Rain forces teams to go against grain

BROOKSVILLE -- Football is supposed to be a full-contact sport played outdoors. But you never would have known by visiting area practice fields last week.

FHSAA rules limited teams to non-contact drills Monday-Wednesday.

Mother Nature took care of the rest, as lightning and heavy showers forced all three county squad indoors for much of the first week of fall workouts.

Hernando athletic director and assistant football coach Matt Smith said the Leopards hadn't spent so much time indoors since 1996.

"This is typical of some years," Hernando coach Bill Browning said. "But we haven't had an August like this in a long time."

Each team was affected.

Springstead was on the field for five minutes Monday, then moved inside for drills and conditioning.

Central was limited to technique work Monday and Tuesday. The Bears spent 11/2 hours on the field Wednesday before lightning forced them back inside.

"We have been limited," Central coach John Wilkinson said. "But it doesn't really bother me as much, because it's just (non-contact)."

Hernando was outside for 2 1/2 hours Wednesday, but was limited to 30 minutes Thursday, 15 of which were devoted to stretching.

Inside, the Leopards did a lot of chalk work and walk-throughs, focusing on assignment and position responsibilities.

"We're insided out," Browning said.

Though coaches tried to make the most of their time indoors, there's no substitute for field work, particularly when it comes to timing and contact drills.

Preseason jamborees and classics are scheduled for next weekend, with all three squads set to open the season Sept. 6.

Are coaches worried about being unprepared?

"If (inclement weather) keeps up the next couple of days," Browning said. "Right now, we're not in a quandry."

-- Staff writer Frank Pastor can be reached at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1430. Send e-mail to pastor@sptimes.com.

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