Print

Email story

Comment

Email editor

Nature Coast moves home game to tonight

Tropical Storm Katrina forces the Sharks' Friday contest vs. Frostproof to be rescheduled.

By LARRY BUGG
Published August 25, 2005

SPRING HILL - Last year, Nature Coast Tech missed the school's first-ever varsity game due to a hurricane and never made it up.

Nature Coast didn't take any chances this season, rescheduling its Friday home opener against Frostproof for tonight at 7:30. The change was made to avoid any chance of a rain cancellation from the threatening Tropical Storm Katrina. At press time, other area schools were meeting to determine whether they were going to reschedule their games.

The change just moves the Sharks closer to a tough season opener against an opponent that made the playoffs last year and earns their stripes in competitive Polk County.

Nature Coast head coach Jamie Joyner knows a few things about Frostproof.

"They are a fast, athletic, physical team," Joyner said. "They have a sophomore running back who was All-State as a freshman."

Fortunately for the Sharks, they have some weapons of their own.

Running back Rian Williams gained 1,728 yards rushing last year. He was the second leading runner in the Tampa Bay area, according to Joyner. The Sharks also have a varsity season under their belt.

"We have experience," Joyner said. "Our kids have been there and done that. Everything is not new to them. Last year was brand new to them. We return 10 guys on defense. We can execute adjustments now."

Nature Coast will make its offense less predictable. "We try to have a good mixture of the run and pass," Joyner said. "We try to establish the run."

The Sharks have some standouts on the defensive side.

"Defensively, we have two inside linebackers, Mike Allen and Cody Fritsch," Joyner said. "Allen is the hammer for us on defense. He is our big hitter. He is the guy we count on to make the big hits for us.

"Fritsch is always in the right place and right time. He is a good fundamentally sound player. He was the leading tackler last year."

Nature Coast won't get a "breather" in their second game. It plays area power Springstead at Springstead on Sept. 2.

[Last modified August 25, 2005, 01:09:20]