The anticipation of Hernando's biggest game in years had kids upbeat at school Monday.

The Leopards will advance to the playoffs with a win Friday against Nature Coast. A loss would mean either being knocked out of the playoffs or a possible three-way tiebreaker at Nature Coast that would include Crystal River.

"People are talking about the game," Hernando's second-year coach John Palmer said. "...It's always exciting when you have a chance to go to the playoffs. It's fun to be in that situation."

Palmer, who played for Hernando during his high school days, recalled one of the bigger games of his career in 1981 being a 14-2 loss to Buchholz in the second round of the Class 3A playoffs. Those Leopards also earned the school's first playoff victory with a 26-13 win against Oviedo.

"We played extremely well to get there," Palmer said. "Our record was 10-2 that year."

Hernando (5-2, 4-1 in 3A-6) has been to the playoffs nine times, last in 2005 when Citra North Marion bowled over the Leopards 61-10. That loss is part of a five-game losing streak in the postseason.

Hernando last won a playoff game 35-18 against Citrus in 1997.

The Leopards have come a long way this season first suffering a 48-0 preseason loss to Pasco. That was followed by a 26-25 overtime defeat at the hands of rival Springstead.

Hernando has won four straight after a 23-16 loss to Class 3A, District 6 leader Dunnellon.

The Leopards have grown confident with each game. So far this week, everyone is healthy and ready to go.

"They've been resilient," Palmer said. "They've clung to their goals and it's a credit to the kids."

igould@sptimes.com