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On the sideline

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published October 21, 2005

THE RACE FOR FIRST

There's a rivalry game at Crystal River tonight, with the Pirates taking on Citrus. By winning, the Hurricanes would move to 3-0 and remain in first place in their district. Citrus is tied for the lead with Hernando. But the Leopards play Nature Coast Tech, which has yet to win a district game, so the 'Canes likely need a victory to keep pace. Though it has lost six games, Crystal River is 1-1 in district competition, so even the Pirates could make a run at respectability. Lecanto is playing out of the district and will meet Hudson at home. The Panthers will have a tough time winning, but a good showing could help their confidence heading into their final district contest against Crystal River.

1: Players recently profiled by the Times who quit the Crystal River team this week. Nathan Sargent decided to leave the squad.

48: Percentage of passes completed by Citrus quarterback Walter Howard this season. He is 51 of 106 for 704 yards.

2: Consecutive years Lecanto has lost to Hudson.

10: Touchdowns scored by Citrus freshman Antoin Scriven, who had three last week against Nature Coast.

3: Practices held by Crystal River last week so the team could rest for the stretch run of the season and study for finals.

"This one means the most."

- CRAIG FREDERICK, Crystal River coach, on whether the Citrus or Lecanto game would mean more to his team. Frederick said playing the Hurricanes is slightly more important to his players.

CITRUS AT CRYSTAL RIVER

WHEN: 7:30.

LAST YEAR: Citrus 28, Crystal River 0.

THE SKINNY: Just a couple of seasons ago, the Pirates were regularly beating Citrus, winning by 21 points in 2002 and 42 in '03. But Crystal River has lost two straight to the Hurricanes and will have to play a flawless game tonight to end its skid. The Pirates' defense, which has allowed 145 points in the past three games, will have a tough time stopping phenom running back Antoin Scriven. The freshman gained 182 yards on 18 carries against Nature Coast last week, and he could be in for a similar performance - if coach Rik Haines decides to keep the ball on the ground. The 'Canes were strong in the air last week, throwing for touchdowns of 36 and 58 yards. The Pirates intend to run often, and coach Craig Frederick says they might have a chance if Crystal River doesn't fumble. If the Pirates cough up the ball more than once, though, it will be a long night.

WHEN: 7:30. LAST YEAR: Hudson 40, Lecanto 0.

THE SKINNY: Fellow Class 3A school Hudson (6-2) has won three of its last four, beating Zephyrhills 28-13 a week ago. Hudson has not been to the playoffs in 26 seasons but is alone in first place in district 8. The Cobras likely will be without their best player - receiver/defensive back Royce Simonds, who has a knee injury and did not play last week. Still, Hudson has running back Vince Ferlita, who rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns against Zephyrhills. Lecanto has lost two straight since its first district win over Nature Coast. Coach Bob LeCours said he is more worried about containing Hudson's offense than scoring points. "We've got to find a way to slow down the speed and execution of Hudson," LeCours said.

[Last modified October 21, 2005, 02:15:38]