Sideline

The kickoff

Okay, this is getting serious. For years Citrus County had Crystal River, and that was it as far as prep football was concerned. The combined Citrus High and Lecanto rosters would have been pulverized by the Pirates' playoff teams that went a combined 60-11 since 1996. Hernando County squads often assumed a loss to Crystal River but equally counted on wins over the Hurricanes and Panthers. Now, the neighbors to the north have this quality and quantity thing going and, as a result, are embarrassing Hernando County's teams. With a sweep tonight -- and it's entirely possible with Lecanto (3-2) playing host to Hernando (3-2), Springstead (0-5) at Citrus (5-0) and Central (2-3) at Crystal River (3-2) -- Citrus County schools could improve to 8-0 against Hernando County. That would leave a season-ending game with Crystal River at Hernando as the last chance to defend the county's honor and avert a historic whitewashing. Citrus County's three clubs never have swept Hernando's three in the regular-season series.

THE NUMBERS

1: Lecanto wins over Hernando in 13-game series.

2: Times Hernando has scored more than 70 points against Lecanto.

26.4: Citrus scoring average.

35.8: Points allowed per game by Springstead.

65: Lecanto record for points scored. It happened in last year's 65-28 win over Hernando.

338.5: Crystal River's rushing average in past two games.

1987: Last time Citrus started 6-0.

THE GAMES

Hernando (3-2) at Lecanto (3-2)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Lecanto 65, Hernando 28.

THE SKINNY: This was supposed to be a battle of two of the North Suncoast's top running backs. But with Hernando's Jagren Castillo (509 yards, nine touchdowns) out indefinitely with a high ankle sprain and Lecanto's Jarvis Patterson (892 yards, eight TDs) supposedly waylaid with an injured back, this becomes a test of depth. Hernando has proven depth at running back in Rod Roberts (449 yards, three touchdowns) and Art Starks (123, one). What Lecanto will do if Patterson cannot go is a mystery. Hernando must play better than last week in squeezing past winless Hudson 14-13. Although 3-2, the Leopards are untested. Their wins have come against teams that are a combined 2-12.

Springstead (0-5) at Citrus (5-0)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Springstead 14, Citrus 3.

THE SKINNY: Citrus has outscored opponents 132-65, proof the Hurricanes have played well on both sides of the ball. Springstead, on the other hand, has been outscored 179-75. However, the winless Eagles might not be as bad as their record would indicate. They lost close games to Hernando (28-22) and Lecanto (23-21). Springstead's top threat is sophomore running back Tim Dow (342 yards, 1 TD). Citrus' big weapon is Cobb. 'Canes defensive end Steve Strong is another to watch.

Central (2-3) at Crystal River (3-2)

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Crystal River 28, Central 0

THE SKINNY: Crystal River is starting to look like the Pirates of old. In last week's 58-6 rout of Lecanto, Crystal River did everything right. A win over Central keeps alive the Pirates' conference title hopes. The Bears have been up and down, beating River Ridge and Springstead but losing to Citrus, Lecanto and Hernando. Senior running back Tim Gaynor (712 yards, 8 TDs) is Central's go-to guy.

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