Dunbar 14 Troy 0

High School Football (scrimmage)
Home Team: Troy Trojans
Visiting Team: Dunbar Wolverines
Venue: Troy Memorial Stadium
Game Time: 7:00 p.m.
Fellow Attendees: Gary and Nikki (3rd quarter only)

The Trojans didn't look all that great this evening. Since the game didn't count, I'm not worried about it. It was pretty obvious that they were working on some different formations and player packages and trying to get things figured out, and not actually focused on winning the game. I'm sure they would have liked for those things to work better and produce some points, sure, but no big deal that it didn't happen. Troy has talent and experience this year. When they tee it up for real next week, I'm sure they'll be fine.

One thing I thought was really interesting was how much the Trojan offense lined up in shotgun formation with anywhere from three to five receivers. They ran quite a few bubble screens and just weren't getting enough blocking out on the edges for them to be effective. Now, I don't expect to see that play as many times throughout the entire season as I saw it tonight, but if they can get it figured out, that could be quite a weapon, as it looks like they've got some guys with some speed and quickness. I should also note that on the few occasions when they lined up on the Wing-T formation, which has always been the base offense, they moved the ball pretty much at will.

The biggest reaction from the crowd actually came on the opening kickoff, when Troy's kicker booted the ball into the endzone against a pretty stiff breeze. Unfortunately, since Troy didn't score in the game, that was the only chance we had to see him kick off, so there's no telling whether or not that was a fluke. If he can do that on a fairly regular basis, though, that'll be great news for our special teams since Coach Nolan likes to do crazy things on kickoffs to keep opposing teams from getting a big return. Also, the punter (and I didn't really notice if the punter and kicker are the same player) seemed to have a big leg, getting height and distance on his kicks. Hopefully they won't be punting all that much, but it's good to know they can do it well when the need arises.

Anyway, now the scrimmage is out of the way and it's time for the season to begin for real. The Trojans kick off at home next Friday against the Chaminade-Julienne Eagles. The Eagles took the opener against the Trojans last year, 10-0 at Welcome Stadium in Dayton. That was a Thursday game that started at 5:30. I'm glad this year we're sticking with the Friday routine, and hopefully the Trojans will fare better this time.