The Jayton Jaybirds hosted Hermleigh, Newcastle and Knox City in a four-team scrimmage this past Friday night. Even though the score is not kept at scrimmages, and the outcome of the contest is irrelevant to overall records, each team was eager to showcase their abilities before the gathered crowd. The past two weeks of two-a-day practices in the Texas heat have allowed teams to begin to get themselves into game shape.
The Jaybirds showcased several facets of their offense and defense early in the scrimmage, evidencing why they are considered one of the top teams in the state during preseason. “Dave Campbell’s Texas Football” ranked Jay-ton as the number one team in Texas 1A Division 2. Head Coach Josh Stanaland, while flattered by the ranking, spent the summer and preseason training the Jaybirds to focus on each day, not the end of the season.
Returning starters for the Jaybirds are senior Tye Scogin (1st Team All State Offense), junior Pecos Smith (1st Team All State Defense), seniors Evan Cheyne and Cameron Benavides (both 2nd Team All State), senior quarterback Aaron Hernandez, junior Tripp Scott, junior Caleb Valerio and senior Alex Chism. The wealth of upperclassmen who were on the state semifinal team last season gives the Jaybirds strong leadership that sets the tone for the underclassmen.
There are also new faces in the Jaybird attack. Senior running back Thomas Mullen came to Jayton as a transfer student last season and is excited to begin the new season. Mullen carried the ball on the first offensive play for Jayton and scampered to the end zone after breaking two tackles.
With this being the first opportunity to play in pads for the season, every team had bright spots as well as rustier moments. With thunder and lightning moving towards the area, teams were forced to hurry through the scrimmage to avoid a cancelation. Coach Stanaland stated that he saw a lot of good things as well as places where the Jaybirds need to improve. “We’re not where we want to be yet, but I’m pleased with our progress over the last two weeks,” he said.
The Jaybirds will host another scrimmage Friday, August 23, and then look to their opening contest of the season on Thursday, August 29 at home against Anton at 6 p.m. to begin the annual Gridiron Classic.
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.
