Nature Coast will be without its star player for the first two games of the season.
Defensive end Rohan Blackwood, one of the top recruits in the area, was suspended by the Florida High School Athletic Association until September 13 for swinging at an opposing player during his team's 47-7 loss to Citrus in Friday's kickoff classic. His suspension was reduced from six weeks, according to the FHSAA.
According to a report obtained by BHSN, Blackwood swung and attempted to hit an opposing player following a score in the third quarter. It happened away from the ball, the report says. Blackwood was also warned earlier in the game after being flagged for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
The two-sport star for the Sharks will miss his team's first two games of the season against Crystal River and Springstead. He'll return for the team's game against Central.
With his suspension, Nature Coast has also been fined $250.
Last season, Blackwood had 69 tackles, including 16 for loss. He also had a team-high 15 sacks. He's being recruited by a number of top-notch programs, including Wisconsin, Nebraska and in-state schools Miami and USF.