Palmetto's star offensive player, Cory Crawford, will not play this Friday against county foe Lakewood Ranch, Tigers head coach Dave Marino said after Tuesday's practice.

Marino said Crawford, who shifted to running back from his wide receiver position, is banged up.

"Cory's hurt and he's out," Marino said. "... A little bit of everything. It was a tough transition for him to move to running back. He was never a running back, so his body wasn't acclimated to that type of transition, and he's getting worn down a little bit."

In his place, Quincy Washington is being promoted from the junior varsity ranks and Josh Hicks, who began the season starting at tailback, will spell Washington at times against the Mustangs.

Hicks was injured early in the third quarter of Palmetto's season opening victory over Sarasota Riverview. Crawford filled in, tallying 131 rushing yards on 14 carries in two quarters.

Upon Hicks return from injury, Marino moved him to defensive back while keeping arguably his most athletic player in Crawford in a position to touch the ball more.