NEDERLAND — Especially with the soft conditions from a week-long rain, Justin Krautz may be wiser to watch a scrimmage than play in one this Friday.

The standout Nederland senior runner likely will see limited action, if any at all, this week when Nederland entertains Jasper in the final pre-season tuneup for both squads.

Nederland and Jasper are planning to collide in a simulated full game rehearsal in Bulldog Stadium at 7 p.m. The four 12-minute quarters are intended to consist of everything except live kickoff plays.

A new starting tailback and a two-year cornerback, Krautz sustained a hyperextended knee as a ball carrier during Nederland's second possession of last Saturday morning's scrimmage with Silsbee and Kelly in Beaumont.

Krautz should be ready to answer the bell on Aug. 29 at the same venue when Nederland opens the 2008 regular season against West Orange-Stark.

The Nederland coaches might take a different view of Justin's availability for Jasper if NHS faced a regular-season game this week. But because it's a scrimmage, the Nederlanders are leaning toward having Krautz (5-11, 175) sit out this week.

"We're optimistic that this is not of a severe nature," NHS head coach Larry Neumann said. "Justin made a good run and broke into the secondary. He got hit on the thigh and it was a clean hit. It's just the coincidence of how things happen."

Krautz had carried the ball five times for more than 50 yards prior to the injury.

Neumann did not feel as if Krautz needed to prove anything by participating in the Jasper scrimmage.

"We're very pleased with Justin and the job he did," Neumann said. "He didn't have to prove anything to us, running the football. He's doubtful for this week."

Nederland primarily has operated from a one-back set without a tight end and with receivers all over the place. Krautz is the probable opening game starter at the running back spot, provided his knee responds. Yet on this final pre-season scrimmage, Nederland probably will have a running back by committee with senior Wareall Grogan and sophomores Brent Salenga and Jake Kemp sharing the load.

When Nederland starts its second scrimmage, it figures to observe several other personnel changes besides the running back spot. Senior wide receiver Jude Vidrine will rejoin the active list after missing last week. Senior cornerback Michael Roebuck also is earning more repetitions and making good strides at his congested spot which is shared with Asa Cardenas and Ryan Brady.

Defensive coordinator Delbert Spell also will examine the looks of a switch which may affect two starting positions in the Dogs' defense. Backup quarterback, sophomore Dionte Forney, will start for senior Anthony Maddox at the right end spot.

Maddox will receive a look-see as a starting inside linebacker, rather than Grant Lovelady. A returnee from the 2007 defense, Lovelady also should see ample playing time.

The Dogs are well aware of Jasper's ability level after learning of its success in last week's scrimmage against Port Neches-Groves. Neumann welcomes the idea of pitting his Nederland group against a high-caliber opponent. That's especially true because Larry considers season-opening foe WO-S to be outstanding.