Brandon varsity football coach Ron Gill knows the Blackhawks still have plenty of work to do, particularly on offense, before the regular season gets underway.
That was evident at the team’s annual Black and Blue scrimmage, which took place Friday, Aug. 11 and was open to the public. The scrimmage lasted from 6:30-8 p.m., Gill said, and was followed by an ‘incredible? barbecue for the team and the fans.
Gill said the scrimmage consisted primarily of the offense going up against the defense, although the punting and field goal teams put in some work as well.
‘The defense is usually ahead of the offense early on,? he aid. ‘Defensively, we looked really good. Offensively, we showed what we need to work on. It was the fifth day of practice, but we have a lot of work to do in that area.?
The Blackhawks have two players contending for the starting quarterback spot ? senior Josh Tolan, who missed the majority of last season due to injury, and sophomore Quin McNally, in his first season with the varsity. Gill said both have been taking an equal amount of snaps in practice.
‘Josh is a little more seasoned, having been in the program longer,? Gill said. ‘He’s a little more poised, but Quin has looked extremely well in practice. Both had a good Black and Blue scrimmage.?
The Blackhawks also have several players contending for time at running back, but the team has been battling the injury bug at that spot, with three tailbacks ? Josh Ellett, Josh Williams and Josh Polasek ? missing practice time due to injury.
‘That’s a big question mark,? he said.
In the coming days before the team’s scheduled Aug. 25 season opener against visiting Linden, Gill said the Blackhawks will get back to basics, such as blocking and tackling, and will work on getting the offense up to par.
In addition, Gill said the team’s coaching staff will work on getting the Blackhawks in the proper frame of mind.
(Intern Janetta Childers contributed to this report.)