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Pirates roll on

By CAREY FREEMAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published October 21, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- It really doesn't seem to matter who runs the ball when Crystal River is on offense. As long as the Pirates stay within their conservative scheme, good things will happen.

Just ask Lecanto, which found out the hard way in a 55-20 trouncing Friday.

The Pirates (7-0, 4-0) were dealt what appeared to be a serious blow when leading rusher Nate Madison was suspended for one game Thursday afternoon. But Ryan McNally eased those concerns with an explosive performance that left Crystal River fans breathless and the Panthers stunned.

"It is the offense," said McNally, who rushed for 177 yards and four touchdowns on a scant eight attempts. "We're disciplined. Anyone can go in there and do well. The line is just awesome and the holes are just wide open. All you have to do is go to it. It doesn't take anybody big to do that.

"I told them tonight, "You guys just lead me to the promised land.' And they did."

McNally and Crystal River took charge on their first possession after a 12-yard punt gave the Pirates possession at the Lecanto 33-yard line. Three McNally runs and a John Wang extra point later and Crystal River was up 7-0. Crystal River added a second touchdown less than two minutes later when McNally ran in from six yards out then took a 21-0 lead when McNally burst through the middle of the Panther's defense for a 50-yard touchdown run.

McNally added his fourth touchdown run in the third quarter, scoring from 15 yards out after sparking an 80-yard drive with a 61-yard jaunt.

The Panthers (0-7, 0-4) were not without their own hardships to overcome. Lecanto had eight starters suspended for disciplinary reasons, but could take comfort in the performances of a handful of players. Most notable was the effort of backup quarterback Jeff Yearwood, who led the Panthers to three scores, passing for one touchdown and rushing for another.

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Gary Shelton