By BY STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
This was the Pam Pack that coach Sport Sawyer has grown accustomed to seeing on a daily basis.
After a lackluster performance in its opening scrimmage against Roanoke on Wednesday, Washington returned to form on Friday night in its final preseason tuneup during the Washington Football Jamboree at J.G. “Choppy” Wagner Stadium.
The Pam Pack offense raced up and down the field at will and the defense looked stout as Washington squared off against Plymouth and Southside. Mattamuskeet and First Flight also were present in the five-team Jamboree, but did not face Washington.
The Pam Pack offense was virtually unstoppable as senior quarterback Austin Thompson guided them down the field. Thompson, who threw for 17 touchdowns and just five interceptions a year ago, was sharp and on target as usual. Teamed with a plethora of star receivers in Dakuan Spencer, Mike Moore and Mike Godley, along with speedy running back Tony Turnage, the offense was clicking on all cylinders.
Thompson was also pleased with how the final preseason scrimmage turned out.
Defensively, the Pam Pack were without a couple of its usual stars as middle linebacker David Tyson was held out with a shoulder injury and defensive end Chase Tripp went down early on in the first scrimmage with an ankle injury, Nonetheless, the Pam Pack defense was swarming to the ball.
Sawyer said that Tyson and Tripp were held out for precautionary reasons. He expects them both to be ready for next week.
On Friday, the Pam Pack will open the regular season when they kick off against North Pitt at 7:30 p.m. at J.G. Choppy Wagner. Over the next week, Sawyer said that the Pack will focus a lot on special teams play and work on shoring up the little things.
Southside looks good during the jamboree
By STEVE FRANKLIN, Sports Writer
After walking off the field following Friday night’s Washington Football Jamboree, Southside coach David Hines had mixed feelings about his team’s play.
The second-year coach was pleased with the way his Seahawks moved the ball at times, but wasn’t happy with the numerous fumbles by his offense and the few big plays that his defense allowed.
Southside squared off against First Flight, Mattamuskeet and Washington during the five-team jamboree. However, the Washington game was cut short after 15 minutes as a thunderstorm raced across the area. Plymouth was also present, but the two teams did not face off.
The Seahawks, looking to atone for a winless season in 2007, were much more impressive than they were at this time last season.
One of the stars from Friday’s preseason tuneup was running back Dash Spruell. Spruell ran with a purpose as he burst off long touchdowns run on three separate occasions. His biggest run came against Washington, as he exploded up the middle, then outraced the entire Pam Pack defense for a touchdown run of 38 yards.
Defensively, the Seahawks came up with several big turnovers, but at times were susceptible to giving up long touchdowns.
Expectations are certainly higher at Southside this season.
The Seahawks will get their first test of the season on Friday, as they open the regular season against North Duplin at home at 7:30 p.m.