The practice-like scrimmage between Southeast Bulloch and Statesboro High School gave both teams a chance to test its offense and defense just weeks before the start of the regular season.
    Both teams met on Fred Shaver Field Thursday and ran about 50 plays each. The scrimmage was split into six sessions starting with field goal unit versus the field goal block unit.
    Both coaches were able to take a glance at how potential starters would do against the opposing competition. The second session of the day consisted of the Blue Devils’ offense taking on the Yellow Jackets defense. After the Blue Devils ran 12 plays from the 40-yard line, it was SEB’s turn on offense.
    A few aspects of the scrimmage stood out. Here’s four things to take away from Thursday’s scrimmage:

Rockett suffers scary injury
    Thursday’s festive atmosphere and fan-friendly experience at Fred Shaver Field took a somber turn when Statesboro High School wide receiver Wright Rockett took a hard hit after a catch in the middle of the field.
    Rockett appeared to be fine and started to walk towards the huddle, but suddenly collapsed.
    Players and coaches took a collective knee as medical staff attempted CPR on Rockett. Rockett was taken off the field by ambulance.
    After the game, Statesboro coach Steve Pennington said Rockett was doing fine.
    “The most important thing is all is well and everything's going fine with him,” Pennington said after the scrimmage. “They are doing some tests and taking some precautions, but he is doing fine and he rebounded pretty doggone fast. That’s the most important thing about this scrimmage. All of our players and all of the coaches are pulling for Wright Rockett.”
    Southeast Bulloch head coach Pat Collins also expressed his concern and gratitude that Rockett was Ok.
    “I’m just thrilled that we got good news on (Rockett). That was kind of a tough moment for both squads to work through, but I’m certainly glad for that young man and coach Pennington was kind enough to share the good news with us,” Collins said.

Here comes Williams
    When it appeared as though Southeast Bulloch’s defense would limit the Blue Devils run game, Williams broke free for a big one. Due to the dynamics of the scrimmage, each play on offense started from the 40-yard line during the second session.
    The Yellow Jackets limited the run game until Williams broke free for a 40-yard burst into the endzone, shedding tacklers along the way.
    Pennington said Williams has run effectively during the preseason.
    “He’s really been looking good since we started our first practice two weeks ago. He’s a load and he has exceptionally feet in a short amount of space. With the speed he has he’s a force to be reckoned with,” Pennington said.

SEB quarterbacks looking good
    Southeast Bulloch quarterbacks Caleb Carter and Jaylon Wells played exceptionally well during Thursday’s scrimmage. Carter made a few nice plays with his arms and seemed to read Statesboro’s defense well.
    Wells used his feet to get the home crowd excited, breaking a few runs and avoiding tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
    “I thought they both did some good things out there. I thought our guys had great intensity and we made some nice plays in the passing game,” Collins said.
    According to Southeast Bulloch’s statistician, the Yellow Jackets had about 140 yards in 10 plays during the first session.

Consistency/Fundamentals
    Both coaches harped on the importance of consistency for their respective team after the scrimmage. For Southeast Bulloch, coach Collins said both sides of the ball had to do a better job of being consistent.
    Collins said blocking and run defense were particularly concerning.
    “I mean we would block good or play well and then the very next play we just weren’t as consistent,” Collins said.
    For the Blue Devils, coach Pennington said his team lacked consistency on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive line had trouble with the Yellow Jackets’ big, aggressive offensive front.
    “It was pretty evident where we didn’t execute. Defensively we’re going to have to raise our level of play. Southeast Bulloch has a pretty good offensive line and they attack and attack you. From a defensive standpoint we have to be more aggressive,” Pennington said.
    The Blue Devils first game of the regular season will be played at “neutral” grounds Aug. 22 against Burke County at Georgia Southern for the Erk Russell Classic.
    The Yellow Jackets will take on Pierce County Aug. 28 at home.

    Horace Holloman may be reached at (912) 489-9408.