The winless Lions play tough after the first half. But it's too late in their
By JOHN SCHWARB
Published October 20, 2004
42-14 loss to Coral Springs Christian.
BROOKSVILLE - Hernando Christian is a second-half team, one far more comfortable after settling in against an opponent.
Problem is, that opponent usually has built a healthy lead before the Lions get revved up.
That was the case Tuesday as Coral Springs Christian scored three touchdowns during the first 3:40 on its way to a 28-6 halftime lead and 42-14 win over still-winless HCA.
The game was a makeup from an early-season hurricane postponement.
Taking the opening kickoff, the Crusaders (4-3) needed just three plays to move 65 yards, with senior Godfrey Burke handling the final 57 on a run up the middle. That turned out to be the theme of the afternoon. Burke gained 226 yards on 15 carries and scored three touchdowns.
HCA (0-7) fumbled the ensuing kickoff, and the Crusaders scored again as Andy Holz hit John Alfano for a 13-yard score. Lions quarterback Stephen Johnson then threw the first of five interceptions, and Coral Springs answered again with Holz's 42-yard touchdown to James Stultz. "Our first half is our worst one," Johnson said. "In the second half, we get fired up and keep going."
Indeed, HCA played Coral Springs close in the second half, allowing two touchdowns and scoring one of its own.
Corey Drummond cracked the end zone from 1 yard in the fourth quarter, capping a 59-yard, nine-play drive.
Ryan Walczak scored the first Lions touchdown in the second quarter, also on a 1-yard run.
"We moved the ball. The defense was just on the field a lot," said HCA coach Steve Johnson, the quarterback's father.
