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Winning performance leads to 'Canes QB promotion

By DAWN REISS
Published October 11, 2006

There's a new starting quarterback at Citrus: junior Bradley Paul.

Paul played last week in the 'Canes' 23-12 win against Lake Weir. He completed 9-of-13 for 80 yards and carried the ball seven times for 86 yards.

Citrus coach Rik Haines said Paul replaced sophomore Cameron West on a "coach's decision."

"Bradley Paul is our starting quarterback going into Friday's game," Haines said.

Paul has completed 20-of-43 with two interceptions for 248 yards and one touchdown this season. West has gone 35-of-75 for 512 yards, seven touchdowns and four interceptions. On the ground, West has 14 carries for 66 yards; Paul has 12 carries for 112 yards.

Haines said he likes the way Paul manages the game and runs the ball hard.

"He has a little moxie about him," Haines said. "But he's not the best practice player."

Since Paul played in Friday's win, Haines said he will keep the junior as a starter.

"He was called on and he stepped up," Haines said. "I don't change starting pitchers, winning pitchers. That's nothing against Cameron West or Nick Adrian.

"It's not what you did last week because I don't care what you potential is," Haines added. "If we get results, we're happy."

UP NEXT: Nature Coast is at Citrus and Hernando at Lecanto Friday at 7:30 p.m. Crystal River (1-6) has a bye week to regroup after Friday's 55-0 loss to South Sumter.

It's a big district week for Citrus. If Nature Coast wins, it locks up one of the two playoff spots. Citrus (3-3, 1-0) has two other district opponents, struggling Crystal River and Hernando. The 'Canes' three losses have come against West Port (34-7), Gulf (23-12) and South Sumter (48-9). Nature Coast's (5-1, 2-0) only loss (27-10) came against Frostproof, a team Haines says is of the same caliber as South Sumter.

If Lecanto (0-6) is going to win this season, this is the week to do it. Crystal River's lone win came two weeks ago with a 13-7 defeat of Hernando (1-5).

FORGET MR. NICE: Lecanto coach Bob LeCours said after last week's 48-0 loss to the Village he is changing his demeanor.

"No more being "Mr. Nice Guy," LeCours said. "They've got to start performing."

Though they aren't called "suicides" anymore, the Panthers did line drills of sprinting back and forth, dropping to the ground as he verbalized his frustration Tuesday. "I think their focus has been off," LeCours said. "With finals this week, with Homecoming this weekend, we've got to be grounded in practice."

PICKLE POWER: Like any football team, the 'Canes have dealt with their share of players' cramps. In particular Antoin Scriven, who had severe cramps in his calves against South Sumter.

To combat it, Citrus uses the old-school cure: pickle juice. "If it's enough good for Donovan McNabb it's good enough for us," Haines said.

Haines said he buys two or three jars of pickles each week for Scriven and some of the other players to eat before a game.

PAINFUL PUNTING: The Panthers have struggled with punting this season, averaging 27.9 yards on 38 attempts. It has been a big focus this week in practice, and the Panthers are taking more time with special teams, in particular punt coverage.

[Last modified October 11, 2006, 06:32:25]