The St. Francis Catholic Academy football team is no longer seeking its first win of the season.
The Wolves took advantage of a schedule change, along with a change in the backfield, to make it happen.
Nash Lantinen stepped in at quarterback due to injuries to their top two QBs and finished with over 250 yards of total offense as the Wolves defeated Cedar Creek Christian (Jacksonville), 44-20, on Friday, Oct. 13, to win their first game of the year.
“Nash stepped up to play QB when the team needed someone to step up and he never questioned his role,” said St. Francis Catholic coach James Langham. “He lit a spark for our offense and kept everything flowing throughout the team. The energy he brought was infectious and had the team believing all night.”
Lantinen only threw for 53 yards, but two of his eight completions went for touchdowns and he didn’t throw an interception.
“With him back there, our opponents better watch out as we are clicking on all levels at the right time and he is a big part of why that is,” Langham said. “That first win is nice, but our season is far from over and we are hungry for more.”
The junior made his impact carrying the football, rushing for 202 yards on 20 carries with three rushing touchdowns, including a long of 51 yards. He also added a 2-point conversion on the ground.
“Nash is a special athlete,” Langham said. “He is a guy that can line up anywhere on the field and make plays. He’s easily one of the best athletes in this entire region and a guy who can play with the best of them.”
In addition to averaging 10.1 yards per carry, he also played on defense and registered a tackle.
“Hands down the best overall athlete on the team and a guy who is making a name for himself and elevating the program along the way,” Langham said. “I am proud he made the decision to come to us in the offseason and the work he has put in so far this season. His future is very bright.”
He becomes the eighth athlete to be selected for the weekly award.
Last week’s winner was Cassidy McDonald of the Oak Hall volleyball team, who led the Eagles to a 3-0 record with wins over P.K. Yonge, Newberry and Bradford (Starke) by posting 67 assists, 26 kills, 35 digs, 37 service points and eight aces.
Other winners include Oak Hall quarterback Dakota Brower, GHS quarterback Kane Smith, Buchholz football player Myles Graham, Hawthorne wide receiver Alvon Isaac, Chiefland running back Osten Jones, and Newberry volleyball player Hailey Tharp.
To be considered, coaches can email their nominations each week, along with stats for the week, no later than Sunday night to mike.ridaught@mainstreetdailynews.com.