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Crystal River fails to tie up Colts

© St. Petersburg Times,
published October 20, 2001

CRYSTAL RIVER -- Eight cracks at the tying score and no paydirt. That's what Crystal River will remember most when it ponders Friday night's 21-14 loss to North Marion.

The Pirates (7-1, 2-1 in Class 3A, District 3) had chances to tie the game -- seven from inside the Colts' 10-yard line in the final 1:13 -- and came up short. North Marion (5-2, 3-0) spoiled Crystal River's homecoming with its first outright district title, celebrating on the Pirates' logo while Crystal River pondered second place for the first time in five seasons.

"This is the biggest victory in school history," Colts coach Craig Damon said. "We scored on special teams. We scored on offense and we made some big plays defensively at the end." Though tested by a resurgent Pirates offense and a handful of penalties, the key was North Marion's speed on special teams and its ability to survive Crystal River's final onslaught.

The Pirates took the early lead on a 7-yard run from Ryan McNally (22 carries, 123 yards), but the Colts answered with a 16-play, 80-yard drive to tie it at 7.

North Marion took the lead for good on its next series when Toris Rutledge returned a punt 83 yards for a 13-7 advantage.

The Colts recovered a fumble at the Crystal River 27 on the opening series of the second half and had a 21-7 lead six plays later when Jonathan Douglas (26 carries, 102 yards, 2 touchdowns) scored from 3 yards.

The Pirates rebounded with an 11-play scoring drive. Then things got really interesting.

The Pirates were stuffed on fourth-and-goal with 8:40 to play, then forced the Colts to punt on the ensuing series. After being held on downs, Crystal River got a bit of luck when Douglas fumbled at the Pirates' 49.

Scrambles of 22 and 11 yards from Clayton Trenary and a 3-yard run from McNally gave Crystal River the ball at the North Marion 10 with 1:13 to play. Trenary threw what appeared to be an interception, but the Pirates were given new life with a pass interference penalty.

A 5-yard run from McNally put the ball on the 2, but the Colts sacked Trenary on the next play. Again, the officials came to Crystal River's rescue with a face-mask call that gave the Pirates possession at the 9.

Crystal River could move it no farther.

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