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Perseverance key for the 'Canes

Citrus never folded, even when faced with multiple injuries and a possible losing season.

By BRETT KELMAN
Published November 10, 2006

INVERNESS - The regular season may have ended on a sour note after a loss last week to the Villages, but Citrus still is happy to be in the postseason.

"The team worked so hard this year that we're not that thrilled to be 5-5, but we accomplished our goal. We made the playoffs," coach Rik Haines said.

Tonight the 'Canes play North Marion in the first round.

Since Haines became coach in 2004, the 'Canes have made the playoffs three straight years for the first time since 1987.

Still, Haines will take no credit.

"I think we've made it for two reasons, great kids who play hard and good assistant coaches," he said.

During mid October, Citrus was two wins from the playoffs with only three games left. On the cusp of a losing season, a nail-biting game against Crystal River gave the 'Canes a chance to prove they were a playoff-worthy team.

"I don't remember what the score was. I don't care. We won by one," Haines said.

The Pirates had a chance to steal the game with a two-point conversion but failed, and Citrus escaped with a 39-38 victory. The next week the 'Canes claimed a comeback victory against Hernando, sealing their place in the postseason.

"This team finds a way to win. They battled all year and refused to quit," Haines said. "They have learned to finish and that's what life is all about."

To make the cut, Citrus overcame a slew of injuries. Senior receiver Jeff Blotz broke his collarbone against South Sumter on Sept. 22 and is out for the season. Colton Carlson, another senior receiver, broke his arm against St. Cloud in the season opener. Haines said that Carlson might play safety tonight, but if he catches an interception, it'll have to be one-handed.

Even Citrus' star running back, the seemingly unstoppable Antoin Scriven, said he is only 80 percent healthy after suffering a high ankle sprain against Lake Weir on Oct. 6. Scriven ran for 1,450 yards and 19 touchdowns last season and is the backbone of the offense.

Haines said that injuries won't change Citrus' game plan, and Scriven should expect as many carries as ever.

Haines praised flexible players like senior Tyler Horton, who moved from free safety to outside linebacker this season, only to revert back to the shorthanded secondary after Jeremy Creel became a receiver to replace the injured Blotz. Despite all the moving around, Horton leads the team in tackles.

Horton plays alongside cornerback David Green, who leads the team with six interceptions and is one of the few 'Canes to stay healthy all season. Haines said the defensive duo will be crucial in stopping North Marion's potent offense.

Haines feels that the playoff streak likely will extend next season, as seven underclassmen start on offense and another seven are on defense.

[Last modified November 9, 2006, 22:47:08]