Preps

Hernando: News and Notes

By DAVID MURPHY AND IZZY GOULD
Published November 14, 2007

North Marion wide receiver Darius Morgan has his choice of colleges. And at 6 feet 5, 188 pounds, he presents a monumental challenge for Nature Coast in the Sharks' region quarterfinal game against the Colts on Friday. But coach Jamie Joyner already has his game plan.

"Put Mike Fields on him," Joyner said.

Fields, a senior cornerback, is among the leaders in the state with 10 interceptions. He recorded two picks in a 17-13 loss to Central last week, but will have to come up huge to match wits with Morgan.

"There's a lot of things we want to do, but we're going to put our best DB on him," Joyner said. "We're going to put Mike on him and push our chips to the middle of the table with Mike. He looks forward to the challenge. He's a competitor."

Set your DVR

Get ready for one of the bigger girls soccer games of the season when Nature Coast tries to take down county power Springstead tonight in Spring Hill. Nature Coast opened the season outscoring opponents 11-0 and winning its first four games. Since, the Sharks have dropped two straight, losing 2-1 at Hudson then 3-2 against Pasco. The Eagles have outscored opponents 13-1 in four wins, losing just once to Pasco 4-1.

Goaltenders? Something's got to give.

Nature Coast goalie Sarah Berberian has had a great start with three shutouts. She has 35 saves on the season and has allowed two goals. Springstead goalie Jennifer Defrancesco also has three shutouts.

A new county king?

Central has notched boys soccer wins over Nature Coast and Springstead, making it the early favorite for the county title. Of particular interest was the Bears' 3-2 win over Springstead, which swept Central last season. Cody Grey scored two goals in the win, but coach Hank Deslaurier said he would be happier with a win tonight over district rival Wesley Chapel.

"It's a good win," Deslaurier said. "I don't know if it's a big win because it's not a district win, but it's a good win. I'd trade 'em both for a win against Wesley Chapel."

[Last modified November 13, 2007, 22:27:25]