Watson takes over Phantoms

FLORENCE — As an assistant in stops at Aynor High School, Carolina Academy and the Florence Phantoms, Mike Watson developed a reputation as a players’ coach.

The Lake City native will put his coaching style to the test as a head coach. Watson was promoted to the position this week and will lead the defending American Indoor Football Association champions into tonight’s matchup with Harrisburg at the Florence Civic Center.

“It was a great decision to promote him from within,” first-year Phantoms general manager Preston Johnson said. “I can’t say enough about him and I think he’ll do an outstanding job.”

“I would like to bring a level of intensity to the entire team,” said Watson, who served as the offensive and defensive line coach in Florence for two seasons. “We want to give a good show for the fans.

“I’m a competitor and I want to continue the winning tradition in Florence.”

After firing coach Ricky Bell a few weeks ago for lying on his resume and opening the season with offensive coordinator Terrell Stewart calling the plays, the Phantoms’ front office felt it made the right decision with Watson.

“Watson is the lone coaching holdover from the 2007 staff,” Florence vice president of operations Bennie King said. “He’s great in the community and his players love playing for him.

“The guys like his attitude and fire, and I hope its contagious.”

Johnson played for Watson for two seasons before retiring after last year’s AIFA championship game win over Wyoming.

“I think (Watson) will be a great fit because all the players respect him,” Johnson said. “People will perform for coach Watson.”

Offensively, the Stampede might have a familiar weapon on the field against the Phantoms.

Clemson quarterback Woody Dantzler has been signed by the team, but is questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Defensively, Harrisburg has an experienced secondary that might pose problems.

Former Reading standout Marcus Sargent anchors the defensive backfield along with Leroy Kelly.

Kelly is the son of Cleveland Browns Hall of Fame running back Leroy Kelly.

Watson said scouting the Stampede has been difficult.

“It’s extremely difficult. We don’t know what their tendencies are,” he said. “We saw a little bit of them during their game (against the AIFA All-Stars in January), but they’ve gotten new players since then.

“We’ll see how it goes.”

In a 37-29 loss to Carolina in the team’s season opener last Saturday, Florence squandered opportunities in the red zone. Converting those opportunities into scores is paramount to a win tonight.

“We’re excited to get on the field,” Watson said. “We had several opportunities last week and we didn’t cash in. We’ve corrected those mistakes and we’re ready to play.”

“We can’t afford to stall in the red zone like we did last week,” King said. “Defensively, we played well but our offense needs to step up.”

Watson added the offense needs more consistency from the quarterback position. Brian Scott and Cory Minfield both struggled against the Speed and need to right their respective ships to lead the Phantoms to their first win.

“As of right now, we’re using both quarterbacks this week,” he said. “Hopefully one of them will find a rhythm.”