Vikings
are leading in pass in
terceptions thanks to Dwight
Taylor and Bobby Futrell.
Together, they have done an
outstanding job on the field.
Juan Austin, kicker for the
team, has also done a good
job. He hopes to do ever
better as the season
progresses, and is very en
thused about the team’s
performance.
The coaching staff is very
excited about their defensive
tackle, Howard Oglesby, a
6’8,” 320 pounder from
Washington, D.C. Howard
feels that the coaches have
done an outstanding job in
preparing the team for each
game.
Coach Walton feels that the
team MVP thus far should be
given to Bobby Futrell. He
has intercepted 7 passes and
returned 11 punts thus far.
His average in returns is 15.6
yards. Bobby knows that he
is an important factor on the
team. “I like defensive back
better than offense, mostly
because I’d rather hit
somebody than be hit. I’ll
stick to both and do my very
best.”
The Vikings have main
tained a good game average
thus far, and feel it’s too late
to stop now. They would like
all of their fans to know that
they “never fall, they just
stumble.”
The Viking defense is overpowering the Hampton offensive line.
Pictured above is
Dwight Taylor (#42) blocking a punt ^S^inst Hampton Institute.