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Leopards ready to put imprint on postseason

The Pee Wee squad works its way through injuries and prepares to defend its spot in the playoffs.

By DEREK J. LaRIVIERE, Times Staff Writer
Published October 19, 2007

ADVERTISEMENT [Keri Wiginton | Times] Troy Hambrick tries to avoid a sack during practice with the Hernando Youth Leagues' Leopards Pee Wee division at Ernie Weaver Park.

With a strong season finale under its belt, the Leopards' Pee Wee squad is poised for a solid postseason performance.

The Hernando Youth League squad finished the regular season 5-3 after a 19-7 victory last weekend against the Dunnellon Jaguars. What made the win more impressive was the Leopards' toughness.

"We've been hit hard by injuries," Leopards coach Darren McKethan said. "Thankfully, we've been able to work our way through them."

Safety Mark Wilson and linebacker John Bronson, two of the top players on the third-ranked scoring defense in the league, were sidelined with hand injuries.

Wilson could be out for the remainder of the season, but Bronson is questionable for Saturday's playoff opener against the Villages at Crystal River.

The Leopards clinched the third seed in the playoffs with their victory against Dunnellon.

This division, made up mostly of 11- and 12-year-olds, is unique. Because of the ages of the players, the running game is prominent and special teams are basically nonexistent.

"The Pee Wees is where a lot of these kids get their first introduction to a higher level of football," HYL football commissioner Tom Bronson said. "For our team to be successful at this level speaks to the talent we have around here."

The tandem of Troy Hambrick and Justin Roberts at running back in McKethan's wing-T offensive system has allowed the Leopards to become one of the Timucua Pop Warner League's top ball control offenses.

One of those backs, Hambrick, has football in his background. He is the son of former Dallas Cowboys tailback and Pasco graduate Troy Hambrick.

Judging from the younger Hambrick's moves on the field, the apple hasn't fallen far from the tree.

"With the tools we have on the ground, we've been able to move the ball in chunks all season," McKethan said. "The blocking up front gives all of our backs a lot of daylight to run through."

Roberts added the dose of power running necessary for there to be a change of pace from Hambrick.

The duo mounted a heavy ground attack on the Jaguars for over 200 yards and three touchdowns between them.

"Justin really knows how to break a tackle," Bronson said. "He's not going to outrun many guys, but he gets the tough yards."

The leader of this wing-T system is quarterback Chris Walters.

Although the field general is undersized even for his age group and the Leopards rarely if ever pass the ball, he knows each play well and executes them well from the start.

The players have meshed this season and could have a bit of a chip on their shoulder going into Saturday's game.

Earlier this season, the Leopards were shutout 27-0 by the Villages. Although that result is difficult to overlook, McKethan is quick to say this is a different game.

"In the games we've lost, we didn't play anywhere near our best," McKethan said. "I expect to give them a run for their money this weekend."

[Last modified October 18, 2007, 21:05:52]