El Dorado coach pleased after Purple-White game

A good crowd showed up at Memorial Stadium Friday to support El Dorado’s annual Purple-White scrimmage. All Wildcats players and cheerleaders from grades 8-12 were introduced with each team getting a brief scrimmage in front of the home fans.

The event was a first for new coach Steven Jones.

“Great day, great turnout. It was my first time seeing the kids run at the Purple-White game. That was a really cool event. There was a lot of excitement there,” Jones said. “I appreciate all that were involved with our booster club that helped put this on. It was a wonderful turnout from our community. From what I’ve seen so far, I’m starting to expect that. They show up. When the Wildcats play, they’re going to be here. We appreciate their support.”

El Dorado’s varsity scrimmage featured some big plays on both sides of the ball. No score was kept as the offense and defense battled up and down the field.

“We got a lot of reps in tonight, so we have a lot of good film to look at. All of the guys got to play,” said Jones. “We were able to cover most special team’s units. We were able to work on punt a good bit, extra point and kickoff. We just wanted to see those things on film so we can take a look at it and show our guys what they need to do better.

“Overall, I’m pleased with the effort. Our kids worked really hard tonight.”

Other than a couple bad shotgun snaps and botched handoffs, the game was fairly clean. Kodee Calloway had an interception. Offensively, Steven Tollette had a long catch-and-run and Devonte Yarbrough broke off a long run. Sharmon Rester also had a long scramble.

“I think both sides of the ball had success tonight. We had some guys making plays on both sides of the ball. I feel like we are very solid on offense and defense. I like where we’re at. So, you expect there to be kind of a back-andforth match. I was pleased with both sides of the ball,” said Jones.

“Steve Tollette had a real explosive play toward the end. Just being able to get the ball out on the perimeter to he and Devunte Kidd is going to be something that really helps our inside run game with A.J. Hicks.”

The primary goal was to come out of the game healthy and Jones said that was accomplished. The Wildcats will travel to Arkadelphia on Tuesday to play a benefit game against Nashville at Henderson State University.

“We’ve got a quick turnaround,” Jones said. “We’ve got the benefit game on Tuesday, playing at Henderson State against Nashville. We’ll take a look at the film this weekend and get a plan ready for Nashville and move forward and really start preparing for Conway two weeks from tonight.”