Scrimmage Notes from Calvary Christian
1st thoughts upon arrival were WOW this is a great small school high school football facility. Bigger bleachers and they would be tops for all. The field turf mixed with the Jumbo Tron and huge college style weight room is a sight to see. Now the action:
Note: This was not a game or a jamboree but a VERY controlled scrimmage against a different opponent with no score kept.
Colleges in attendance:
I think it did surprise me at the amount of recruiters/talent evaluators present at all of the controlled scrimmages. While many will down play the importance of these events it was evidently clear to me that these coaches were looking for players to offer on spot if they impressed. This was just an extra chance to get a look at a potential prospect against an unfamiliar foe. Some schools of note that were in attendance were FAU, UF, USF (Skip Holtz himself checked in), Samford, Auburn, West Virginia, Iowa State, Ball State, South Alabama among others as well.
Top Local Team (Calvary scrimmage included Manatee and Lakewood Ranch from Manatee county)
No surprise but the Eagles still would have to get the nod. They did appear to struggle on the running game but they were also facing the most formidable defensive line in the state arguably. Coach Hudson noted that he was missed to RB’s to injury today. East Lake looked good passing the ball though as Pete Dinovo was able to find a multitude of WR’s including his favorite target Artavis Scott. We also were introduced to George Campbell…… on offense. He played many snaps at WR and made a few plays. Defensively East Lake was sound as to be expected with a good cast of returning players.
On the Rise
I was impressed by the improvements I saw in Dixie Hollins and Dunedin. Dixie squared off against home host Calvary Christian so while I was impressed I must consider the competition. Running Backs Demondre Lambert and Kabriel Jackson showed promise and flash as they combined for several scores.
Dunedin was breaking in a new Quarterback and while the results were mixed on his day view the running back trio of Tremaine Batten, Shaquille Dixon, and Stancio Howard were effective and kept the defense off balance. Howard who did not play last year was the most impressive back of the day for me. He has all the tools speed, vision and cut back ability and will add a serious threat for opposing teams to contend with. On defense the front 7 was explosive led by Dixon at LB. Lakewood Ranch did however have success passing the ball. Dunedin will need to shore up the defensive backfield.
Notable Performers
George Campbell East Lake
Artavis Scott East Lake
Pete Dinovo East Lake
Stancio Howard Dunedin
Shaquille Dixon Dunedin
Demondre Lambert Dixie Hollins
Kabriel Jackson Dixie Hollins
Willie Barrett Anclote
Chris Gregory Anclote
Allen Barnes Calvary Christian
Derek Barnes Calvary Christian