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Lecanto gives lesson in opportunism, not history, 27-14

Springstead's two late turnovers give the Panthers their first-ever three-game win streak.

By BRANT JAMES

© St. Petersburg Times,
published September 22, 2001

SPRING HILL -- Don't come to Jarvis Patterson for any historical analysis of Lecanto football.

This team is unlike the others that built a .228 all-time winning percentage coming into Friday. This team has bigger things in mind.

This team has won three consecutive games for the first time in its 18-year history after Friday's spirited 27-14 defeat of Springstead.

"My thoughts ... I think we can win four in a row now," Patterson said. "We can go all the way, all the way to the state playoffs. I know it."

Patterson had a large role, rushing 20 times for 131 of Lecanto's 313 ground yards and two touchdowns.

Patterson's 10-yard run with 5 minutes 34 seconds left punished Springstead for its second costly turnover of the second half, and allowed the Panther sideline a long-awaited celebration.

But seventh-year Lecanto coach Dick Slack wasn't allowing himself to feel very historic either.

"This win means they went out out there and won a very good football game and they can be proud of themselves for that," he said. "All that other stuff ... other people talk about.

"Our history, as far we're concerned, is from last spring."

Springstead, led by 155 passing yards from quarterback Brian Bolcar -- all to wideout Jeff Hill -- fought hard to stay within one score, but a botched play and fumble by Justin Melnik ended one drive at the Panther 40 and another series halted after one play on a deep interception.

Lecanto (3-1), running predominantly out of a power-I, got at least 32 yards each from four backs. The combination of rested runners and poor tackling helped Lecanto produce 24 first downs.

Melnik scored both of Springstead's touchdowns on 4-yard runs and rushed for 58 yards.

Springstead (1-3) lost its third in a row but had chances, missing a 40-yard field goal and losing a scoring opportunity late in the first half on a game clock miscue.

Trailing 13-6 on first-and-goal from the Panther 4, red zone quarterback Everet Simmons muffed the snap, but fell forward to recover the ball. The scoreboard clock never moved, and Springstead called timeout.

Officials convened, however, and said time had elapsed as Simmons wrestled for the ball.

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