Chester County’s offensive line battles Martin Westview during Friday night’s jamboree. The Eagles will turn their attention to their regular-season opener against Memphis East. Photo By Brittany Lewis
Chester County closed out the preseason Friday night with a tough test against defending Class 3A state champion Martin Westview.
The Chargers capitalized on four Chester County turnovers. Three gave Westview possession inside the red zone, while another was returned for a touchdown. Westview defeated Chester County 35-0 in the two-quarter jamboree.
The result was not what Chester County coach Dewond Johnson expected from his team after a good week of preparation.
“I would like to play them again,” Johnson said. “We did not play the way I know we can play. We are a lot better than what we showed tonight, but until we do it on the field, it’s just talk. You have to prove it on the field.”
The Eagles entered the jamboree with two sophomores in the backfield, and Johnson attributed the turnovers to nerves rather than a lack of preparation.
“I’m glad it happened now and not during the season,” he said. “Our prep was good this week.”
Chester County had shown improvement in its first two scrimmages, beating Fayette-Ware 7-0 before outscoring Jackson Central-Merry 23-15. Friday’s matchup with Westview gave the Eagles a look at a championship-level program before the games begin to count.
Johnson said the Eagles will not let the loss change their approach as they prepare for their regular-season opener against Memphis East.
“We are going to focus on us,” he said.
Asked if he saw any positives from the two quarters, Johnson offered a short answer.
“Humble pie was given out tonight,” he said, “and it doesn’t taste good.”
