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Hernando Today

Taking care of business

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By CHRIS BERNHARDT JR.

Hernando Today

Published: October 22, 2009

Most any other district, Nature Coast Technical would have gone into practice this week facing the grim reality of its fading playoff chances.

Not that the Sharks (4-2) aren't preparing for an uphill climb after falling to 2-2 in Class 3A, District 6 play on the heels of last Friday's 27-23 loss to Dunnellon.

But thanks to the trails and tribulations of this eight-team district, the odds of Nature Coast still reaching regionals for the four straight year are far from insurmountable.

"Obviously Friday hurt us a little bit," Nature Coast Head Coach Mark Lee said. "But the kids bounced back. They realize we still have a chance to get in. We've just got to take care of our own business."

That must start tonight with a 7:30 p.m. tilt at Inverness-Citrus (2-5, 0-4 3A-6).

Meanwhile, all eyes are on Dunnellon, with the Tigers hosting Crystal River in a match-up that will largely determine the direction of the district moving forward.

Nature Coast sits in fourth place, tied with Leesburg, a team it has already defeated. Dunnellon remains in first place at 4-0 in the district, followed by Hernando and Crystal River, both 3-1.

The Leopards own the head-to-head tiebreaker over the Pirates thanks to a 35-14 victory Sept. 25 that came one week after Crystal River upended the Sharks, 7-6.

Looming large is a meeting between Nature Coast and Hernando on Nov. 6, the final week of district action, which could potentially determine the 3A-6 runner-up or at least force a three-way tiebreaker.

"We went through and told (the players) the scenarios of things that can happen," Lee said. "If we win out, we'll be in good shape. Obviously we need some help, but if we don't win out it doesn't matter what other teams do."

Surprising spot

That the Sharks are in this position comes as something of a surprise. For the first time all season, they have fallen out of the Associated Press 3A state poll, where they reached as high as fourth.

"I think a lot of people thought we'd be in a little better shape, me included," Lee said. "Right now we're 4-2 with every intention of making it 8-2. We've got to take care of our business.

"If we make the playoffs, it's not going to be about what we did in the past. That's when the real season starts. If everything bounces our way, we end up state champs and everyone forgets about two losses."

Though it broke a three-game, first-half scoreless streak against Dunnellon, Nature Coast has still

trailed at halftime each of its past four contests.

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