Sonoraville, Gordon Central see progress in scrimmages

Sonoraville started fast. Gordon Central gained steam as the game went along. And at the end of Friday’s preseason scrimmage between the two Gordon County rivals, both teams had some positive things to feel good about going into the season.

The Phoenix scored three early touchdowns to jump out to a lead and held on from there despite some positive signs from the Warriors. Sonoraville led 28-7 at the half before the scoring was reset to 0-0 for the second half and the teams traded multiple scores in the final two quarters.

Sonoraville used a strong rushing attack early in the game to build their lead as they got three first-quarter touchdowns on the ground. Tristan Key broke loose on the team’s first drive of the game for a 39-yard touchdown run and then added a five-yard TD scamper on the next drive. Matthew Vincent then took over in the backfield and scored on a 30-yard touchdown run following a turnover forced by Sonoraville in the form of a Ryan McCallion fumble recovery.

Gordon Central then showed some positive signs with a long drive that spanned the end of the first quarter and early second quarter. The drive culminated in a 19-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Martavius Harris to Corey Dixon to make it 21-7.

Sonoraville coach Jim Kremer said he was pleased overall with what he saw from his team on Friday night.

“We came out and scored on our first three drives and really executed well, and our defense got a few three-and-outs in a row,” said Kremer. “Gordon Central has improved, and they were able to put a drive together and put one in. I feel like we stopped ourselves offensively a few times in the second quarter, but overall the first half was a good one for us.

“The big thing tonight is we were able to play 118 kids. We ran in a bunch of different players so we got everyone on film. And our kicking game looked strong as well. We’ve got a long way to go.”