Athens, TVCC continue preseason work with Friday scrimmages
(Post sponsored by Tinsley Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy.)
The Friday night lights came on for the first time yesterday, as both Athens and TVCC held scrimmages.
Fairfield vs Athens
Athens hosted Fairfield, and Coach Zac Harrell liked what he saw in the Hornets’ effort.
“I thought most of the guys, or really all the guys that played, played really hard,” Coach Harrell said. “I thought it was a good physical scrimmage.”
Coach Harrell praised the Hornets’ defense, which gave up just one touchdown on a misplayed ball early. He said the defensive front, led by returning starters, looked sharp. Ja'bory Taylor stood out with two sacks and a couple of holding calls he forced.
On offense, wide receiver Julious Brewer was effective in the opening series, and quarterback David Richardson threw the ball well. Coach Harrell said the play calling was simple by design but the offense still showed flashes.
He pointed to two areas for improvement: better pass protection and finishing on deep throws.
“If we hit those deep balls, that’s the difference between scoring six, seven touchdowns and two or three touchdowns,” Coach Harrell said.
Most important, the Hornets came out healthy, which Coach Harrell called one of the main goals of any scrimmage.
Athens will travel to Lindale on Thursday, Aug. 21, for their final scrimmage before opening the season at home against Henderson on Friday, Aug. 29.
TVCC vs Louisiana Christian
TVCC traveled to Louisiana Christian on Friday in their lone scrimmage of the preseason. Head Coach Sherard Poteete said it was exactly what the Cardinals needed.
“The scrimmage was good for us to play somebody else,” Coach Poteete said. He added that the day included some bright spots while also showing areas where the team needs to improve.
“All in all it was a good day,” he said.
The Cardinals now shift their focus to the season opener on Saturday, Aug. 23, when they travel to play Independence at 11 a.m.