FORT WALTON BEACH, Fla. (AP) - A Panhandle high school football coach faces felony charges of striking one of his players.

South Walton coach James David Barron is scheduled to make a first appearance in a Walton County court Thursday on charges of child abuse.

According to the Northwest Florida Daily News, Barron is accused of hitting a player in throat twice during an October practice while demonstrating an illegal hit.

Walton County Sheriff Michael A. Adkinson said the coach's actions "went far beyond the toughness expected in football."