HHS: Last Chance

Seven weeks into the season, Hernando High has only won one game on the field and has struggled to muster any sort of offensive firepower.

However, in a district with only one team over .500, the Leopards can still cling to slim playoff hopes by defeating Class 3A, District 6 foe Lecanto High tonight.

Hernando (2-4 overall, 0-1 3A-6) travels to Citrus County for a 7:30 p.m. contest against the Panthers (1-5 overall, 0-2 3A-6).

"It's a big game for us," Hernando Head Coach John Palmer said. "We need to get a win. We need to be able to put points on the board. We haven't done a very good job offensively the last couple of weeks. We've got to take the pressure off our defense."

Since a season-opening 16-7 win over Central, the Leopards have produced a total of 25 points, or an average of 5.0 points, the past five games. That includes last week's 21-0 shutout against Springstead.

"We're working on execution," Palmer said. "We still don't have very good timing or rhythm. We've got to cut down on penalties to get a rhythm. We're trying to execute properly to get some rhythm.

"...I think the kids are working hard. Anytime they still continue to work hard, I think they're improving. Along those lines, they're all making improvements."

It seemed as though Lecanto had made improvements early in the season, breaking a 25-game losing streak with a 26-6 win over Umatilla in week one and nearly beating both Mount Dora and The Villages the following weeks.

Yet the Panthers have slipped back to their familiar ways, getting out-scored 127-11 the past four games. Injuries have severely hampered Lecanto's progress, but Palmer isn't taking anything for granted.

"I think every team is a threat," Palmer said. "We can't take anyone lightly. We're not in any position to do that.

"They're a big team, very big up front. Their quarterback is very mobile. Defensively they've got a couple kids up front that really cause problems on the defensive line."

The Leopards are finally at full strength after a slew of early-season injuries, but are dealing with the sudden transfer of senior wide receiver/defensive back Jamel Byrd to Nature Coast.

Palmer confirmed the transfer, but declined comment. Byrd had seven catches for 59 yards, including four receptions for 50 yards last week, and 39 tackles.

The major focus for the coaching staff remains jump-starting a stagnant offense, as Palmer reiterated the issue several times.

"The key thing for us is scoring," said the first-year Hernando headman. "We need to get on the board early and we need to continue playing good defense and be strong in our kicking game."