GC shows encouraging signs on both sides of ball in Blue and White Game
The Gordon Central Warriors got to put on display what they’ve accomplished in the last two weeks during spring practice on Friday when they held their annual Blue and White scrimmage, and many, including head coach David Humphreys, came away feeling encouraged.
After struggling over the last three years to total just two wins, the Warriors were looking turn things around this Spring and get some positive momentum going, and there were encouraging signs of that on Friday.
“We were able to split the guys up and just wanted to get on the field and play,” said Humphreys, who will be entering his fourth season as head coach of the Warriors this Fall. “The kids played hard and did some good things. We started every offensive drive on the short field from the 1-yard line to put ourselves in a bad situation to see how the kids responded. For the most part, they handled it well. I was mostly looking at our offense, and we had some good runs. We got to work in some younger centers, but overall it was good. Defensively, we made sure we were running to the ball, and we’ve put an emphasis on getting turnovers this spring with a championship belt. Branson Towe still has the belt after getting several turnovers.”
For more photos from the game, see page
There was no official score kept in the scrimmage that was held on the practice field in front of a good crowd, but there were plays made on both the Blue and White side.
Cameron Pierce scored three rushing touchdowns as he saw time on offense at both running back and quarterback for the White team. He also made some tackles at outside linebacker on defense. Alex Abat had several good runs for the White team as well, including a long touchdown scamper.
Branson Towe made his share of plays for the Blue team, rushing for a 35-yard touchdown as a running back on offense, and he also intercepted pass on from his defensive back spot. The interception earned Towe the championship belt, which the coaching staff has used to place more emphasis on turnover this Spring.
Quarterback Martavius Harris connected with Jordon Green for a touchdown pass late in the scrimmage for the Blue Team.
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The White team also recovered two fumbles in the scrimmage.
The Warriors began Spring practice on May 2 as they got in two weeks of work before heading into the summer. Humphreys said he was pleased with what his team accomplished in the short span.
“We really kicked it back this spring, especially offensively, with just four or five plays,” said Humphreys. “The big thing for us was just to figure out where everyone needed to be. We had a few people hurt so we’ll know more once we get those guys back.
“Overall, we did a lot of fundamentals and tackling. We got in a little over two hours every day, and it was good work. Our goal was to get better every single time out, and I think the kids did that.”
The Warriors will next begin their summer program on May 31. Humphreys said it will be an important time for his team to improve in the weight room as they welcome new strength and conditioning coach Chris Aninye to the staff. Aninye will also coach defensive backs.
“Last year, June wasn’t a great month for us, but we’re ready for a good one this year,” said Humphreys. “We’re going to throw a little more this summer than we have in the past, and we’re going to lift three days a week through June. Once July starts and after the dead period, it’s almost full-go with workouts and getting started at practice. We’re really excited to get to work.”
The Warriors, who will be moving to a new classification and region this coming school year in Region 7-AA, will begin full practice in late July before playing their preseason scrimmage on Aug. 12 at home against Sonoraville.
They open the regular season the following Friday (Aug. 19) at Murray County for a nonregion game.