News and notes from local high schools 10/13

News and notes from the Space Coast high school sports scene:

Merritt Island.

Not only have the volleyball Mustangs won the Cape Coast Conference title, they swept through the conference schedule without a defeat for the second consecutive season. That dominance also shows up in the area statistics, with Crystal Niederriter leading all Brevard players in kills with 271 in 61 games and Anna Tournade on top of assists with a whopping 591. Paula Passmore ranks third in kills with 264.

Florida Air.

Despite being 2-4 for the football season, the Falcons still have a shot at finishing second in District 7-2B and making the state playoffs. But they need to put together a winning streak, starting tonight at Melbourne Central Catholic followed by John Carroll at home next week and King's Academy at home on Oct. 27.

Titusville.

Most people know about Muhammed De'Reese, the Terriers' workhorse runner and state-caliber wrestler who actually has battled injuries this fall. But Titusville also has developed a productive passing game, with quarterback Chris Joly completing 58.8 percent of his throws for 608 yards and five touchdowns. Willie Haulstead (16-259) and J.T. Weber (11-91) are his favorite targets.

Merritt Island Christian.

The volleyball Cougars are ranked No. 8 among the state's Class A teams with a 19-5 record going into the week. They can back up that recognition with some impressive numbers, such as Amanda Weekley's 212 kills, 62 aces and 60 blocks, Stephanie Quinn's region-leading 118 aces along with 103 kills and 255 assists, and Jessica Quinn's 106 kills, 195 assists and 138 digs.

Astronaut.

Perhaps the War Eagles' Cameron Harris and the offense have made many headlines during Astronaut's 5-1 football season so far, but the defense has allowed only 66 points in six games. Leading the way are Jacob Story (74 tackles, four sacks), Rufus Williams (63 tackles, 10 sacks), John Cabbage (six sacks) and John Brown (three interceptions).

Melbourne.

Nobody can question the depth on the Bulldogs' girls cross-country team, which has seven runners among the area's top 17: Helen Mann (seventh, 19:36), Lindsey Spragins (eighth, 19:37), Ali Kirwin (10th, 20:15), Stephanie Trout (11th, 20:18), Danielle Todd (tied for 12th, 20:19), Samantha Sapundjieff (16th, 20:30) and Candice McNaughton (17th, 20:32).

Viera.

Though the first-year school will need some time to develop some of its sports programs, one area where the Hawks can compete immediately is cross country. Ben Bearden ranks eighth among all Space Coast area boys with a best time this fall of 17 minutes, 3 seconds.

Temple Christian.

This has been Temple Christian's off week in football, but the Lions (5-2) have two more chances to build on their winning record. They travel to Mount Dora Bible next Friday, Oct. 20, followed by their season finale at home against Trinity Prep. Sherrod Brim is one of the area's leading runners with 825 yards, he has scored 13 touchdowns and he's averaging 31.9 yards per kickoff return (10-319), two for scores.

Bayside.

Think pancakes. Saturday, Bayside's swim and dive team will host a fundraiser at Bayside Beef O'Bradys from 8-11 a.m. A $5 donation to the team gets you a pancake breakfast and complimentary car wash while you dine.

Melbourne Central Catholic.

With a 16-8 record this volleyball season, the Hustlers currently are just outside the Class 3A state rankings. But they have to be hopeful of advancing in postseason play led by Jourdan Sanscrainte (129 kills, 195 digs), Rachel Priester (381 assists, 127 kills, 36 aces), Kelly Drack (95 kills, 197 kills and Jules Vasquez (372 digs, 31 aces).

Holy Trinity.

With 24 schools confirmed to participate, Holy Trinity is hosting its annual Fall Classic cross-country meet Saturday at the school on Pineda Causeway. The girls race starts at 8 a.m., followed by the boys at 8:30. Among the other area teams competing will be Bayside, Viera, Eau Gallie, West Shore, Titusville, Edgewood, Brevard HEAT, Space Coast, Covenant Christian, Florida Air and Melbourne Central Catholic.