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Nature Coast Makes Statement In Win Over Pasco

By EDDIE DANIELS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2008

DADE CITY - In most circles, what Nature Coast did late in Friday night's football game would be called gutsy.

Sharks coach Jamie Joyner called it a statement.

With 4:01 left in the contest, Nature Coast running back Tevin Drake scored a touchdown and the extra point would have tied the game, but Joyner wanted the win, calling for the successful 2-point conversion run by Drake.

That call propelled the Sharks to an 18-17 victory against Pasco at W.F. Edwards Stadium.

"A statement for us and our players," Joyner said. "There was no doubt. I told them before the drive, 'The question is do you want to go for two?' They did all the work. They did a great job getting the ball down the field."

Pasco (4-1) remained a serious threat, as their ensuing possession began with 3:52 left in the game.

On that first down from the Pirates' 31, Josh Johnson, who has committed to Purdue, raced up the sideline for a 53-yard gain to the Nature Coast 16. As quickly as that glimmer of hope illuminated the Pasco sidelines and stands, Johnson lost the ball, which was recovered by the Sharks.

The Pasco defense held, giving the Pirates a final shot with 23 seconds left, but the drive and the game ended on a sack.

"It was a good call," Pasco coach Tom McHugh said of the 2-point conversion. "He was either going to win it or lose it. You gotta like that. He was playing to win."

On the fumble, Johnson left the game with an injured right shoulder. McHugh said he would go to the hospital for precautionary measures, but should be fine.

Early on, it appeared Nature Coast (4-0) had the ability to run at will, as Drake collected 71 yards on 13 carries in the first half. He ended the night with 112 yards and a score.