ORANGE PARK - Orange Park High football has some new faces and some new philosophies with new coach Tom Macpherson taking over, but the wily veteran saw Saturday's first day of pads as a day to put the Raiders' program on solid footing by getting everyone on the same page.

"Obviously, we have a long way to go to trying to completely change offensive theories to go from an old smashmouth, gap game that Orange Park had for years to getting to passes out in space, more inside outside stuff," said Macpherson. "We are a long way from good, but it has become way better day by day."

Macpherson opened Saturday's first day of pads with a newer version of the old "Oklahoma" drill that traditionally pits one player against another in a head-to-head slugfest of sorts that tests two things for coaches; desire and ability.

With a new line setup of three lines of ballcarriers, offensive line personnel, linebackers and a safety engaging in a straight up frontal assault to move the ball in a straight line, the Raiders pitted the near-game scenario of a running back, following an offensive line attack with a defensive lineman battling and a linebacker and safety pursuing replacing the usual one-on-one drill.

"We want to see how man guys keeping jumping into the drill first to see who wants to really get in there and battle," said Macpherson. "It's a little sloppy because the coaches and players have to understand the drill's purpose and be able to execute fundamental skills. Once the drill gets rolling, a guy can keep jumping in to compete. That's what we want to see."

Macpherson shifted from the "Oklahoma" drill to a 20 minutes offensive team set and a 20 minute defensive team set designed to put a lot of formations and plays on film for assessment.

"Used to be that teams would run a play, then stand around discussing it for 20 minutes," said Macpherson. "If we really want to move an up-tempo game, we just keep throwing stuff at them, let them go with it as fast as we can, then make the corrections in the film room. Up-tempo is all about moving in and out of schemes quickly as we push the signlals from the sidelines. This is the first day so it'll take time."

Behind center, returning senior quarterback Demarae Byrd seemed to take command of the Raiders offense and offer some pocket pass completions that gave to smiles from Macpherson.

"Skill-wise, we have some good offensive players with Byrd and basketball

player Jordan Bundy both being athletes with Bundy at wide receiver with Devin Jones," said Macpherson. "On defense, Nartorian Lee is a wrestler that we have at safety with Kris Thomas back at linebacker after an injury last year. We feel better on defense right now."

Macpherson liked this bookend senior defensive ends Xion Jones and Norman Andara, with big noseguard Shawn Bizzell leading the attack. Also doing well in the drills was sophomore Troy Tanori, a linebacker, and senior defensive back Darrius Porter.

"Xion Jones gives us a little thicker end at the point of attack with Norman giving us a good rush end on the other side," said Macpherson.

"Inside we have Shawn Bizzell at 300 pounds and Anthony Westry-Rock at 320 and that gives us the ability to hold the point attack. We teach some block recognition and and using their hands to get away from offensive linemen and we should be good there."