Hernando Christian Academy opens the season on road against Indian Rocks Christian.
By EMILY NIPPS
Published September 10, 2004
BROOKSVILLE - Hernando Christian finally was able to get in a full practice Wednesday after days of problems from Tropical Storm Frances kept the players out of school and burrowed in their homes. The first-year program was eagerly awaiting its first regular-season game at Indian Rocks Christian tonight, and the adrenaline is already flowing.
Coach Steve Johnson couldn't wait to see his kids hit the school's practice field, which actually was in good condition this week. What he saw from his players, however, fell short of his expectations. The guys looked under-conditioned and rusty after the long weekend layoff. Many were huffing and puffing their way through routine drills and some even threw up.
"I hate to think these kids were sitting around on the couch and eating Twinkies all day (during the storm)," Johnson said.
But obviously, some of them were. Many of the players have been without electricity since Saturday and torrential wind and rain on Sunday and Monday made outdoor jogging conditions less than ideal.
"Coach told us to run and keep up our workouts to stay in shape," wide receiver Nate Dahmer said. "Not lie around and suck down on Coke and carbonation."
Fortunately for the Lions, most of Florida's teams have been dealing with the same set of circumstances this past week - lots of players who have been sitting around, eating whatever is in the house, waiting for the storm to pass. Games cancellations and other kinks in the schedule have created headaches for everyone.
What has made it even tougher on Hernando Christian, though, is that the players still don't know what a real season feels like. At least other programs, like preseason opponent Temple Heights and tonight's Indian Rocks, know how to get back into the groove of a normal season once the hurricane craziness settles.
The Lions are hoping the worst is behind them and are eager to get their debut season off the ground. Johnson knows his players are going to have a rocky start, but he at least wants to see what that rocky start looks like.
With Citrus county's game cancellation, some Hernando teams are left with another game-less weekend. The Lions are grateful they are not in that position. Some don't think they could stand another delay in their first regular season appearance. "It would be really disappointing if that happened," nose guard/defensive tackle Johnny Faulkner said. "There's been a lot of anticipation for this game."
