The regular season is still a couple of weeks away, but a pair of Bulloch County teams will finally see some live action against an opponent wearing a different uniform tonight as Statesboro and Southeast Bulloch take part in a preseason scrimmage tonight.
Last season, the Yellow Jackets from SEB made their way to Womack Field for an exhibition game against the Blue Devils. Tonight, Statesboro returns the favor as they travel to Brooklet for a 7 p.m. start.
The teams will take part in a controlled scrimmage consisting of six periods. In the first period, one team’s offense will take the field — without a kickoff — at its own 35 yard line. Regardless of scoring plays or turnovers, that offense will continue to run plays for four minutes. The period will conclude after the opposing offense gets its four minutes of work.
The second period will work in the same manner, but offenses will start from the opposing defense’s 25-yard line. Any scoring plays will result in a PAT being attempted and — if time remains — the offensive series beginning again.
In the third period, the junior varsity squads will get their chance to perform. The final three periods will duplicate the first three.
“Between the rain and the lightning and the heat, we’ve only had a few opportunities to get in full pads and really hit,” SHS coach Steve Pennington said. “(Friday) will definitely be a time where we are looking for who is going to play hard and really bring their best effort.”
Offense and defense aside, Pennington addressed other benefits of a preseason scrimmage. Whether it’s warming up, suiting up, or huddling up, the Statesboro coaching staff never misses an opportunity to prepare its players.
“It’s a chance to practice everything,” Pennington said. “We’ll practice eating a pregame meal. We’ll practice getting on the bus. We’ll practice going through our pre-game routine. Hopefully, that helps it to become second nature and it won’t be an additional thing to worry about when the games count.”
Portal washed out of action
The same weather issues that have hindered teams throughout the coastal region might cost the Portal Panthers a chance to get any preseason action against another school.
Portal was originally scheduled to travel to Twiggs County for a scrimmage tonight, but the game has been postponed. There is a chance that the schools will be able to reschedule their matchup, but no date or location has been set. For more information on any possible rescheduling, log on to www.statesboroherald.com.
Mike Anthony may be reached at (912) 489-9404.
