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Panthers hope for streak

By DAWN REISS and BRIAN SUMERS
Published October 5, 2005

It is the first time second-year Lecanto coach Bob LeCours has the "problem" of winning back-to-back games with the Panthers.

"Hopefully, we'll learn that we can build on that," LeCours said Friday after a win over Nature Coast Tech in which Lecanto struggled with penalties.

"You have to come to play, every play, every Friday night, and the Villages is going to be a good test for us," he said.

The last time the Panthers won two in a row? They opened the 2002 season with a 28-13 victory against Tavares and a 28-16 win over Central. Lecanto has won three consecutive games just once in its 22-year varsity history. In 2001, the Panthers posted victories in their second (26-13 over Central), third (36-14 against Citrus) and fourth contests (27-14 vs. Springstead) of the season.

Lecanto never has won four straight.

CRYSTAL RIVER: The Pirates face their toughest test of the season on the road Friday at South Sumter.

The Raiders have outscored Crystal River 364-254 since 1990. South Sumter owns an 11-4 edge in that span, winning the past three seasons by a score of 122-47.

Last year, South Sumter recorded a 49-6 victory over the Pirates. The Raiders outscored Crystal River, Citrus, Hernando and Lecanto by a combined 224-45.

SECOND-HALF BLUES: A week after losing 50-0 to Trinity Catholic, the Pirates opened last Friday by recovering a fumble on Hernando's first drive, then scoring a touchdown. But 18 unanswered third-quarter points kept Crystal River from starting 2-0 in District 6.

CITRUS: If you cheer for the Hurricanes on Friday, Citrus and Ocala Lake Weir may think you yelling for them. That's because they're both the 'Canes.

GEARING UP: There aren't any district games this week in the county.

After having a bye, Citrus looks to build on its lone win this season - a 39-35 decision over Lecanto after a 42-8 loss to South Sumter on Sept. 23. The Hurricanes (1-4) face a winless Ocala Lake Weir team that has lost to Leesburg, East Side, Hernando, Hilliard and South Lake.

GIVE A HAND: Lecanto defensive end/split end Chris Hand didn't play last year, but he quickly is making an impact for the Panthers.

Hand recovered a Nature Coast fumble to set up a 38-yard pass that he caught from Richard Chaney.

As time expired at the half, his quick thinking saved Lecanto. Hand called time out to put 1-one-hundredth of a second on the clock, which led to a George Phillips field goal. The three points, gave the Panthers the lead.

Against Citrus, Hand had a 29-yard return for a touchdown. Against Central, he blocked three passes and had a tackle for a loss.

PASSIONATE COACH: You've got to love an intense coach, and it's even better when one has a fun answering message in the fieldhouse.

Here's Ocala Lake Weir coach Nate McCullough's message:

"This is Nate McCullough, home of Hurricane football. I'm offense. You're the defense. Run your best play. I will return your call as soon possible. Thank you. God Bless. Go 'Canes."

[Last modified October 5, 2005, 01:14:17]