Preps

Nature Coast 33, South Lake 20

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Correspondent
Published November 3, 2007

BROOKSVILLE - Nature Coast had already clinched a playoff berth going into Friday's night first-ever meeting with South Lake, but the Sharks felt like they still had much to prove.

In the second half, Nature Coast proved a lot.

Sharks coach Jamie Joyner wanted to run his star tailback, Tevin Drake, as little as possible to avoid injury and keep the sophomore fresh for the upcoming postseason. But when the game got close, Joyner leaned on his familiar offensive weapon.

"We really tried hard not to put a lot on Tevin tonight," Joyner said. "When you have someone on your team that capable, it's tough not to lean on him sometimes."

Drake had only three carries for minus-10 yards in the first half, but gained 220 yards and three touchdowns on only seven carries in the second half. He finished the game with 267 total yards from scrimmage.

With 19 touchdowns this season on the ground already, Drake is only one score away from tying the school record of 20 set by Rian Williams in 2004.

"I'm going for (the record) next week," Drake said. "It's awesome to have a shot at something like that when you're only a sophomore."

Nature Coast (7-2) continued to have problems with penalties and fumbles, however. The Sharks have yet to have a game this season in which they have garnered less than 100 yards in penalties and not lost a fumble. Against South Lake (4-5), the Sharks were slapped with 134 yards on 15 penalties and lost two fumbles.

The Eagles, also headed for a playoff berth, struggled to stay in the game when star tailback Jeff Demps separated his shoulder in the first quarter. Demps did not return, but backup running back Donnie Flowers gained 72 yards on 19 carries and one score.

[Last modified November 3, 2007, 00:35:58]