I couldn't focus super hard on all of the teams, but I will give it a shot because I was there all day and I did get to watch a bunch. For the 1st scrimmages of the year all of these teams left better than when they arrived and in the end that is the goal. Good or bad let us know what you thought. I was at Hilldale HS all day long.
Hilldale HS
8 am-10 am
Bixby Blue
WOW! <<< This is an understatement! These guys showed up and looked in mid-season form. Let's talk about the elephant in the room because this kid could probably take down one. #77 is an absolute MONSTER! For his size I felt like he moved extremely well and was making 2nd, 3rd, and looking for 4th blocks down field. Possibly the best I have seen for a kid his age at that size. When he hits someone they have to feel it because I felt it for them. Defensively he is almost unblockable demanding double teams which free up some of his amazing teammates. Both #21 & #7 were flat out amazing as usual. My Hornets ran offense against these guys and although we have played them the past 2 seasons I was honestly just happy walk away from this one with only a few bruises lol. #7 hit my own son as hard as I have seen a kid hit the entire time I have been coaching. #21 is still running like Vick on Madden. Their QB looked better than I have seen him look before as he was slinging the ball all around to multiple receivers and in turn those receivers were making some great catches & moved well with the football afterwards. Whether it be offensively or defensively this Bixby Blue team is the real deal and an absolute JUGGERNAUT. They moved the ball at will against every team they faced and really put on a show against a Final 4 team from a year ago in what appeared to be a statement to the rest of the grade.. The last time I was even close to this impressed with a teams 1st scrimmage was the LC team that will be going into 8th grade this year as 3rd graders. Hats off to Coach Palmer and co. There are very few teams in this grade that have legitimate chance to dethrone these guys barring an unfortunate injury.. When I say very few I mean like or 4 teams tops and that may be being too generous.. There is a clear divide between them and most.. Great job with these boys! PS I will trade you my Topps 89' Ken Griffey Jr Rookie card for #77 straight up! Just let me know when you want to make the deal!
BA Gold
Word is they were without their starting QB which is obviously a big deal for any of us. Take 1 player off of most of our teams and the adjustments we all have to make will cause a ripple effect that is hard for us adjust to. We had one of our top players out this week as well. All in all tho they are BA Gold, they have the speed to make any defense look foolish and especially if they get those guys to the edge or in space. They have some kids that will come downfield and hit you in the mouth, but against Bixby Blue the defense just looked like the rest of us. That isn't a shot at them at all because there are very few teams in the grade who will look good against Blue. My Hornets ran defense against them and you could tell they were working on a few things, but they did manage to punch it in on us once. Butler will have that line ready to go in no time. I didn't get to watch their other sets a great deal. I have no doubts that once BA Gold gets back to full strength they will no doubt find themselves back making a deep run in the Playoffs.
Jenks Maroon - These guys got some decent size and a few ballplayers of their own. Defensively their DL and LB's were nice. The coaches did a great job with them and I feel like they are going to be pretty solid going forward. My Hornets ran offense against these guys.
Sand Springs Gold - These guys have some potential the further they go. The coaches did a great job with these kids. My Hornets ran defense against them and I felt we gave them some different looks. I got to watch them run defense against Blue and they had a few nice moments. Made some tackles that showed they have potential to be a solid team as the season moves forward.
Coweta White - #24 is still a STUD! I thought he ran QB last year, but it looks they have him at RB this season and he is still a handful. Fast and a really tough runner. He doubles down on the other side of the ball as a nice defensive piece. The Coweta White coaches have done a good job with these boys and I have no doubt that they will be a tough out this year. My Hornets did not get to line up with Coweta as they are once again in our Division this year.
Hilldale - Nothing to see here, but I am pleased with where we are at this point in the season. Potential is nice, but only if it materializes. I am proud of the effort our boys gave yesterday and hopefully we will continue to progress. I am excited to see what we look like when we have all of our guys tho.
Not that anyone cares, but I will hop back on and eventually finish the other 3 sessions as I am able, but for now I need to rest my fingers. Did I tell everyone that Bixby Blue is pretty decent? If not I meant too. Congratulations to everyone on a job well done. I am just happy the season is here! Go Hornets!