It will be home sweet home for Pirates

© St. Petersburg Times,
published November 2, 2001

As the North Marion players danced and celebrated a 21-14 victory on the Crystal River midfield logo two weeks ago, the faces of the exiting Pirates said it all.

After winning five consecutive district titles, Crystal River's run was over.

Yet, not all is lost for the Pirates or their fans. Though the thought probably never crossed its mind at the time, Crystal River (8-1) is no worse off today than it was a year ago. As has been the case the past five seasons -- and barring an odd set of circumstances -- the Pirates will start its 2001 playoff run at home.

This is the benefit of the postseason plan instituted two years ago by the Florida High School Activities Association. The plan allows for two at-large berths in each region. In turn, it allows for at least one district runner-up to host a playoff game.

This year that team probably is going to be the Pirates, who at 8-1 have the best record in all of Class 3A, Region 3. Their most likely opponent is Live Oak Suwannee, another familiar face in postseason play.

"They're a quality opponent," Crystal River coach Jere DeFoor said. "They were in the state finals a couple years ago, and they've got some good kids."

Though this probably isn't a title year for the Bulldogs (5-4), they are dangerous. With four state championships, Suwannee is one of the best programs. In fact, only Bolles, Jacksonville University Christian, Belle Glade Glades Day and Jefferson County have won more.

Crystal River, though, has no reason to be intimidated. It has a better record, equal -- if not better -- athletes and -- most importantly -- is at home.

"We feel good about playing at home," DeFoor said. "But we still have to play the game and do a good job. Hopefully, it gives us an advantage."

There is, however, one set of circumstances that could wreck the whole plan. The region's top seed is Milton, which is 7-2 and meets 3-5 Choctawhatchee tonight. This is the game Crystal River fans need to watch because a Panthers win would assure them the top seed and a home game for Crystal River.

However, if Milton loses and North Marion beats Gainesville Eastside, then things could get interesting. Since North Marion (6-2) and Milton have the same strength of schedule rating, the possibility of North Marion taking the top seed is real.

If that happens, the Pirates take a road trip deep into the Florida Panhandle to Milton or Tallahassee Rickards -- something Crystal River would like to avoid.

So, all together now Pirates fans: "Go Panthers!"

CENTER OF ATTENTION: One of the footnotes to Crystal River's loss to North Marion was the loss of senior center Jacob Langenmayr for the season.

Langenmayr, who has started for two years, broke his left hand in the first half against the Colts and will be replaced tonight and throughout the playoffs by junior Doug Massey. He filled in well against Citrus last week.

The biggest adjustment won't come in the Pirates' blocking schemes but on extra points, field goals and punts.

"One of the things you take for granted is long snapping," DeFoor said. "(Langenmayr) has done a good job for us all year, and last week we had a couple (snaps) roll back there."

Bad snaps resulted in two failed PAT attempts. Another was run in for two points thanks to a heads-up play by kicker Will Bleakley. DeFoor will look at a couple of different long snappers, including linebacker John Wang.

© 2006 • All Rights Reserved • St. Petersburg Times
490 First Avenue South • St. Petersburg, FL 33701 • 727-893-8111

Contact the Times | Privacy Policy
Standard of Accuracy | Terms, Conditions & Copyright