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Scriven takes handoff from his famous uncle

'Canes freshman hopes to carry on the family running-back tradition started by Larry Key.

By DAWN REISS
Published September 16, 2005

INVERNESS - Citrus freshman running back Antoin Scriven knows he has big shoes to fill.

His uncle is Larry Key.

For anyone who may have forgotten, Key was a legendary Citrus High running back who went on to fame at Florida State and in the Canadian Football League before failing in a bid to make the National Football League.

Key is the only player from a Citrus County school to be selected as the Times' North Suncoast Player of the Year and was a Class 2A all-state selection in 1973. As a senior with the Hurricanes, he rushed for 2,231 yards and 38 touchdowns and was picked for an All-America team. He ran a

Now Scriven, 15, wants Key's high school record for the most yards rushed in a season. It may take four years to accomplish, but Scriven said Citrus coach Rik Haines told him it was a possibility. Scriven would at least like to try.

He doesn't talk to his uncle frequently. "But if I break his record, I'm sure he'll hear about it," said the 6-foot, 175-pound Scriven. Scriven knows he's no where close. He's just happy to have scored twice at Gulf last week in a 68-40 loss, the first touchdowns of his high school career. He pounded both in on runs of 7 and 3 yards.

"It felt good to finally get on the board," said Scriven, who had 13 carries for 70 yards against Gulf.

Scriven said it's been "stressful" not scoring until the third game after producing an average of three TDs at Inverness Middle School last year.

"I didn't expect three touchdowns a game in high school," he joked. "But I like to score."

His ability to zoom through defenses while juking defenders with his trademark spin move has quickly caught the attention of opponents.

"He's always been the fastest player where ever he's played," said his mother, Chloe Poe. Lecanto players know Scriven will be a key component in tonight's game.

"He's really tough," Panthers quarterback Mychal Nichols said. "We've got to stop him."

Scriven will be a double threat, as it will be his first time this year to play on defense, at free safety. His teammates have nicknamed him "Boobie Miles" for his likeness to the star running back in Friday Night Lights.

"Antoin has brought a lot of enthusiasm," Citrus quarterback Walter Howard said.

"He's fast, strong and quick with a good head. He has that never give up attitude. And as a pass blocker he sacrifices his body to give me a few seconds longer to make a decision."

[Last modified September 16, 2005, 01:35:22]