Defense spearheads victory for Phoebus

HAMPTON - Somehow, an unbeaten team that had outscored the opposition by 47 points a game considered itself the underdog yesterday. And in reality, Phoebus probably was. Stone Bridge was the proud owner not only of a 26-game winning streak, but of last year's state championship trophy.

Perhaps this explains why the Phantoms came out as if they had been insulted. Maybe it's why they took the lead a full minute before the game was even scheduled to begin. And why the Group AAA Division 5 semifinal was a quick knockout.

Phoebus forced six turnovers, including a fumble recovery for a touchdown 10 seconds into the game, and cruised to a 38-8 win before a packed house at Darling Stadium. In handing the Bulldogs their worst loss ever, the Phantoms moved on to next week's final against Dinwiddie.

"True, everybody was saying we wouldn't come out on top because Stone Bridge beat us last year and they were so good," said tailback Shawne Alston, who has rolled up a quiet 2,000-yard season. "But we wanted this game the whole year. We've been preparing for this."

Alston ran for 167 yards on 26 carries, showing his usual power as well as some break-away speed on a 43-yard touchdown.

REGION A

Franklin 22, William Campbell 21

FRANKLIN - Donzell Shearin ran for two touchdowns and threw for another as Franklin outlasted William Campbell in the Region A state semifinal.

Shearin totaled 108 yards rushing, and completed 2 of 3 passes for 99 yards. Isaiah Hudson racked up 71 yards on 17 carries for the Broncos (11-2).

William Campbell quarterback Earon Adams rushed for 158 yards with two touchdowns. Stanley Pearman reached 77 yards on 11 carries, and Timmy Wright led the Generals (11-2) with six tackles.

F - Shearin 1 run (run failed)

WC - Adams 4 run (Donald Byrd kick)

F - Shearin 16 run (Shearin run)

WC - Younger 33 pass from Adams 4 run (Byrd kick)

WC - Pearman 3 run (Byrd kick)

F - Thompson 70 pass from Shearin (Bottoms run)