TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Hernando Today

The Pursuit of Perfection

ADVERTISEMENT

By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: November 13, 2008

Call it the impossible dream. Call it the little team that could. Call it a Cinderella story.
But if all goes well for Hernando Christian Academy tomorrow, call the Lions champions. And call them perfect.
HCA (9-0) will play without a doubt the most meaningful game in its six-year history, concluding its unlikely yet incredible season with the inaugural Sunshine State Athletic Conference championship game.
The Lions, champions of the Southern Division, take on Northern Division champ Mount Dora Bible School (4-5). The game kicks off at 8 p.m., hosted by The Villages Charter High School.
"The kids are just in great spirits," HCA Head Coach David Raley said. "They're excited about that. Two weeks ago (in the division clincher versus Canterbury) they were more tense then anything. It was a big game, undefeated season. They were feeling the pressure of it.
 "This game, it seems like they're having fun, working hard. They're not trying to say they're better than anyone. They're in great spirits and having a fun time."

Prior history

These two teams faced Sept. 19 at Mount Dora Bible, with the Lions winning comfortably, 29-7.
Jeremy Knight ran for 78 yards and a touchdown, while Nate Kautsky chipped in 69 yards and two scores on the ground.
Ian Townsend added 134 combined rushing and receiving yards, and David Rotteveel threw a touchdown pass to Ben Clark.
At the time Raley expressed shock that his squad performed so well against a Bulldog team he accurately dubbed the best in the Northern Division.
Despite the earlier victory, Raley, a pastor who typically speaks highly of the opposing team, didn't discount what he sees as an improved Mount Dora Bible.
"They've got more athletes than we do," Raley said. "Their athletes are phenomenal. We were lucky enough to beat them last time.
"We were lucky enough to catch them early. They didn't know what we were capable of. I didn't know what were capable of."
Raley feels the Bulldogs have some players capable of playing Division I college football. Of greatest concern to the veteran coach is speedy junior wide receiver Cornelius Whitehead. HCA held him to one catch for 25 yards last time.
"If we can catch Cornelius, we'll be all right," Raley said. "If we can't catch Cornelius, we'll be in trouble."
These two teams are a study in opposite offensive approaches. The Bulldogs, coached by former Buffalo Bills tight end Lonnie Johnson, rely heavily on their speed and athleticism.
"We're got some senior leadership that helps us out a bit," said Johnson, in his fourth year. "The skill positions are where most of our talent is and we're the exact opposite of Hernando (Christian). Their strength in is in their line."
Aside from Whitehead, Johnson named wide receiver Tyrone Johnson and running back John Spray as major offensive threats. Against HCA in September, Spray ran for 65 yards and added a 79-yard touchdown reception.
The Bulldogs are only in their third full varsity campaign, and like the Lions this marks the most important game they've ever played.
"Everybody has been extremely excited," Johnson said. "They're working really hard for us. They understand what we're up against. HCA is a different team than we are. We're less physical and more finesse. We need to be more physical in order to put ourselves in a position to win."
Johnson pointed to turnovers as his team's earlier downfall to HCA, and believes if the Bulldogs can avoid critical mistakes, including penalties, they can compete for a victory.
"I don't think we're getting caught up in the hype too much but we're excited about the opportunity to play for something," Johnson said. "Even though our record doesn't reflect the talent we have, we're looking forward to making a statement about the program."
Raley echoed those sentiments. A well-timed bye last week has provided him with a rested and ready group.
Knight, who has played well the past few weeks despite an ankle injury, continues to improve. Senior linebacker Nick Adams, originally suspended after being thrown out against Canterbury, has been reinstated and will play.
"I don't think I can actually say what this (a championship) would mean for the school, for the program and for me personally," Raley said. "We don't want to lose. My kids don't want to lose and we want to win.
"What it means to our school, I don't think can be estimated. It's a big deal for all of us. We've been focusing all our energy into this game and when it's over, it's over."

Going to the game

Take Interstate 75 north to exit 329 (State Road 44/Wildwood). Turn right onto State Road 44, take to U.S. Highway 301. Turn left on U.S. Highway 301, travel approximately six miles and turn right on County Road 466. Turn right onto Belvedere, go past the stadium and turn right.

Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT