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Sharks deflate Golden Hurricanes, 47-0

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By JOHN COSCIA SPORTS EDITOR

CITRUS COUNTY CHRONICLE

Published: October 24, 2009

INVERNESS - For the fourth time this season, the Citrus Hurricanes found themselves in the unenviable task of hosting a wounded animal still licking its wounds from a previous week's stinging defeat.
On Friday night the Hurricanes' opponent was the Nature Coast Sharks. And by night's end the Sharks, thanks to a 47-0 defeat of the Hurricanes, had erased any bitter taste that still remained following last week's 27-23 loss to Dunnellon.
As for Citrus Head Coach Randy Roland he was at a true loss for words as he looked for a way to describe his team's performance. The disappointment of another loss was evident.
"I honestly don't know what to say. It was tough out there tonight," said an obviously disappointed Roland. "Austin Naber ran the ball well for us tonight and A.J. Woythaler punted the ball good."
Naber would finish the night with seven carries for 56 yards and Woythaler had five punts for a 38-yard average including a 50-yard boomer.
Unfortunately for Citrus (2-6, 0-4), the highlights were few as Nature Coast took control of the game early with 14 first-quarter points and never looked back.
The Sharks (5-2, 3-2 3A-6) scored on their opening possession when senior quarterback C. J. Baker capped off the nine-play drive with a 25-yard touchdown run.
Following a Citrus six-play drive that stalled at the 45-yard line, Nature Coast took over on its own 7-yard line thanks to a great punt by Woythaler.
But the Sharks needed just nine plays to negotiate the 93 yards of real estate and senior fullback Antwan Story cleaned up the following three yards with the team's second score.
The Hurricanes next offensive possession started on its own 15-yard line and they needed just six plays to march down the field. Citrus was knocking on the door at the Nature Coast 6-yard line when a fumble stopped the drive dead in its tracks.
Two plays later Baker found junior wide receiver Ja'Juan Story at midfield and Story used every bit of his 6-foot-4 frame to wrestle the ball away from the Citrus defender. Following the catch Story was off to the races for the team's third touchdown, giving Nature Coast a 21-0 lead with 7:52 left in the first half.
"That was a critical juncture in the football game," Nature Coast's first-year Head Coach Mark Lee said. "They're down on our goal line getting ready to cut the lead in half and our defense comes up with the big turnover. And then we answer with a touchdown."
The 14-point swing removed any air that still remained in the Hurricanes' sails. On the night Citrus would have two more fumbles with both resulting in Nature Coast touchdowns.
"This is a big win for us," Lee said. "It's good to put that Dunnellon loss behind us. That's a game we felt like we could have and should have won and we just fell short. From here on in we have to just keep winning and the rest (the playoff picture) will take care of itself."
Nature Coast will look to win at home against Eustis next week, setting up a huge game with county-rival Hernando on Nov. 6.
With a victory in that game, assuming Hernando and Crystal River, along with the Sharks all win out, there will be a three-way playoff for the second Class 3A-6's second state playoff spot.
Dunnellon, with a win at Tavares next week would clinch the district title.
"I know this loss hurts for Citrus but I'm telling you, I see what Randy (Roland) is doing over there and watch out for them," Lee said. "He's one heck of a football coach and believe me, Citrus is on the verge of becoming a football team to reckon with."
Until that day comes, however, Roland and his coaches will have to find a way to once again motivate the troops for next Friday night's game at Hernando's Homecoming.
Citrus will finish out its season under their first-year general the following week at Eustis.

John Coscia can be reached at jcoscia@chronicleonline.com or at 352-564-2928.

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