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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Linebacker Jayton Hearne (41) checks over his shoulder as he begins to return an interception he caught while teammate Mateo Rodriguez (9) to block. -
(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) London Martinez races by defenders into the open field. Martinez serves the team as a hybrid back playing both the quarterback and running back positions.
It’s an exciting time of year for area football as the Graham Steers and Newcastle Bobcats began their two-a-day practices for regular season play this week.
However, a key test of ability for both teams will be how they fare in their scrimmage matches.
For the Steers, those matchups will be against Grandview and Godley while the Bobcats will be taking on Saint Jo and Baird.
However, scrimmage matches are significantly different from regular season matches. They don’t count towards the schedule or statistics so the goals change in what is trying to be accomplished.
For both Steers head coach Clay McChristian and Bobcats head coach Isiah Archer, what’s being looked for varies.
“We are looking for a few things. One is who knows what to do when the bullets start firing. Second is physicality, who can give a hit and who can take a hit,” McChristian said.
McChristian also mentioned that it will be important to see who can make plays and win one on one matchups over the course of these scrimmages as well as that could determine who gets significant playing time.
Archer on the other hand, said that he is simply looking to see the teams offense and defensive schemes run smoothly and for the roster to stay healthy being that scrimmages will be played with the pads on.
However, Archer aligned with McChristian’s belief that scrimmages also provide an opportunity for players to show their skills and where they fit positionally.
“They help us look at where we can play some people and as opportunities to evaluate ourselves early,” Archer said.
For the Steers, they will be looking to see if quarterback Jace Gill can continue his successful offseason of work and step up as the leader of the team at that position. McChristian also mentioned that the offensive line, defensive line and linebacking core will be specific units the team will look into.
Archer said that for the Bobcats, the offensive and defensive line will also be given thorough evaluation.
The Steers take on Grandview at 7:15 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15 and will follow that up against Godley at 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 21.
The Bobcats take on Saint Jo Friday at 6 p.m. Aug. 15 and Baird at 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22.
