The Eagles battled Fayette-Ware in a rainy preseason scrimmage Friday night and came away with a 7-0 win.
The rain left the field wet and the football slick, making it difficult for either team to get much going offensively. Despite the conditions, the Eagles put together the night’s only scoring drive.
Isaiah Armstrong provided the spark, running with determination and breaking several tackles on the drive.
“I’ve been seeing him since last spring,” the Eagles’ coach said. “I’ve just been quiet about him.”
While he was pleased with the effort, the coach also saw plenty that needs to be cleaned up before the Eagles face Jackson Central-Merry.
“Fundamentals,” he said. “We need to block better, and we need to tackle better and communicate. If we can do that, we’ve got a shot to be a very tough team.”
Communication was one of the coach’s biggest points while talking to the players after the scrimmage. He said the Eagles were in good shape when everyone communicated, but things began to break down when they stopped talking.
He also reminded the players to trust what they had been taught and take care of their own responsibilities.
“Do your job, guys,” he told them.
The coach said mistakes are going to happen, especially during an early scrimmage played in bad weather. What matters is how the players respond.
“That play is bad. It’s over,” he said. “We’ve got to play the next play.”
The return of some experienced players has also helped a team that had been depending on several sophomores. The coach singled out Jaden Weaver for bringing a veteran presence and helping settle the younger players because he already understood the system.
Friday’s scrimmage was not perfect, but it gave the Eagles a chance to see where they stand and what needs to improve. They will now go back to work on blocking, tackling and communication before their next test against JCM on Friday, August 7.
