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Hernando Today

The Unimaginable Occurs

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

In a losing effort, Springstead senior quarterback James Mahla connected on 12-of-18 passes for 169 yards and one touchdown. He also suffered his first interception of the season in the Royal Knights’ 31-14 win in New Port Richey.

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By CLIFF GILL

Tribune Correspondent

Published: October 25, 2008

NEW PORT RICHEY - SIG: FOOTBALL
The Springstead Eagles (5-2) was unable to contain the host Royal Knights' ground game and was shocked by the previously winless River Ridge (1-6), 31-14. 
Traditionally, these two teams have played each other tough in the first half, with the Eagles seemingly always pulling away. 
But on Friday night at the Jim Valentine Sports Complex, River Ridge led 10-7 at the half, and tacked on three fourth-quarter touchdowns to seal the huge Class 4A, District 8 upset. 
The Royal Knights, who had dropped 38 of its past 39 games coming in, carved out a season-high 195 yards on the ground without a turnover.
Springstead senior quarterback James Mahla countered with a fine effort clicking on 12-of-18 passing for 169 yards.  He did throw an interception late in the fourth quarter – his first of the season. Mahla also rushed for 29 yards on 7 carries.

Missing link

What was missing for the Eagles was their own ground game. Senior Ben Noury accounted for 21 yards on 6 carries. RB Devean Huff added four yards on two carries.
After a scoreless first quarter, River Ridge started from its own 10-yardline and marched down the field for the first score. 
The Eagles responded when Mahla connected with Noury on a 57-yard TD pass. 
The Eagles only other score occurred on their opening drive in the second half. Starting on their own 23-yardline, the Eagles marched to the River Ridge 1 before fullback Mike Greco lunged into the end zone.  Included in the drive were back-to-back 16-yard pass completions.
 
River Ridge 31, Springstead 14
Qtr. Scoring:
SPG    0   7    7     0  -- 14
RR    0   10    0    21  -- 31
Individual Scoring:
RR - Shoun 3 run (Paris kick)
SPG - Noury 57 pass from Mahla (Schafer kick)
RR - Paris 47 FG
SPG - Greco 1 run (Schafer kick)
RR - Allen 4 run (Paris kick)
RR  Shoun 1 run (Paris kick)
RR  Toce 18 run (Paris kick)

SPG             RR
First Downs             12                22
Atts./Rushing Yds.      14/54           42/195
Comp./Pass Atts./Int. 12/18/1        5/9/0
Passing Yards           169              63
Total Offense           223             258
Fumbles/Lost            0/0              4/0
Return Yards            86               57
Punts/Avg.              4/32.5        3/36.4
Penalties               2/15           7/45

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