Scrimmages at South curtailed by weather

by John Lucas | Aug 9, 2018 | South Johnston, Western Harnett

Josh Schindler passes for South Johnston on Wednesday evening. (Dunn Area Sports Photo/John Lucas)

The South Johnston Jamboree football scrimmages were cut short due to sudden storms in the area Wednesday, but host South Johnston and Western Harnett were both able to get two scrimmage sessions in.

Other teams involved in the scrimmage were Garner, Holly Springs, Gray’s Creek and West Johnston.

South had two half-field scrimmages against Holly Springs and Gray’s Creek, but a planned full-field scrimmage, slated to be the last session of the night, was lost to the weather.

“I feel like we didn’t get but about 20 plays in, because we were scheduled to go on very last and they saw a series of lightning and saw it was just safer with so many people here to send everybody home,” said South coach Matt Riggsbee. “Luckily we stayed healthy. We’ve got a lot of stuff to work on.”

Defensively South gave up one score to Holly Springs and two to Gray’s Creek, but forced several turnovers. Offensively South did not score, but also did not turn the ball over.

“We caused a couple of turnovers on defense, three or four fumbles we caused,” Riggsbee said. “And we didn’t have any turnovers ourselves, so that’s a positive.”

The standout issue to Riggsbee was the team’s depth.

“Our first group defense looked lights out,” Riggsbee said. “Our first group offense was able to run the ball extremely well. We’ve got to get better at throwing the football and we’ve got to find some depth from somewhere. You’re only as good as your depth and our second group guys have got to step it up. We’re going to work on that tomorrow. Other than that, I was very pleased. Quarterback (Josh Schindler) showed poise in the pocket. The O-line pass blocked very well. We’ve got to do a better job of getting open and running our routes.”

Western had half-field scrimmages against Holly Springs and West Johnston, but lost its planned full-field scrimmage with Gray’s Creek to the storms.

“Overall, I was pleased,” said Western coach Blake Culbertson. “I thought we competed well. We made some little mistakes. It’s still early in the season. I think we made fixable mistakes. I think we can just continue to work, go back to the practice field and continue getting better.”

Western gave up one touchdown to Holly Springs and none against West Johnston. Ky’lim Moore ran for the Eagles’ lone touchdown on the day against West Johnston.

“We evened out on that (touchdowns),” Culbertson said. “I think we were a little less physical against Holly Springs and we pride ourselves on being physical. We’ve got to be tough and physical. That’s what we do. We had three or four or five guys getting to the ball (on defense), but we want all 11. We preach all 11. We’ve just got to continue getting better.”

A full-field scrimmage between West Johnston and Holly Springs was in progress when officials spotted lightning in the area. After a short discussion between officials, coaches, athletic trainers and athletic directors, the decision was made to end the event early.

Western Harnett is scheduled to participate in the Harnett County Jamboree at Campbell University on Friday beginning at 5 p.m.

“We’re just going to keep it simple and try to get better,” Culbertson said. “We’re going to go back to the practice field, go back to work tomorrow and try to get ready for next week.”

South Johnston is slated to take part in the Carolina Collision Centers Jamboree at South Garner High School on Saturday, playing East Chapel Hill at 2 p.m. and Broughton at 4.

“The depth has got to get better,” Riggsbee said. “They’re going to get a great opportunity on Saturday to get some playing time. Again, throwing the football and finding some depth (are what South will look to work on).”