Football Recap: Crystal River's Losing Streak Is a Thing of the Past

Bailee Smith

Rushing Yards (Career)

03/13/25 vs St. John Lutheran	105
02/26/25 @ Nature Coast Tech	64
02/20/25 @ The Villages Charter	40
03/12/25 vs Hernando	31
03/06/24 @ Citrus	28

Crystal River needed a changed in momentum after dropping 17 straight games and they got it from Bailee Smith. The Crystal River Pirates blew past the St. John Lutheran Saints 25-0 on Thursday thanks in part to Smith, who rushed for 105 yards and three touchdowns on only eight carries. The dominant performance gave her a new career-high in rushing yards.

On the defensive side of the ball, a lot of the credit has to go to Crystal River's defense and their four sacks. In fact, those sacks all came courtesy of defensive juggernaut Alanei Hart. She has been hot recently, having posted two or more sacks the last three times she's played.

Crystal River's first win this season bumped their record up to 1-4. As for St. John Lutheran, this is the second loss in a row for them and nudges their season record down to 2-5.

Both teams will have to hit the road in their upcoming games. Crystal River will head out to square off against Citrus at 7:00 p.m. on Monday. Citrus will roll in looking for their sixth straight victory, something Crystal River surely won't give up without a fight. As for St. John Lutheran, they will face off against Seven Rivers Christian at 6:00 p.m. on Friday. Seven Rivers Christian's defense has only allowed 10.8 points per game this season, so St. John Lutheran's offense will have their work cut out for them.