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Hernando Today

Battle Of Unbeatens: Eagles At Sharks

Photo by JOE DiCRISTOFALO

NCT Head Coach Jamie Joyner seeks his third straight series win against the visiting F.W. Springstead Eagles at jam packed Shark Tank Stadium.

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By TONY CASTRO SPORTS EDITOR

Hernando Today

Published: September 12, 2008

It's hard to believe the calendar indicates this is only week No. 2 in a lengthy 12-week prep gridiron season.
Though tonight's fourth series meeting between county rivals Class 4A-8 Springstead (1-0 overall) and Class 3A-6 Nature Coast Technical (1-0) beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Shark Tank Stadium will not impact the Florida High School Athletic Association post-season picture, its final results are huge in every other sense.
With Central stubbing their toe last week against Hernando, tonight's final score will seriously impact the county standings and more importantly, affect the neighborhood bragging rights.
Attendance-wise, the largest gate NCT has ever in five years had was achieved in 2006's last-second 15-10 win over Springstead.
Conversely, Springstead High's largest grossing gate in 32 years arrived last fall when NCT blanked the Eagles, 20-0.
With Hurricane Ike not pressing Florida Gulf Coast, expect another capacity crowd tonight.

Last year: pure ugly

In last year's 20-0 NCT win, Shark tailback Tevin Drake rolled up 111 yards and two touchdowns despite losing a fumble.
The game, however, featured nine turnovers, including five by host Springstead (three interceptions and two fumbles).
In fact, the memory of last year's tilt has not faded away.
"Neither one of us can effort that type of effort again," explained NCT's fifth-year Head Coach Jamie Joyner, who comes in 21-21 overall, including 2-1 lifetime slate against the Eagles. "Give Springstead their credit, they threw a few picks when they were trying to get back in the game. It was a sloppy game. I know I wasn't happy with that. I'm sure Coach Vonada was not happy either. I'm expecting a much cleaner game."
What about film study on the Eagles' 42-7 crunching last Friday of the Crystal River Pirates? The Pirates are the defending 3A-6 champions.
"What caught my eye is how they moved the ball down the field at will against Crystal River," recalled Joyner about the Eagles' 397 yards total offense. "They have weapons. Up front they block well. They believe in what they're doing. They're gonna run Coach Vonada's offense to perfection. They're not gonna beat themselves, so you've got to stop them."
What about the Sharks, who opened by tomato canning Dunnellon, 59-7?
"They have so many weapons," replied Coach Vonada, who is 49-53 lifetime. "They've only got four returning starters, but the players they have a tremendous amount of speed. Fields, Story, Drake can all take it to the house on any given play. The biggest thing we have to do is keep them inside and in front of us, otherwise; it's six points in a hurry."
 
Defense anyone?
 
On the SHS defense, "You can see the improvement (from last year). They return a lot of starters. (Defensive Coordinator) Mike Garofano always does a nice job," said Joyner. "Those guys play good assignment football and they fly around to the football."
On the NCT defense, "Their overall team speed is very good," Vonada said. "They're off the ball quickly and get to the ball quickly. You've really got to catch 'em out of position and hit it quickly to take advantage of it. For us, we have to consistently execute on each drive."

Special teams?

"Hopefully, (NCT's fourth place-kicker since spring football) Danny Colon can have the debut like Nate Schafer (6-of-6 in extra points) had last week," Joyner said. "Springstead always has a good game plan when their punting or kicking. It's fun getting ready for games like this. Field position is big."
What about Colon?
"We don't know what to expect," shrugged Vonada, on Colon's expected kicking duties. "He must have good leg strength and Coach Joyner must have seen something in practice in order to throw him into the fire that quick."
 
Keys?
 
"I think we're really looking forward to this game," commented Vonada." We're playing a real quality opponent. But this crew loves to play together and they love the competition. We're gonna have to keep doing the things we've done well the last couple weeks: we've go to hold on to the football, we have to play at top speed, execute well and when we're at 2-yard line we're gonna need someone to step up and make a play." 
Joyner added, "It'll be fun to see who steps up, 'cause somebody always does. It's Springstead- Nature Coast. It's a long season, but it's a big game. It's something we look forward to all year. I know they (Springstead) look forward to it. This why you play and this is why you coach -- these type rivalry games."
On radio
 
WWJB (AM) 1450 will be carrying the game "LIVE" on its "Game of the Week" format beginning with the pre-game show at 7 p.m. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.
 

By the Numbers: Nature Coast vs. Springstead
- Compiled by TONY CASTRO
 
Sharks lead series 2-1-0
Year Site Result
2005 Away L 0-43
2006 Home W 15-10
2007 Away W 20-0
 
2008 WWJB (AM) 1450 "Game of the Week" Prep Football Schedule
Play-by-Play Announcer: Tony Castro
Color Commentators: Steve Imhoff, Carlos Castro
DATE OPPONENTS   KICKOFF/RESULT
09-05 Central @ Hernando   HER W 16-7
09-12 Springstead @ Nature Coast   7:30 p.m.
09-19 Belleview @ Springstead  7:30 p.m.
09-26 Ridgewood @ Springstead  7:30 p.m.
10-03 Lecanto @ Central   7:30 p.m.
10-10 Central @ Springstead  7:30 p.m.
10-16 Hernando @ Springstead  7:30 p.m.
10-24 Land O'Lakes @ Central  7:30 p.m.
10-31 Hernando @ Nature Coast  7:30 p.m.
11-07 Citrus @ Hernando   7:30 p.m.
11-14 Nature Coast @ Central  7:30 p.m.
11-21 1st Round FHSAA State Playoffs 7:30 p.m.
NOTE: Schedule is subject to change.
 
 

Sports Editor Tony Castro can be reached at (352) 544-5278 or online at acastro@hernandotoday.com.

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