Q: What are your expectations for this season?
A: It's different every year. We were very senior-laden last year. Guys had been with us since they were 10th graders. I never try to label expectations, because in high school you just don't know. Injuries can hurt you, but we want to compete every play. Our expectations are for our kids to work hard and compete on every play. We knew we would have a special year last year. We had a lot of experience and players had been in our program for three years. All the guys from my first season were experienced and ready to go. We lost 16 seniors from last year, all were guys who did something for the cause. We lost some key guys from what we did last year, and lost 8 seniors on defense.

Q: Tell us about some players you expect big things from this year?
A: Steven Anderson is 20-5 as a starter at quarterback, and he has been a starter as a freshman. He's led us to the playoffs both his years as starting quarterback. He can make every throw. He's a good leader and a quiet kid but will lead by example. Aaron McAllister will play running back, receiver, quarterback, returning punts and kicks, play safety and corner. He has speed, power, and size and can really run. When you add that total package together, he can do anything. Two good offensive linemen in Trysten Hill (Georgia Tech commit) and Cari Blalock (FAMU and Bethune-Cookman). They have to lead our offensive line because we are young there. Dee Coleman will take over for Denzel Washington at running back. Dee has worked out hard and has his body prepared.

Q: In what areas do you expect the team to improve from last year?
A: I think our in-game focus and not losing track of what's going on in the game and making sure we know what happens on every down. Sometimes if you're not focused, the other team can hit you and score. I would say in-game focus and discipline.

Q: Suwannee tied a state record with four state titles in a row in the late 80's. Did the run to the state semifinals last year bring some higher expectations back to Live Oak?
A: I think the expectations have come back some. I think folks understand that it probably isn't going to be like it was in the late 80's, but I think they expect a good product. I think we can compete from week to week and play hard until the final whistle no matter what the score is and so far we have done a good job doing that.

Q: You leave a district which included North Marion and Santa Fe and move into a district with Jacksonville teams. How different will that be for your team?

A: We have competed against these guys before, and there is a lot of talent at Ribault. There are a lot of unknowns, and our kids will have to be disciplined. We are excited to be going into a new district and see some different teams. The former district was awesome and had some great teams to play against, and it had a good rivalry feel to it. Ribault looks like the team to beat in this district as we come into the season.

- Marty Pallman