Palmer's Preview

Years from now, when looking back at the official record, this one won't be there. No, preseason games don't really count.

But with the start of the regular season still a week away, tonight's game at South Sumter High (7:30 p.m. kickoff) does have some meaning for visiting Hernando High.

In taking on the Raiders, a perennial Class 2A power coming off a trip to the state semifinals, the Leopards will debut their third head coach in as many seasons, John Palmer.

The Hernando alumnus who led Port St. Joe to the 2005 Class 1A state crown didn't come to the school until after the spring, making this the first time he'll roam the Leopard sideline as headman.

"We're playing one of the better teams, let alone in the area but probably the state," Palmer said. "It's quite a challenge in our first game. It's also a good way to find out right off the bat what our weaknesses are and what we need to improve on.

"....For us, it's about our team. The nervousness is no different than the nervousness I've felt other times. I'm always more concerned with execution and wanting kids to perform at a high level."

Position battles

Hernando comes in off a 2-8 campaign in 2007 and hasn't had a winning season since 2002, so Palmer figures to have a significant rebuilding job on his hands.

"It's going OK," Palmer said of preseason practice. "I think our kids are working hard. I think we've got a long way to go still. It's going to be a process but I'm very happy, especially with the way the young kids have worked."

Though Palmer cautioned that this game will have barring on the evaluation of every position, several key spots on offense are very much up for grabs.

Junior Kall Daniel currently has a hold on the starting quarterback job over senior Josh Ross, based on his passing accuracy according to Palmer.

Ross will actually start tonight's contest, since both teams will play their second units in the first quarter. Daniel will lead the first team, which will take the field in the second quarter.

The other skill positions are also in flux. Will Alderman and Matthew Johnson are splitting time at tight end, while Robby Lane, Jamel Byrd and Corey Thomas are battling for playing time at wide receiver.

Six running backs are in the mix to see significant action in the Leopards' three-back system, including Sam Adams, Alvin Delaine, James Stephens, Champ Lumsden and Hernando Christian Academy transfers Clay Kessler and Tom Bronson.

Kessler, a senior who ran for 722 yards and 12 touchdowns at HCA last season, will not play tonight because of a hamstring injury.

The Leopards are also without starting offensive/defensive tackle Joe Bristol indefinitely with an injured meniscus.

"I think we just have to see them against live bullets and hopefully that will tell the tale," Palmer said. "And to just see the kids compete; I think the competition will bring out the best in everyone."

Hernando opens the 2008 season next week hosting Central at Tom Fisher Memorial Stadium. Like most coaches, Palmer is approaching this exhibition as an opportunity for evaluation.

"Our goals are to be able to execute our game plan, to try to run the ball and establish the ground game," Palmer said. "In the passing game, we want to be efficient, not give up sacks and turnovers.

"Defensively we want to play hard, intense, fly the football and hit. I think it's important our kids hit. That's what we want to see."