Plant creatively prepares for Hawks

So how do you simulate speedy defensive ends like Armwood's Ryne Giddins and Sergio Joyner?

You can't.

At least Plant has tried to this week in practice. At the suggestion of Panthers assistant coach Chris James, the Panthers had their scout team ends line up a half-yard offsides at a recent practice to give the offensive line a good test for Friday's showdown in the region final.

"If we had a guy like Ryne Giddins on our scout team, we'd be pretty darn good," Weiner said with a chuckle.

As far as trying to mimic Armwood's offense, Plant had to improvise this year. Senior Cornelius Gallon has typically been the scout team quarterback for Armwood week the past two years, with his speed simulating the Hawks option attack. With Gallon out with a torn ACL, James was Johnny on the spot.

"Coach James can still play," Weiner said. "There's no doubt about it."

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com