SUMRALL – The Bobcats had a lot of success last Friday night in the Lamar County Jamboree, but there were also glaring mistakes they need to fix.
The defense played outstanding while holding George County to a shutout in the two-quarter exhibition, but the issues were the center-quarterback exchange on offense. It was, however, the first real game action for the new wing-T offense.
“It was a typical first night out,” Sumrall coach Shannon White said. “Obviously, we had some snapping problems, the center-quarterback exchange was the biggest problem we had. We actually did a lot of good things other than that. It could be a lot better, that’s for sure. Just little things here or there. Nothing that really alarmed us. Everything that we saw was correctable, so we’re not too concerned.”
The defense caused two turnovers, a forced fumble by Terry Davis on the second play of the game, and an interception by Nijewel Coleman late in the contest. Also, the linebackers flew to the football, meeting the ball carrier near the line of scrimmage on nearly every play. That was the type of performance White expected from the unit.
“We have a good front,” White said. “I love what our defense did playing with a lot of enthusiasm. We really ran to the ball well, but I thought more than anything was we were physical. That’s who we are. We have some guys who enjoy playing defense.”
White doesn’t know much about South Jones, since it didn’t play a spring game or jamboree last week, so he’s left to watch last season’s film.
Junior John Mitchell is back to quarterback the Braves after appearing in seven games, and the team brings back their top two receivers. South Jones does, however, have to replace most of its rushing attack.
Even though White likes his defensive front, he admits it’ll be a tough test this week against South Jones’ offensive line.
“They have a bunch of 270s and 280s up there and we just can’t get pushed around,” White said. “We’re going to have to hold our ground and take care of our gaps. I know they have some big kids up front, I know the quarterback is a big, tall and gifted athlete and they’ll always have a good running back, so we’ll have our hands full.”
As far as the Braves’ defense goes, White is preparing for a multiple defense. He only has last season’s film to look at, but he knows South Jones lost some personnel.
“They’re just a multiple defense, and they give you a lot to work on throughout the week,” White said. “It’s hard to prepare for.”
Sumrall will host South Jones at 7 p.m. on Friday.
