Hernando: News and notes

By IZZY GOULD and DAVID MURPHY, Times Staff Writers
Published January 17, 2008

Set your DVR

Springstead hosts Hudson in a key Class 4A, District 8 boys basketball game. The Eagles rebounded from their second loss of the season with a 66-36 win against Sunlake on Tuesday. Springstead welcomed back Dante Valentine from a three-game suspension and he scored a game-high 15.

The Cobras are hoping to rebound from a 52-42 loss to Zephyrhills while battling for position in the nine-team district. Hudson looks to fall somewhere in the middle while Springstead has the No. 1 seed all but wrapped up.

Second time's the charm?

Gulf entered the season with loads of optimism, then backed up that optimism with a five-game win streak to start the year. The team that ended it? Hernando, which gets a shot at a rare sweep of its district rival tonight at 7:30 in New Port Richey.

Gulf is coming off back-to-back losses for the first time all season. A 43-30 defeat at the hands of Nature Coast on Tuesday was the first time the 15-6 Bucs have lost by double digits this season. Hernando 13-4, 10-2 4A-8, meanwhile, could contend for the No. 2 seed in Class 4A, District 8 if it sweeps.

Ridgewood reloads

Central and Springstead will have a new weapon to contend with next year in Class 4A, District 8 football. Former Mitchell running back Sterling Ross has enrolled at Ridgewood, Rams coach Chris Taylor said, meaning the soon-to-be senior will be vying to replace record-setting running back Byronell Arline next season. Ross, who rushed for 816 yards and 11 touchdowns as a junior, likely will compete with junior Adrian Golden for playing time.

Nature Coast pair named all-state

A pair of Nature Coast players were honored by the Florida Sports Writers' Association on Wednesday as part of the Class 3A all-state team. Offensive lineman Tim LaRose, a 6-foot-3, 301 pound senior, was named to the second team. Cornerback Mike Fields, a junior who was the Times' North Suncoast Defensive Player of the Year after leading the state with 10 interceptions, was named to the third team.

Marauder duals

When/where: Saturday, 9:30, Clearwater Central Cath.

Teams: CCC, Pinellas Park, Sebring, Nature Coast, Satellite, Seminole, Rockledge, Calvary Christian, Leto

Admission: $6 for an all-day pass

Contact us

Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or (813) 909-4612. David Murphy can be reached at dmurphy@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1407.

[Last modified January 16, 2008, 20:46:39]