Freshmen have big day on ‘D’

By ROB NUNLEY / Sports Editor for the Southern Standard

WATSON

While the Pioneer varsity saw the lion’s share of the action in Friday’s three-hour scrimmage with Grundy County, the freshman squad also got a chance to take center stage, as they went through a series of 11-on-11 possessions with the Yellow Jackets.

Neither team scored during their two respective offensive drives, but the WCHS defensive unit turned in a particularly impressive morning, stalling a Yellow Jacket squad that was composed of freshmen, as well as more than a few upper classmen.

Jeff Watson, who took over as head freshman coach after several successful seasons at Warren County Middle, said he was very pleased with his team’s showing during Friday’s scrimmage.

“I thought they looked really good, especially on defense,” he said. “They were going up against some sophomores and juniors there, and they hit them in the mouth. I’m really proud of them — but we’ve still got a long way to go.”

Offensively, while the Pioneers failed to reach the end zone, Watson noted they moved the ball well at times, and said with more practice they should be ready to go by their first game.

“It’s just a matter of repetitions,” he said. “Offense is always going to go slower than defense, so we’ve got a lot of work on offense left to do.

“We’ve not had that much work in pads yet, so we’ve got to just put some more time in.”

Currently sporting a 35-man roster, Watson said he hopes to get up to 40 players after school begins next week. The Pioneers’ first game is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 19, at Coffee County.