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Hernando Today

HCA Rolls Central Florida Christian, 45-14

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: September 12, 2008

In the week leading up to Friday night's game at Orlando-Central Florida Christian, Hernando Christian Academy Head Coach David Raley said "it would be a wonderful surprise" for his Lions to pull out a victory.

Raley received that wonderful surprise –emphatically – in the form of a 45-14 pasting of the host Eagles, improving HCA to 2-0 on the young season.

"These kids have a lot of heart," Raley said. "We've got a great offensive line and they just knocked them off the ball. It came down to what I thought in the beginning; our line needed to be better than them."

The numbers say independent HCA not only held its own, but thoroughly dominated the Class 1B Eagles, who the Lions defeated 17-0 last year and improved to 3-1 against all-time.

Junior Jeremy Knight and sophomore Ian Townsend starred on both sides of the ball, with Knight rushing for 218 yards and two touchdowns, plus recording five tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery.

Townsend also scored twice and tallied 79 yards on the ground, and picked off three passes, two returned for touchdowns.

"They're our playmakers," Raley said. "I have to work to get the ball in their hands one way or another."

Raley also pointed to senior quarterback David Rotteveel, who completed 9-of-12 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown without getting intercepted.

Even 265-pound offensive lineman Josh Romeo got in on the act, registering a rushing touchdown. Jake Foster added eight tackles and an interception.

The Lions continue to roll despite a slew of transfers to Hernando High, including their marquee player, running back/linebacker/punter Clay Kessler.

HCA downed Sunshine State Athletic Conference rival Bishop McLaughlin in last week's season opener, 21-14. HCA travels to Mount Dora Bible for another SSAC match-up next week.

Because of the adversity this team has thus far overcome, the veteran Raley admitted he's more proud of this group than any of his championship clubs of the past.

"It shows they have strong character," Raley said. "They've kind of come together. They've had to learn new things. The reason Jeremy had so much yardage is I scrapped the offense and started over. I think we'll be better when they learn the plays.

"Every day is a new adventure. I don't know what (being 2-0) means. I'm still surprised. But it comes down to the fundamentals of football. You've got to be able to run the ball and stop the run. Do those things and good things will happen for you."

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

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