Post by urbuddha on Aug 17, 2013 3:37:34 GMT -6
Tivy's Brennon Scheidle knocks a Boerne running back out of bounds Friday in a home scrimmage game.
-Tivy defense puts on a show, shuts out Boerne in scrimmage-
By James LaCombe Sports Editor ---
The Tivy Antlers got their first taste of live football action against an opposing school’s squad as they took on the Boerne Greyhounds last night at Antler Stadium.
While Tivy has been known for high-powered offenses in its recent history, it was the defense that stole the show in this scrimmage. The unit played with aggression and tenacity while completely shutting out Boerne.
“I like the way they run around, I like they way they’re going to play,” Tivy head coach David Jones said. “I’ve felt like that we’re going to be real solid on that side of the ball, and I think we will be.”
The offense displayed balance and scored three touchdowns on the night — two during the opening drills and one during a simulated half of football. While there were flashes of brilliance at times, Jones said there is still much room for improvement.
“We’ve got some work to do on the offensive side of it,” Jones said. “We’ve got a bunch of kids hurt right now. ... The guys playing right now are young, so they’re learning with every snap that they take.”
With a significant amount of new players on the offensive side of the ball, Jones was not surprised that the offense struggled to put more points on the board.
“It comes from people not really understanding what they’re doing, and it’s tough,” Jones said. “It’s hard to have guys out there that are first-time players trying to make plays on the varsity level right now. It’s just going to take some time.”
The young offense also turned the ball over three times during the scrimmage, with two early lost fumbles and an interception during the latter part of the simulated half. While having a strong defense is a nice luxury, Jones said it is important that the offense not put too much pressure on the defense.
“We’re not going to put them in a bind,” Jones said. “We cannot turn the ball over on our end of the field. We’ve got to protect the football, and we have to make first downs. It may not be real fancy, but we’re going to be fine.”
Each of the three varsity quarterbacks — Reed Jones, Ryon Mays and Bailey McKinney — had their share of impressive moments and some struggles. Jones said he was confident, though, one will emerge from the pack to win the starting job.
“I don’t think I’m going to choose, I think they’re going to decide who it is,” Jones said. “They’re going to be exposed to a lot of situations, and whoever steps in there to be the most consistent performer is who will go out there.”
Overall, Jones feels his team is headed in a positive direction.
“As far as effort and as far as desire goes, we’re right on track,” Jones said.