The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Progress continues for Lorain, Amherst
Comets’ quarterback competition to be settled on Aug. 13
Lorain and Amherst went through another trial test on Aug. 11, competing in a scrimmage at George Daniel Field, and both styles contrasted.
The Titans showed off their big-play prowess — notably connecting with wide receiver Tyshawn Lighty on post patterns for chunk plays down the field. Starting quarterback Jordan Jackson, a 6-foot-3 junior, showed a strong repertoire with Lighty — and it’s a glimpse of what Lorain fans can expect in 2018.
Lighty also returned an interception for a touchdown, displaying his ball-hawk ability.
“We’ve got dudes who can make plays,” Lorain coach Dave McFarland said. “Hopefully they’ll continue to do it and they’ve done it for two years now. Jordan Jackson looked good today. Our center had trouble early in the scrimmage. We couldn’t get a snap back. But we’ll fix that. That’s not an unfixable thing.
“We’ve got to find a way to put the ball in the hands of our playmakers. And you’ve got to find an offensive line that wants to be physical. We’re fine. Each day and each week we get a little bit better.”
However, Amherst was the more physical team, and running back Khennedy Scagliozzo had a few runs pounding Titans defenders. The Comets’ line on both sides looked firm, and it’s what Amherst needs to build on a 6-4 record last season.
“Our goal is to finish more games this year,” Scagliozzo said. “We usually have a problem finishing games and this year if we’re in the game, we just have to finish them. Hopefully we get a better record and get in the playoffs.”
The Comets struggled to generate wins — combining for two in the two prior years before Mike Passerrello took over.
The culture has changed, and if the Comets want to take another step forward, the quarterback situation needs to be ironed out. Passerrello said all three QBs — Matt Fairchild, Jimmy Schill and Brookside transfer Jonathan Hice, have a chance to start.
“We’ll be making that decision on Monday,” Passerrello said.
But, the bread and butter of this Comets offense will be Scagliozzo.
“Depending on who our quarterback is, that will complement Khennedy at running back,” Passerrello added. “A couple of our quarterbacks are dual threats, and one of them is a drop back passer. We’ll build the offense around that.
“But before the season starts, I think we need to improve on limiting mistakes. The penalties and mistakes we can control. That is the big thing I take away from this scrimmage. We had some big plays, but we also hurt ourselves.”
McFarland loves the tough competition during scrimmages.
“We want to play good people,” McFarland said. “I think Amherst is going to be a good team this year, they went 6-4 last year. I’m excited about it.”
Amherst opens up at Clearview Aug. 24, and Lorain travels to Midview.