Hernando: News and Notes

By Times staff
Published August 30, 2007

Set your DVR ...

Don't miss this game

Nature Coast at Springstead, volleyball, 7:30 p.m.

Get a glimpse of half of the Hernando County Athletic Conference in action as the Sharks attempt to establish themselves as the early HCAC favorites against the Eagles.

Read on the blog

Here's what you had to say about what we had to say on blogs.tampabay.com/preps.

"This is to 'Central is nasty.' You want to know how the Times DARES to rank Nature Coast above you this year. It has nothing to do with your district championship you won last year - which by the way so did NCT. It's plain and simple and can be summed up in one word: Fox DuJuan Harris. He is an outstanding athlete, one of the best Hernando county has ever seen, but he is NO LONGER ON THE BEARS. Get ready, 'nasty' boys, it's a new season!"

Posted by: Shark Fanatic, Aug. 29

today on tampabay.com

- There are several big football matchups in the Tampa Bay area on Friday. Times staff writer Joey Knight thinks these games are falling a little too early on the schedule. Check out highschool.tampabay.com for these and a few other sporting events that come too early in the season.

- There's no question Chris Ridenour steps into a tough situation as Hernando's new boys basketball coach. Not only does he have to rebuild the program, he has to rebuild the confidence of his players, who were stunned by the arrest and resignation of their former coach. Get the complete scoop on the 32-year-old New York native at blogs.tampabay.com/preps.

- Listen in as our team of experts gives you the inside info on the week's most crucial matchups in our Friday Night Preview podcast.

The Scoop: news and notes

Four new coaches at Hernando

Hernando has finally rounded out its completely revamped winter coaching staff. Already in the fold was Joe McLain, who took over for wrestling coach Matt Smith. Now seen walking the halls are new boys basketball coach Chris Ridenour, girls coach Josandra Maner, girls soccer coach Neil Riddle and boys soccer coach Kevin Knox. All four coaches inherit teams that had losing records last season.

Hernando's starting QB remains a mystery

Hernando football coach Rodney Byrd laughed when asked to name his starting quarterback for the Leopards' season opener against Central on Friday night. The candidates? Seniors Lamon Neal, who was impressive in a preseason loss to South Sumter, andJason Davies, above, who started every game last season.

Asked if he had made up his mind, Byrd said, "Yes."

Asked if he was going to tell an intrepid reporter, the coach said, "No."

My hero

In every athlete's mind is an image of a person who has already reached the goal for which he or she strives. Periodically, we'll sit down and discuss what, exactly, makes a hero. Today, we caught up with Central offensive lineman Kevin Grier.

Sport: Football

Position: Offensive lineman

School: Central

Year: Junior

Hero: Jose Yearwood

Grier's uncle Jose is a former Springstead star who is now in his senior season as a defensive back at Brown University.

"He taught me how to play," Grier said.

More importantly, he taught him how to work, both on the field and off. An honorable mention All-Ivy selection last year after finishing fourth on his team in tackles, Yearwood has had to balance the rigors of an Ivy League education with playing Division I-AA football.

"He taught me work ethic," Grier said.

David Murphy, Times staff writer

Izzy Gould can be reached at izzygould@gmail.com or (727) 580-5315. David Murphy can be reached at dmurphy@sptimes.com or (352) 848-1407.

[Last modified August 30, 2007, 01:23:38]