Despite an early spark, the Pirates fall to 0-3 for the first time in 22 years with a one-sided loss to powerful South Sumter.
By DAN COLLINS
Published October 2, 2004
CRYSTAL RIVER - How the mighty have fallen.
For the first time in 22 years Crystal River is 0-3, after a 49-6 loss to South Sumter.
The Pirates came out playing like a team on a mission. The Red Raiders came out flat and slow. Crystal River trailed 7-3 at the end of the first quarter and was looking like the better team.
The second quarter showed why South Sumter was favored, as its depth proved too much for the undermanned Pirates.
The Red Raiders exploded for 28 points in the second quarter, as they were able to platoon and get plenty of rest.
The play of the game came with 1:21 to play in the second.
After the Pirates pulled within 21-6 on a 29-yard field goal by Matt Pepito, South Sumter's Carlos Everett ran the kickoff back for a 99-yard return for a touchdown, breaking the will of the tiring Pirates.
Jarrod Fleming scored on runs of 9 and 1 yards and connected with Everett on passes of 48 and 20 yards for touchdowns.
Nick Southall ran for 100 yards on 10 carries, including a 41-yard touchdown.
Crystal River played with South Sumter, as they had one more first down than the Red Raiders. "They had the big plays," Crystal River coach Craig Frederick said. "We knew that might be a problem coming in. We missed some tackles, but some we had no chance to make the tackles."
Crystal River didn't allow the big plays in the first quarter.
Crystal River looked like a team needing rest in the second quarter and there was no one to come in and give that rest.
"You come out flat sometimes," South Sumter coach Inman Sherman said. "Our depth helped a great deal. We have a lot of guys who can play and we try to get the ball to as many of them as we can."
