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Springstead stays even

FOOTBALL

Hernando Today photo by TONY CASTRO

Springstead senior Steven Walker intercepted two passes in the final game of his prep career, a 21-0 win over Central.

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: November 7, 2009

SPRING HILL - Springstead's season didn't end in the playoffs, but at least it finished on a positive note.

The Eagles, with a bye next week, wrapped up their 2009 campaign by blanking Central at Booster Stadium, 21-0.

With that victory, Springstead ended the year at 5-5 for the third time in four years and locked up its seventh straight non-losing season.

Considering so many key starters from 2008's 7-3 team graduated, ending up at .500 provided a measure of satisfaction.

"It's nice to send our seniors out with a win," Springstead Head Coach Bill Vonada said. "It kind of shows the program is not going to drop off as much as people expected.

"I think it kind of sets the expectations for next year because we don't have that many seniors."

Making up for lost time

One senior who will depart is running back/defensive back Steven Walker, plagued by injuries the past two years.

Still, he made up for lost time in this final prep contest, snagging the first and only two interceptions of his varsity career.

"I wanted to end my senior year on a good note," Walker said. "I can't explain it. It's amazing, finally. I don't know; I just want to go home and celebrate."

Both picks came in the fourth quarter, as Central (1-8) began throwing more in an attempt to rally.

First Walker stepped between two defenders, grabbed the ball and ran down the field for a long return. On the second interception, he simply won a jump ball on a desperation heave in the final minute.

Two juniors who will return next season have provided hope that they can carry the offense to even greater heights in 2010.

Devean Huff completed an excellent year running the ball, adding to his 1,042-yard rushing total coming in, thanks to 194 yards on 23 carries.

"He had a good year," Vonada said. "He's a young man that's matured both on and off the field. He's seen what he's capable of. He doesn't look like a big, bruising fullback. But he plays with a lot of heart."

Listed at 5-foot-3, 140 pounds, Huff also noted that he doesn't exactly have a fullback's build.

"I think I did pretty good considering my size," Huff said. "My line was doing good. Mitchell (Fischbach), (Jon) McCloskey, Phil Lakin and David (Stevens) were all doing good up front.

"…It means a lot. It gives the seniors a good season. We wish it could have been better, but we were pretty young."

As for Beeker, the first-year varsity quarterback ran in two touchdowns, the first from one yard out to cap a 15-play, 89-yard drive that ate up most of the opening quarter. He added a 6-yard score in the third.

Senior Chris Kelley also took some snaps and connected with Cody Jones on a 10-yard slant for a touchdown in the second quarter. Jones, another senior, converted all three PATs.

Solid effort

On the other sideline, the Bears had to deal with another loss, their 13th straight on the field dating back to last season. Their one win this year came via forfeit.

Central finishes up its slate against Hernando next week. Starting quarterback Artie Gartner and star running back Steven Read are both out with season-ending injuries.

"I refuse to use injuries as an excuse," Central Head Coach Cliff Lohrey said. "Our job as coaches, as a staff and as players is to have depth and to coach the next player like we did the original starter. No excuses.

"We don't have any momentum from a scoreboard standpoint. But I really felt tonight was the hardest we've played in a while. As far as on-the-field results, our goal is to win the game. But I do think our effort was something we can build on."

SPRINGSTEAD 21, CENTRAL 0
Qtr. Scoring 1 2 3 4
Central 0 0 0 0 -- 0
Springstead 7 7 7 0 -- 21

Individual Scoring:
SPG – Beeker 1 run (Jones kick)
SPG – Jones 10 pass from C. Kelley (Jones kick)
SPG – Beeker 6 run (Jones kick)

CEN SPG
First Downs 3 22
Atts./Rushing Yds. 28-52 56-321
Comp./Pass Atts./Int. 3-14-2 2-11-1
Passing Yds. 21 30
Total Offense 42-73 67-351
Fumbles Lost 1-0 3-3
Return Yards 3-39 3-14
Punts/Avg. 7-37.1 2-40.5
Penalties 5-31 4-40

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

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