Preps

Nature Coast 34, Hernando 17

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published October 27, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Despite the score, Friday night's meeting between Nature Coast and Hernando showed exactly why this rivalry has quickly become the most heated in Hernando County.

The Sharks were able to hold off the Leopards behind an aggressive three-headed ground attack.

Nature Coast (6-2) moved one step closer to clinching a playoff spot in District 3A-6 behind the rushing of quarterback Stephen Palaez, fullback Antwan Story and tailback Tevin Drake.

Palaez broke open the game on the second play from scrimmage, rushing 71 yards for the game's first score. He finished the evening with a game-high 149 yards on 12 carries.

Story carried the ball 14 times for 133 yards, including a 65-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

"Antwan has really grown into this offense," Nature Coast coach Jamie Joyner said. "Early in the season, he was trying to pick up the plays, but he now knows what his role is in the system."

The biggest surprise for the Sharks might have been from Drake. Bruised ribs hindered the Sharks' leading rusher all week, but he still sliced up the Leopard defense for three touchdowns and 98 yards on 12 rushes.

Hernando (2-6), who was officially eliminated from playoff contention after the loss, scored 10 unanswered points in the third quarter.

"(Hernando) did a great job of controlling the ball in the third," Joyner said. "We're going to have to work on our pass defense if we expect to continue on this season."

Quarterback Jason Davies, playing in his final home game, was the star. With 221 yards on 15-of-27 passing and two touchdowns, he was able to keep the home team in it.

The only person that seemed to be able to stop Davies was Nature Coast cornerback Michael Fields. Davies was picked off three times by the speedy defensive back.

[Last modified October 27, 2007, 00:03:07]