Hurricanes Scrimmage Tigers
The Hurricanes kicked off the season with a home scrimmage against the Greene County Tigers last Friday night.
The varsity team played the first three quarters and the junior varsity team played the final quarter.
The Canes kicked off to start the game, kicking it to the back of the end zone. The Tiger offense took the field and the Canes defense held strong the first few plays, resulting in senior Tristin McCullough intercepting the ball, taking it 25 yards to the house. Senior Bryce Crawford nailed the extra point (XP), putting the Canes ahead 7-0 early in the first quarter.
The Tigers took over and on the first play of the drive took a handoff around the edge, breaking open a run that was fortunately called back on a penalty. They began to drive again, converting a critical third down. The very next play, sophomore Braden Lynch intercepted a pass thrown over the middle, and the offense ran out on the field for the first time of the game.
The Canes’ offense started a little slow and the Tigers took over with the drive ending with yet another interception, this time by senior Matthew Hollis.
The offense began driving down the field, with quarterback Thomas Deraney and Austin McCullough each converting on a fourth down to keep the drive alive. Jay Johnson then took the ball in for the score, putting the Canes up 13-0 early in the second quarter.
The Tigers then took the next possession all the way down the field, hitting a receiver in the corner for their first TD, failing the two-point conversion and making the score 13-6.
The next offensive possession for the Canes sputtered to a quick stop resulting in a punt. The Tigers then quickly took the ball down the field, punching it in the end zone and converting the two-point conversion, putting them up 14-13 going into halftime.
After receiving the kick coming into the third quarter, the Canes began to drive down the field. A few plays in we were forced to punt it back to the Tigers. The Hurricane defense held strong that series, forcing the Tigers to a quick three and out. The strong defense of both teams continued, with Greene coming down with an interception deep down field. They then drove the ball and scored, putting them up 20-13 in the third quarter.
The Canes offense then took the field, beginning a strong offensive drive. We began to drive the ball down the field, with quarterback Matthew Hollis tossing a deep pass to freshman Tyrin Lawrence. They continued to drive, with Hollis eventually hitting senior Garrett Scroggs up the middle for a touchdown. The two-point conversion was good, putting the Canes up 21-20.
Both defenses held strong the duration of the third quarter, allowing no more scores. The varsity players ended their time on the field at that point with a win.
The fourth quarter was reserved for the younger guys so the coaches could evaluate the players at different positions and situations. The younger players showed glimpses of potential and also showed room for improvement. The JV offense proved that they could run the Hurricane offense efficiently, and the defense showed aggressiveness and the ability to run to the football.
All in all, the Canes showed they have the ability to compete and win in a tough 4AA region and advance into the playoffs for the second straight year. We can continue to look forward to a successful season from our Canes. They have another scrimmage today, August 20, hosting Alcovy High School 7 p.m. at Rose Bowl Field.