Football Game of the Week: Lecanto (3-0) at Nature Coast (4-0)
Four games are on the slate this Friday night Oct. 23, 2020, when Hernando County football teams take the field. Among all of the matchups taking place, the most intriguing one looks to be over in Brooksville. That’s where the undefeated Nature Coast Sharks will host the also undefeated Lecanto Panthers in a game that has shaped up into being a pretty competitive contest. The last time Nature Coast and Lecanto stepped on the field together was in 2018, when the Sharks cruised to a 36-0 victory. Now fast forward to this season and the Panthers are a much more formidable foe. Lecanto is coming off an impressive win over Weeki Wachee and come in with plenty of momentum. We take a closer look at the matchup between Nature Coast and Lecanto.
Nature Coast looked lethargic vs. Springstead
If there was one person who wasn’t mincing words in Nature Coast’s 15-3 win over Springstead last week, it was Sharks’ head coach Cory John’s. Despite his team improving to 4-0 on the season, they did it in such a way that disgusted their head coach to nearly the fullest extent. The Sharks meddled around, barely escaping with a win and penalties became a big issue throughout the game. If it weren’t for some timely Springstead turnovers, Nature Coast could’ve easily lost the game. The Sharks will have to clean the mistakes up if they want to get by the Panthers.
Fahey starting to throw a bit more
Yes, we all know that one thing Nature Coast likes to establish right out of the gate is the run game and the Sharks should be able to do that between Kinyatah Morgan and Anthony Trepen. But what about this Sharks’ pass game getting a little bit more love? Quarterback Ethan Fahey has looked every bit of the capable passer Nature Coast needs for this season, with over 400 yards passing on the campaign. Now with teams starting to load the box a little bit more, it might be time for Fahey to show off his arm. If the Sharks’ pass game really starts to click, watch out people.
Can’t overlook Lecanto at all
Beating Hernando was one thing, but to follow up the huge county victory with a lackluster performance against Springstead was something that the Sharks don’t need to happen again. The Sharks have all winnable games down the stretch of the season, with Lecanto being the toughest left on the slate. The Panthers had a slew of transfers come in over the off-season and have bolstered their ranks because of it. Lecanto is led offensively by senior running back Zaire Wilcox, who has rushed for over 200 yards this season. The Panthers average over 200 yards per game on the ground and the Sharks will have to do a better job in the front seven if they want to win the game.
Andy Villamarzo can be reached at [email protected] and follow him on Twitter @avillamarzo.
