Hernando Today
Sharks Cap Spring With Intrasquad Game
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Published: May 16, 2008
Jamie Joyner and his staff will never have an easier time scouting the opponent. In fact, Joyner may never have an easier time just watching his Nature Coast Technical team play a game.
As a result of a post-game incident with Central High in the regular-season finale last season, both teams were penalized. Each lost the right to play in classic games this spring.
So rather than putting on the pads and lining up against someone else, the Sharks will cap their spring with an intrasquad game today in front of the student body at 1 p.m.
"We'll work on situational stuff after the scrimmage, but we're doing it in front of the school. We want to give them a game to watch," said Joyner, beginning his fifth year as headman.
"The spring is going great. I think it's the most productive spring we've had since I've been here. We're really excited about where we are right now and heading into the fall."
Every player in the program will be divided into either the Black or Blue team, with the Black team featuring mostly the first-team offense and the Blue the first-team defense.
There will be no kicking, rather than punting the other team will simply start the ensuing possession 35 yards from the previous line of scrimmage. Any drive following a score or the beginning of a half will start at the 25-yard line. There will also be no blitzing.
The game will have referees and play under the typical 12-minute quarters.
However, neither Joyner nor defensive coordinator Charles Liggett will assume their normal coaching duties. Assistant coaches Ryan Wilson and Mike Lastra will coach the Black and Blue teams respectively. Joyner plans to serve as the announcer in the press box.
Battle under center
The Sharks, who finished 7-4 last year and earned their second consecutive playoff berth as the Class 3A, District 6 runners-up, have some key personnel issues to iron out offensively.
They must not only replace their entire starting offensive line, but also find a new quarterback for the second straight season thanks to the impending graduation of Stephen Pelaez.
Two current sophomores, C.J. Baker and Andrew Stellpflug, have battled it out with Baker coming out on top thus far. He will run the first-team offense for the Black team, while Stellpflug starts for the Blue.
"It's always an open competition, but right now he's (Baker) won the job," Joyner said. "He's deserved it. Andrew Stellpflug is running the Blue team. May the best man win.
"His (Baker) overall consistency, to when we started in January till now, that's carried over to spring. He's separated himself with his consistency and his ability to run the offense.
"He's (Stellpflug) looked good. He did a great job on JV last year. He was thrown in as quarterback in week two. He didn't lose a game as a quarterback. He's improved from where he was last year."
Of course, Nature Coast still has star running back Tevin Drake, preparing for his junior season. Joyner said he has added some muscle - bulking up to 191 pounds - and grown a few inches since last season.
Joyner also anticipates that Drake will bounce back from a key fourth-quarter fumble in the Sharks' regional playoff loss to North Marion High.
"I think it had him down for a couple days, but he's definitely using that as motivation," Joyner said. "I don't think he'll be thinking about it anymore."
Turnovers and penalties have plagued the Sharks the past few seasons, so Joyner and his staff will again try to remedy those problems.
They'll also look for some new starters along the defensive line, though eight starters return to a unit that has flourished under Liggett.
Joyner pointed to outside linebacker Alfredo Lindo, an incoming senior, who he said is "leading the defense and really the team in the offseason. He's the guy that sets the tone for us."
One thing Joyner won't have to worry about is winning. Instead he can just focus on preparation for the 2008 campaign.
"We just want to see guys go out and compete," Joyner said.
Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com Sports writer Chris Bernhardt Jr. can be reached at (352) 544-5288 or cbernhardt@hernandotoday.com
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