QB Saunders has Norcom rolling after time on bench

PORTSMOUTH

Norcom quarterback Da’Quan Saunders began his senior year on the bench.

After playing at Wilson as a freshman, Saunders needed to sit out a season after transferring to Norcom. He played only baseball and basketball his junior year.

Saunders returned to football this year, but admits he had rust to shake off. He didn’t win a preseason quarterback battle with sophomore Darron Downing.

“Adjusting to throwing the ball with equipment on, that was the biggest thing,” said Saunders, who stands only 5-9 and weighs 142 pounds.

Saunders spent two quarters on the bench. Called on to spark the Greyhounds in their opener on Aug. 30, his touchdown pass with 19 seconds left gave them a 20-13 victory over Wilson.

Barely three months later, Saunders looks like he never left the sport.

He’s thrown for 1,531 yards and is a major reason the Greyhounds (10-2) will battle Phoebus (10-2) at 7:30 tonight at Darling Stadium for the Eastern Region Division 5 title.

“When he came in that first game, you just saw the level of play rise,” Norcom coach Larry Archie said.

Starting job in hand, Saunders continued to rise to the occasion. On Oct. 21, he completed all five of his second-half passes – including two touchdowns – to help Norcom rally from a 14-0 hole in a 27-14 win at Norview.

Last week, Saunders showed his biggest flair for the dramatic. He threw for 185 yards and one touchdown, helping Norcom overcome a 14-0 deficit and beat Hampton 20-14 in the Division 5 semifinals.

“He’s a gambler,” Archie said. “He trusts his arm. So he fits balls in where sometimes you’re thinking, ‘Oh, no!’ ”

Despite leading a number of impressive wins this season, Saunders said he started to feel comfortable following a loss. On Sept. 9, he threw a third-quarter touchdown pass that gave the Greyhounds a 13-7 lead over Hampton.

Though the Crabbers rallied to win 14-13, Saunders realized he could lead his team against anyone.

The next week, he threw for 254 yards and three touchdowns before halftime as Norcom beat Deep Creek 44-0.

“We didn’t get the win (against Hampton), but we learned to play with them,” Saunders said. “It built my confidence a lot.”

Tonight, Saunders gets a shot at the defending state champions. He’s excited to have a chance to beat them on their turf.

With a win, Norcom would earn its first Division 5 region title since 1993.

“We always say, ‘Family first, don’t let your brother down,’ ” Saunders said. “If we go out and play hard and stay together, good things should happen.”