By: Brandon Webster
In a game where points were hard to come by, Crystal River found just enough to beat Hernando 13-7 Friday.
Hernando, playing in their homecoming game, struggled early as quarterback Scott Bierwiler would fumble early in the first quarter.
Crystal River (2-3, 2-1 5A-7) would take advantage of the fumble and later in the drive score on a 3-yard run by fullback Jaden Williams to put the Pirates up 7-0.
Hernando (2-3, 1-2 5A-7) wouldn’t find the end zone until late in the second quarter as Bierwiler, with only 20 seconds remaining in the half, found running back David Hale Bronson for a 6-yard touchdown pass to send the game into halftime tied at seven.
The second half, much like the first, saw limited scoring but it was Crystal River who would score the only other points of the game on a 38-yard touchdown pass to Caleb Bray from Logan Wardlow.
Despite their struggles offensively, Hernando found themselves with a chance to win late in the game. The Leopards had only 58 seconds left, when Bierwiler threw to an open Bronson Tafelski who dropped what would be at least the tying score.
Hernando will be away at Ocala-Forrest on Friday, while Crystal River hosts Lecanto. Both games start at 7:30, weather permitting.