Not that anyone needs reminding, but Hernando County came up completely dry in the playoff chase last year. Tonight, Springstead can ensure that doesn't happen again. Combine that with Nature Coast's first in-county game, a chance for Hernando to get elusive win No. 2 and a homecoming at Hernando Christian (ah, the pageantry), and this is the best Friday night of the season so far. Heck, some hot chocolate might be in order with this weather. Now that's football.
NATURE COAST (1-4) AT CENTRAL (4-2)
WHEN: 7:30. THE SKINNY: Players on both sides got some verbal jabs in this week, which we always enjoy. What we're wondering is what Nature Coast is talking about, allowing 193 points in four consecutive losses. No one will confuse the Bears with an offensive juggernaut, but they dropped 30 on River Ridge last week and are motivated by a shot at tying the school record of eight wins. Don't laugh - the team's final four opponents have a combined record of 4-19.
SCHWARB'S PICK: Central.
NIPPS'S PICK: Central.
SPRINGSTEAD (5-0) AT LEESBURG (2-4)
WHEN: 7:30. LAST YEAR: Springstead 21, Leesburg 7.
THE SKINNY: A Class 4A, District 6 game. The Eagles are doing everything right: running the ball, stopping the run, avoiding letdown-induced losses one week after district games. The reward: a road trip where a win clinches the school's first playoff berth since 1996. If Springstead can neutralize Leesburg's speed and settle into its ball-control, pounding offense, cancel your plans for Nov. 12.
SCHWARB'S PICK: Springstead.
NIPPS'S PICK: Springstead.
HERNANDO (1-5) AT LECANTO (0-6)
WHEN: 7:30. LAST YEAR: Hernando 15, Lecanto 6.
THE SKINNY: A 3A-8 game. Yes, both teams are 0-1 in the district and could run the table to finish 3-1 and in the playoffs. And the Buccaneers can rattle off 11 more wins to end up 12-4 with a home playoff game. We're talking verrrrry unlikely, especially for the Panthers, losers of 15 in a row.
SCHWARB'S PICK: Hernando.
NIPPS'S PICK: Hernando.
LAKE MARY PREP (0-4) AT HERN. CHR. (0-5)
WHEN: 4. THE SKINNY: The Lions appear on the verge of shedding the winless tag. One week after scoring their first points, they lost their first nailbiter, 9-6 to Clearwater Calvary Christian. Today's Homecoming match-up features winless independent Lake Mary Prep, which has regressed since a 16-12 loss in Week 1, being outscored 150-33 in three subsequent losses. With Class A Coral Springs Christian and Nature Coast looming the next two weeks, HCA would be well served to get that "W" now.
SCHWARB'S PICK: Lake Mary.
NIPPS'S PICK: Hernando Chr.
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