By Michael Lindsay
The Cumberland County Jets, Monterey Wildcats & Coalfield Yellow Jackets faced off in their second preseason scrimmage Friday evening as the teams met at Crossville’s Jet Stadium.
“We did some different scenarios and special teams stuff to make sure everybody knows where they’re at,” said Cumberland County head coach Noah Repasky. “We did some red zone work and saw every scenario we’re going to see in a game. It’s good to do that this early against quality competition.
“We got some good work tonight,” he added. “Coalfield is a really good football team that made the state semifinals last season and Monterey went to the quarterfinals.”
The Jets are coming off a 2-8 season in 2022 and are looking to turn a corner in 2023.
“Defensively, our kids stepped up and got better,” Repasky said. “Clay Mullen and Devon Gillstrap stepped up as our outside linebackers in our 3-4 scheme. Jordan Probst had a good night at linebacker and nose guard.”
Cumberland County’s offensive identity will be different than expected following the transfer of former starting quarterback Noah Potter earlier this week. Junior Bryson Wilson took first-team quarterback reps in Friday’s scrimmage.
“Offensively, we moved the ball well and scored in our goal line opportunities,” Repasky said. “We’ve still got stuff to clean up and work on and a few new things to put in.”
The Jets travel to Sequatchie County on Tuesday for a mid-week scrimmage before hosting York Institute Friday in their final preseason action before kicking off the regular season Friday, Aug. 18 vs. Scott.
For Monterey, Friday’s scrimmage was a sign of growth over the past 7 days.
“We were better tonight than we were last week,” said Monterey head coach Scott Hughes. “Mentally, we had some busts. We have to start understanding situational football better, but our kids played hard and are trying to compete. If you play hard, you’ve got a shot.”
The Wildcats went 10-3 in 2022 and made the Class 2A semifinals. Monterey is looking to replace a productive senior class from last season.
“Jalen Rigdon and Kole Bowman had really good nights,” Hughes said. “Both of our quarterbacks had some bright moments tonight, and we had some receivers have some big moments we’ve been waiting on. I tip my hat to all those guys. Our O-Line is gelling, and I’m seeing some flashes.”
Monterey will compete in their final preseason scrimmage next Friday at Upperman before opening their season Friday, Aug. 18 at Cannon County.
