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Hernando Today

HCA: Still Hot At Homecoming

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 10, 2008

Homecoming is always a festive occasion for a prep football team. But for Hernando Christian Academy, the level of excitement has bumped up a notch.

Tonight HCA hosts First Academy-Leesburg (1-4) for a 7 p.m. homecoming tilt at Ernie Wever Youth Park, hoping to improve to 6-0 on the season.

"As usual, homecoming week provides a lot of distractions that no football coach likes," HCA Head Coach David Raley said. "But they love it. It's all about them. There are games and activities at school everyday and they're excited."

At the midway point of the season, the offensive formula has become clear for the Lions: a dominating running game led by a powerhouse offensive line.

That strong front has paved the way for junior Jeremy Knight to rush for 532 yards and six touchdowns. Ian Townsend and Nate Kautsky are both over 200 yards rushing and both have three scores on the ground.

HCA is averaging six yards per carry, so the Lions are focusing on improving the kicking game and passing attack.

Quarterback David Rotteveel has often been the victim of his team's success, limited to just 41 pass attempts as the Lions have chewed up yards and clock with the running game.

CONFERENCE MATCH-UP

This is a match-up of two teams from the Sunshine State Athletic Conference, though they are from different divisions. Thus this game has no postseason implications.

The Lions are building toward the Nov. 15 SSAC championship game, though the idea of going undefeated has become a very realistic goal.

"Everything is focused on being the best we possibly can be by the last game of the season so we can have the possibility of winning that game," Raley said. "If we're able to be successful in our other games, that's good. But I'll tell you, the kids don't want to lose. They've got that in their eyes."

For First Academy, quarterback Kyle Vann leads the Eagles' single-wing offense, coming in with 748 yards rushing compared to just 207 passing.

"They play a different kind of game than most other people," Raley said. "They much prefer to run it. They run a handful of plays, but they're very large.

"They like to keep the ball because they run a simple system but they're very good at it. They've been pushing people around. Of course that creates unique challenges for us as a defense. We have to put more meat up front to stop the things they do."

Still, Raley understands that while winning remains paramount, his players need to enjoy the homecoming experience, as well.

"I want them to have fun," Raley said. "We've been pointing toward this year for a while. This is the culmination of five years of work. Some of the kids I have were the originals ones that started (the program) with us. Now they're seniors.

"These kids are excited. They want to go out as a winners and this is their homecoming. It's very important. So I don't think you'll have a letdown from these kids. In fact, I know you won't."

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

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