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Hernando Today

Another 'Perfect' Measuring Stick

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 17, 2008

Two weeks ago Nature Coast Technical knocked off Pasco High, 18-17, in a non-district match-up of two local undefeated teams.

Tonight the Sharks (5-0) receive another major non-district test in preparation for a potential postseason run, hosting Class 2A's No. 3 ranked power Bushnell-South Sumter (6-0) at 7:30 p.m. at Shark Tank Stadium.

"The kids are excited," Nature Coast Head Coach Jamie Joyner said. "We've got a chance to play a team like South Sumter. They're the top team around here. It's not a district game; it's kind of like the Pasco game for us. It's a fun game to play in.

"...South Sumter is the measuring stick if you want to see where you're at."

DRAKE TO RETURN

The good news for Nature Coast is it should have its best offensive weapon back in action.

All-state running back Tevin Drake has returned to practice this week after sitting out last Friday's homecoming win over Lecanto. He had a bone chipped and the nail torn off his right thumb against Pasco.

"He's got a protective splint on his finger," Joyner said. "He's feeling better. He's going to start. Hopefully he'll be able to play."

Considering it's a non-district contest, Joyner said he wouldn't take any chances with his star player, who has 669 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season.

Last year in Bushnell, Drake gashed the Raiders for 164 yards, four touchdowns and a pair of 2-point conversions. Still, South Sumter pulled out a 45-42 victory in double overtime.

Even in defeat, the Sharks proved they could hang with a local powerhouse. The Raiders went on to reach the 2A state semifinals, two years after finishing as the 2A state runner-up.

They have reached the state playoffs every year since 1997 and 14 out of the past 16 seasons, all under Inman Sherman, the head coach since 1984.
Nature Coast doesn't boast nearly such credentials, but has gone to the 3A playoffs the past two years and wants to establish itself as the elite program of the area.

"A win over South Sumter would be huge for our program and what we're trying to build here and help us win a little respect," Joyner said. "At the same time I'm sure they're chomping at the bit to get us. They want to prove that last year was a fluke."

The Raiders have scored 124 points over their past two games, against Citrus and Mount Dora. The 45 they put on the Sharks last year was the most Nature Coast permitted that season.

In the Sharks' other nine regular season games, opponents averaged 11.4 points per game and never scored more than 20.

"Offensively, they're going to put pressure on your defense by running a no-huddle offense," Joyner said. "They run different plays, run different formations out of it. They get you on your heels.

"Defensively they'll be fast, physical with the football. With Coach Sherman, they're well-coached."

The defense could receive a boost from the return of defensive tackle John Carbone. The junior has missed the past two games with a sprained shoulder but might play tonight.

"For us defensively, they're an explosive offense," Joyner said. "Our defense has got to slow them down and try to keep them off the field and out of the end zone.

"Offensively we need to move the chains. That's what we did last year. Keep the chains moving, keep the clock running and when we get down (in the red zone) try to take advantage.

"It's exciting to play South Sumter. When you play teams like this, it brings out the best in everybody."

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

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