Leopards far from settled at QB

By DAVID MURPHY and KELLIE DIXON, Times Staff Writers
Published August 12, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Ron Thompson | Times] Springstead coach Bill Vonada instructs his linemen on the first day of pads practice Thursday.

Hernando coach Rodney Byrd isn't revealing much about his thinking on the quarterback position.

Senior Jason Davies, who started all of last season and in the Leopards' spring game, is the favorite, but senior Lamon Neal and sophomore C.J. Haygood also are competing.

Neal was in the mix during last preseason, while Haygood is an option-style transfer from Nature Coast. Whoever ends up winning the battle likely will use his arm more than in years past: Byrd said he would like to throw 10 to 15 passes a game, far more than the Leopards averaged in Matt Smith's Wing-T attack.

ON THE LINE: One of the biggest points of emphasis for Central during preseason practices is the offensive and defensive lines, which were hit hard by graduation. Senior Jason Morton is the only returner on the offensive line. A group of juniors is vying to join him in paving the way for senior running back Duane Marks. Kevin Greer, Jesse Flowers, Sam Robinson and Dan May will get the "first shot," said coach Cliff Lohrey.

A SOLID NEWCOMER: Last year, Central's defense was bolstered by the addition of junior safety Heath Heroux, a hard-hitting transfer from Armwood. This year the Bears are expecting a similar impact from linebacker Tyler Miceli, a 5-foot-10, 215-pound senior from New Jersey.

"He's been a starter since the start of spring practice," Lohrey said.

TURN IT UP: The family concept continues to be the backbone for Nature Coast. But this season the Sharks picked up a motto. The idea is 212, as in the degree at which water boils. The Sharks proved to be on board after practice last week when D.J. Williams lead the huddle breakdown with a loud "212."

INJURED: Nature Coast lineman Lane Dodson broke his hand during the Sharks' trip to Bethune-Cookman in July. Dodson, a junior, started at the strong end position in the spring game and is expected back for the kickoff classic.

HAPPY CAMPERS: Springstead broke away for team camp in Leesburg this weekend. Other county squads went to camp earlier in the summer, but the different location and time could help the Eagles break the monotony and stay focused. In the past, Springstead has stayed in Hernando County.

"This year we wanted to go somewhere different to break it up," coach Bill Vonada said. "This maintains the focus of the team and the task at hand."

David Murphy can be reached at dmurphy@sptimes.com Kellie Dixon can be reached at kdixon@sptimes.com.

[Last modified August 11, 2007, 20:42:27]