One look at last season’s Hernando High football stats tells the story of where the defense is at as it heads into the 2016 campaign.
Austin Sternberger, who paced the Leopards with 76 tackles; he was a senior. How about Tyson Libengood, right behind with 72 tackles? He was a senior, too. So was Brock Buchanan (62 tackles), Beck Buchanan (54) and Bruce Warren (50).
That’s Hernando’s five leading tacklers from a year ago having moved on to the next step in life, leaving behind a defensive unit that must find a way to replace all that production.
For senior Harry Williams, the situation has created an opportunity. Mostly splitting time between defensive end and cornerback as a junior, totaling 35 tackles and two sacks, he’ll primarily slide into a linebacker spot this season.
“He’s a very likeable guy,” Hernando head coach Bill Vonada said. “He works hard. He finds a way to be there. He’s overcome a lot of difficult things to get the job done.
“He’s got some natural athletic ability. His effort level is always high. He’s got a good head.”
Though he contributed to the Leopards on the gridiron last year, athletically he’s better known for what he’s accomplished on the wrestling mats. In his first season of varsity wrestling, Williams was a surprise state qualifier at 170 pounds. He went 1-2 at states.
On the strength of that experience, he embarks on his final prep football campaign trying to help Hernando turn the corner on its rebuilding process.
“I think we’ve got all the pieces together to be a really good football team this year,” Williams said. “We’re going to play some good football. We’ve got a hard-work ethic and we play for each other as a family. I really believe we’ll do some big things this year. We’ve got a good coaching staff. We got it this year.”
Hernando’s defense does figure to have a slightly different feel, as former Weeki Wachee defensive coordinator Jon Malandrucco has joined the Leopards’ staff and will call the plays on that side of the ball.
Williams is happy to settle into the action-packed linebacker position. He said after a slow start, he has learned the scheme with the help of his coaches. However, he figures to move around some as circumstances dictate.
“It’s not all about role. It’s about putting work in and making plays,” Williams said. “We’re not a team with one star player. We’re a group of players who can make plays on the ball.”
Between the work he did in the offseason and his wrestling background, Williams believes he can put together a solid showing for the Leopards.
“We always start with defense. I know today’s game is predicated on scoring a lot of points, but if you want to be a good team, you need to have a solid defense,” Vonada said. “Harry being a big part of that, he’s going to be integral.”
Asked about his personal goals, Williams doesn’t have any numbers in mind. Mostly he talks about the team, though he does want to earn a college scholarship, either in football or wrestling.
It’s the kind of attitude coaches surely hope will rub off on other players as Hernando gets its regular-season slate underway with a home game against Fivay this Friday.
“We’re looking for a really good start,” Williams said. “I feel like the (opposing) team we got, they’ve got good players of their own. We can’t doubt anybody. Sure we got a preseason win (13-12 over Ocala-West Port on Thursday), but we can’t relax. We have to keep building momentum each game and come with a chip on our shoulders this year.”
Follow Chris Bernhardt Jr. on Twitter @cpbernhardtjr.