Football preview: No. 23 Nature Coast

Nature Coast

At a glance

Coach: Cory Johns, fifth season

Class: 5A, District 9

Last season: 7-1, lost play-in game

Key players: LB/TE Fabreyon Burnett, Sr.; RB/DL Christian Cromer, So.; QB Ethan Fahey, Sr.; OT/DE Donovan Heatly, Sr.; FS/RB Allen Ho, Jr.; ILB/FB Caleb Murray, Sr.; TE/LB Brady Nowlan, Jr.

Schedule

Aug. 27 at Tavares, 7:30

Sept. 3 at Pasco, 7:30

Sept. 10 vs. Springstead, 7:30

Sept. 17 at Cypress Creek, 7:30

Sept. 24 at Hernando, 7:30

Oct. 1 vs. Wesley Chapel, 7:30

Oct. 8 Bye

Oct. 15 at Hudson, 7:30

Oct. 22 vs. Zephyrhills, 7:30

Oct. 29 vs. Weeki Wachee, 7:30

Nov. 5 at Lakeland George Jenkins, 7:30

Outlook

The Sharks went undefeated in the regular season before losing in a play-in game against region semifinalist Orlando Bishop Moore. On offense, there is a lot to replace, particularly among the skill players. Nature Coast lost its top three leading rushers and top three leading receivers. Fortunately, the Sharks still have quarterback Ethan Fahey, who threw for more 1,100 yards and 15 touchdowns last season. For production in the ground game, Nature Coast likely will turn to Christian Cromer, who shined on defensive side as a freshman last season with 28 tackles and two sacks. Allen Ho, who had a team-high eight interceptions a year ago, will be a versatile weapon on offense as a runner and receiver. The strength of the defense is at linebacker with Fabreyon Burnett, Caleb Murray and Brady Nowlan all returning.