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Hernando Today

Vonada Ties Record As Eagles Romp

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

Springstead High's Mike Greco (42) dives for extra yardage Friday against Crystal River.

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: September 5, 2008

With the majority of its roster returning, Springstead High came into the 2008 season with expectations of again becoming a local gridiron power.
In Friday night's season opener at Booster Stadium, the host Eagles served notice that they have evolved from the .500 team they've been the past two years.
Quarterback James Mahla threw three touchdown passes and ran for another, all in the first half, to lead Springstead High to a 42-7 win over Crystal River, the defending Class 3A, District 6 champion.
With the victory, Head Coach Bill Vonada tied Bill Browning's school record for 49 career wins. Vonada begins his 11th season at the helm.
"We're happy with the guys," Vonada said. "We cleaned some things up, had no turnovers. We had one letdown in the third quarter, other than that I thought the defense played very well. We forced three turnovers in the first half and really buckled down.
"James (Mahla) had a very good night tonight. He made some very good decisions. We had a couple passes we just missed on, we had a couple drops. But he had good help up front, they took it to them. Guys ran pretty good routes."
Mahla went 10-for-14 passing to pace an Eagle offense that committed no turnovers after losing three fumbles in last week's preseason win over Hudson.
Springstead led this one 28-0 at the half. Ben Noury had a 73-yard touchdown run and a long interception return, while Domnique Roberson caught two touchdowns and forced a fumble on a sack.
The Eagles also received a touchdown on a 4-yard option run by back-up quarterback Chris Kelly, and kicker Nate Schafer converted all six point-after attempts.
Springstead travels to Nature Coast this Friday in a key battle for county supremacy and a chance for Vonada to take over the school's record for coaching victories.
"It's certainly a great way to start," Vonada said. "Crystal River, I think they're a much better team than the scores indicates. We had chances to utilize our speed a couple times and we took advantage of it. It's a good momentum builder.
"The bottom line, its one win. We've got to put it behind us."

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

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