No bragging after blowout

Crystal River wins easily over a South Sumter team at less than full strength.

By BRIAN SUMERS
Published December 1, 2005

CRYSTAL RIVER - They won by more than 50 points Wednesday, but in the cluttered postgame locker room, no one celebrated.

The Pirates dressed quickly and left the gym, and though they were pleased with their 71-20 victory over South Sumter, they kept quiet.

"That was more like a practice than anything," senior forward J.C. Livingston said before catching his seemingly arrogant tone. "I don't want to sound mean or anything."

Essentially, Crystal River (2-0) beat up on a junior varsity team. The Raiders football team plays tonight for the Class 2A championship, and most basketball players remain with their fall sport.

The Raiders (0-2) brought just two regular varsity players and none of their starters. Crystal River led 55-16 after the third quarter, and the teams played the final eight minutes with a running clock.

Though his team led by more than 40 points, Livingston, a possible college prospect, returned late in the fourth quarter to play guard. He said the coaches allowed him to switch positions because, at 6-foot-5, he likely will have to play guard in college.

Livingston scored 20 points to led the Pirates. Senior Matt Schrantz added 11 and Pat Edwards had eight.

Crystal River and South Sumter will meet again Jan.18, and Livingston said he expects a different game. "We have to forget about this," he said. "We can't even worry about it."

In the only display of postgame emotion, Schrantz created a dandy rhyme for his teammates.

"When you win by 50," he said, "it feels mighty nifty."

[Last modified December 1, 2005, 01:08:09]