Citrus sideline

Don't count 'em out

Admit it. Go ahead. Set the truth free. When Crystal River was 1-2 last month, you probably wrote the Pirates off. It's okay, you weren't alone. After Crystal River fell to Dunnellon in Week 3, it was only natural to think this wasn't the Pirates' year. Well, think again. Crystal River, 4-2 after outscoring its past three opponents 117-25, is back in the playoff picture and has a good chance to win another GCAC title. That's some comeback. We could be kind and present you with a list of great all-time comebacks, but that's not our style. Instead, here are some people/things with no chance of making a comeback. Hey, we never said we were nice.

THE 2002 FLORIDA GATORS -- These guys should wear throw-back jerseys since they're playing like the Gator teams from the 1970s. And here's a term from that decade that describes them pretty well: el-stinko.

NEW COKE -- Introduced in 1985, the "modernized" version of coca-cola forever lives in marketing infamy. Why? Because it was rank. A can of this stuff could net you a couple grand on E-Bay, but whatever you do, don't drink any of it.

SCOTT BAIO -- This 1980s icon appeared on Happy Days and was the star of the classic movie Zapped. He recently appeared in something called Frank McKlusky, C.I. Talk about a free fall.

COP ROCK -- A TV show so bad it lasted one season (if that) and never made it into the late-night rotation. You know your product stinks when Nick at Night won't show it. Not exactly a resume builder for young actors.

THE HANDLEBARS MUSTACHE -- We're not sure when exactly this was popular (or why), but we're certain its comeback chances are slim and none -- at least if we have any say.

THE NUMBERS

2: Wins for Ocala West Port program in two years of existance. Both came this season.

3: Times Citrus scored more than 20 points in 2001. The Hurricanes have done it four times this season.

4.5: Yards per play by Citrus offense last week vs. Springstead.

332: Crystal River rushing average in past three games -- all wins.

1993: Last time Lecanto beat Dunnellon.

1995: Last time Crystal River didn't make the playoffs.

1998: Last time Citrus made the postseason.

1999: Last time Crystal River didn't lose to a Marion County team.

THE GAMES

North Marion at Citrus

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: North Marion won 56-21.

THE SKINNY: Citrus (5-1) outscored its first five opponents 132-65, but fell to Springstead 25-3 last week. What went wrong? Simply put, the Hurricanes' offense went flat. Citrus fumbled on its first play, had 4 opening-half first downs, 4 third-quarter plays and 156 total yards -- roughly 1/3 of which came in garbage time. Because the 'Canes haven't thrown much, Springstead keyed on stopping the run and successfully shut down tailback R.J. Cobb. Citrus tried to open things up, but several Casey Snyder passes were dropped and served as drive-killers. North Marion is better physically, which means the Hurricanes will have to execute their game plan to perfection to have a shot.

Ocala West Port at Crystal River

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Crystal River won 52-3.

THE SKINNY: Crystal River (4-2), as evidenced by its past three performances, is tough to beat when the Pirates don't turn it over. Last week's star was Chris Bunch, who tossed a 40-yard touchdown pass and ran 88 yards for another score against Central. The running game produced 320 yards on 33 carries as Crystal River did all of its scoring in the 38-13 win before the fourth quarter. The Pirates have played teams that rely on the run. West Port (2-4), however, is a serious passing threat. The Wolf Pack's Bobby Kissane is among the state's passing leaders.

Dunnellon at Lecanto

WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

LAST YEAR: Dunnellon won 40-18.

THE SKINNY: Lecanto's fading playoff hopes rest squarely on tonight's game. The Panthers (3-3) are 0-2 in Class 3A, District 3, but technically aren't out of it. Lecanto's chances of winning greatly improve when Jarvis Patterson (892 rushing yards, 8 TDs) is on the field, so the news he will return after missing last week's game with a sore back is good for the Panthers. Lecanto's interior should match up well with Dunnellon (6-0), but the Tigers' athleticism will be tough to overcome. Dunnellon has its best team in years and is loaded at the skill positions.

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