Stepps Saturday Scrimmage Report

FW Arlington Heights at Everman: Neither team was at full strength for this scrimmage as Arlington Heights was missing two defensive lineman while Everman was without Cory Franklin and sophomore DE Lincoln Richard. It was a fairly short affair as neither team seemed too willing to show much. Everman's first team offense managed two touchdowns in their series as junior WB James Bailey scored on a 40 yard run and QB Barry Browning scored on a 36 yard run.

Everman's passing game still looked quite rusty as only a few short passes were completed by either the first or second team offense. The second offense scored twice as well as Lance Parker scored from 54 and 9 yards out. Junior QB Robert Davis made the QB battle with Browning interesting as he played very well and looked much better than expected running the football. Arlington Heights was not able to punch it in against the first team Everman defense and DE Aaron Bellazin did post an INT which in a live situation would have been returned for a touchdown. AHHS did manage a score near the end of their second series against the number two Everman defense.

The teams went into a simulated overtime session after the series of 15, Everman played their third team QB in their two series and failed to score. AHHS managed onc other score on a short run by FB Michael Jacobs. AHHS rotated QB's throughout and they got a strong performance from OLB Willie Byrd and junior WR Marquis Jackson. Everman's concerns heading into next week will be developing a pass rush as when AHHS did throw they were not able to generate much pressure and working on refining a very shaky passing game. Arlington Heights needs to settle on a QB and develop better depth at the defensive line.

Lovejoy at Celina: A very experienced Lovejoy squad went to Bobcat Stadium with hopes of setting the tone for a deep playoff run. After a nice start for Lovejoy, Celina's multiple formations combined with a punishing offensive line opened up gaping holes for backs Jose Romero, Jamarrick Simmons and Daniel Mendoza. Mendoza broke through with the first touchdown scoring on a 25 yard run. QB Cody Worrell scored on a 19 yard run as well as he was helped out by some outstanding downfield blocking. Lovejoy's offense failed to get much going against the experienced Celina defense led by a healthy LB Caleb Lavey. Neither team's second offense fared well, but Lovejoy did manage a defensive score on an interception return.

Team's then played a live quarter with Celina coming out on top 14-8. Celina scored on their second and third possession as Worrell tossed a 20 yard touchdown pass to Ryan Merritt and on a blown coverage he found a wide open receiver for a touchdown. Lovejoy did manage a late score as Michael Means showed some great speed on a 44 yard touchdown run.

Celina looked very close to midseason form, they were very strong up front and the young backs showed they'll be just fine. Celina will be better in the passing game with an experienced QB and several WR's who can make plays. Lovejoy is an above average 3A team but they've still got a lot of work to do before they can move into the elite level of 3A.