Northeast Lauderdale 14, New Hope 12
Southeast Lauderdale 14, New Hope 14
Backup quarterback Preston Davis was pressed into action during the Trojans” scrimmages against Northeast Lauderdale and Southeast Lauderdale. Davis took over for starter E.J. Jenkins, who suffered a mild concussion when he hit his head on the turf in the first quarter of the opening game, coach Michael Bradley said.
Davis, a freshman, then scored one of New Hope”s two rushing touchdowns against Northeast Lauderdale — running back Horace Carr scored the second from four yards out.
“He had an outstanding job of holding things together for us,” Bradley said. “He didn”t get a ton of snaps (in practice).”
The Trojans are revamping their offense after compiling an 8-5 season and reaching the Class 5A quarterfinals. They lost nine starters on offense, including four linemen. Jenkins, who will start this fall, is also entering his first season as a starter.
New Hope may rely on its defense early in 2011. The unit returns as many as seven starters and against Northeast Lauderdale, allowed just two first downs. Northeast Lauderdale did not score on offense. But the Trojans allowed scores on a kickoff return and fumble return.
“The main thing we were trying to do was find some guys that can play,” Bradley said. “Find some guys that want to be contributors. We”re going to be OK.”
Lamar 26, Caledonia 22
Caledonia 10, Sumter Academy 6
Running back Ontario Lowery had a productive day, rushing for a combined 21 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns in both games. His longest run of the day came against Sumter Academy – a 52-yard score.
Receiver Luke Eads caught two passes against Lamar for 50 yards. Eads also scored on a run from 17 yards.
Against Lamar, sophomore quarterback Ben Marchbanks completed 3 of 7 passes for 54 yards. He also rushed six times for 20 yards. Also against Lamar, Tyler Armstead had 44 yards on six carries and kicker Josh Kugel converted a 26-yard field goal
Durant 29, East Oktibbeha 0
Sumter Academy 21, Oktibbeha 8
On a day when the Titans showed their youth, coach Randy Brooks was “pleasantly surprised” with the speed of Jermaine Gillespie, who split time at tailback and quarterback. Gillespie”s biggest play of the scrimmages came on a 40-yard run against Sumter Academy.
“He made a couple of people miss, which we haven”t had for awhile (at running back),” Brooks said.” At our school, we usually have straight-ahead runners.”
Gillespie also had a short run as quarter in the spread offense.
Also impressive was safety Authur Gillespie, who Brooks said at 6 feet, 3 inches, 180 pounds, “came up out of the secondary at times and hit like a ton of bricks, like I expect him to do.” Gillespie had six tackles in both games.
Tight end Jamal Halbert caught the Titans” lone score from Justin Williams, a 55-yard reception. Williams struggled against Durant (0 for 3, 2 interceptions). He completed 1 of 2 passes against Sumter Academy.
Overall, East Oktibbeha will spend the rest of the spring and summer in the weight room and competing in 7-on-7 passing leagues, what Brooks hopes will help the Titans (4-7 in 2010) grow up fast. Five starters returned on offense, and six on defense.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 37 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.