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Spring games are coming at an opportune time for Hernando County's three teams.
Players, it seems, are tired of running into their teammates.
"We had a great spring up until (Wednesday)," Hernando coach Bill Browning said. "(Wednesday) was our first bad day of practice.
"We've reached a point now where we need to hit somebody else," he said. "The seniors are gone, things are winding down and the classic comes at a good time."
Hernando is at Dunnellon tonight, Central plays host to Citrus and Springstead entertains Lecanto. All games begin at 7. "I definitely think we're getting tired of hitting each other," Central coach John Wilkinson said.
"They want to see another color jersey, and when you see the same defense over and over in practice, it gets to a point where it doesn't help the offense. This will be good."
Springstead coach Bill Vonada said he anxiously awaits seeing his players in game action.
"We've looked really good in practice," Vonada said. "But a game is a different thing. They don't call you out on the field and see who drills the best. They want to see how you play.
"The great thing is we get to evaluate," he said. "Some kids are great in drills but don't carry that out in games. Some guys are not sharp in practice, but they get out there and show a real hunger in games."
CENTRAL: The Bears (3-6 last season) will start an entirely new backfield with rising juniors Shane Collard (quarterback), a converted wideout, tail back Anthony Gaynor and rising sophomore fullback Gary Owen.
That is not Wilkinson's main concern, however.
"We've answered a number of questions," Wilkinson said. "Shane will do a real good job. He can throw it around."
The worry is the defense, particularly a retooled secondary. Speed, as usual, Wilkinson said, is lacking.
The one area of the defense that does not concern the coach is the experienced line, where Brandon Dampier and Mike Caldwell will start at tackle and Anthony Wright and Brian Giddens at end.
HERNANDO: The Leopards (6-5) conclude the spring in search of an offensive line to wrap around rising junior and returnee James Johnson.
Browning has a concept of how he thinks the situation will evolve, but he will not discuss names.
"There are some guys stepping to the forefront," Browning said. "We're also looking for some depth. We'd prefer not to have guys playing both ways, if possible."
SPRINGSTEAD: The Eagles (2-8) have a large number of returning starters, including juniors Ian Wald (quarterback) and backs Tim Dow and Joe Merando.
But Vonada said that has not put his team ahead in relation to squads such as Central.
"We're not starting from ground zero, but you can't emphasize the fundamental stuff enough," Vonada said.
"If you jump into the advanced stages, you tend to forget about those important little details."
- Staff writer Brant James can be reached at (800) 333-7505, ext. 1407. Send e-mail to brant@sptimes.com