×

Colts, Bulldogs air out pigskin in drills

The Inter-Mountain photos by Tony Baisi A South Harrison defender pursues Philip Barbour senior running back Chase Collier, who is gunning to be a four-year starter for the Philip Barbour Colts at both tailback and linebacker.

PHILIPPI — With the late August start of the West Virginia prep football regular season just around the bend, Philip Barbour, Tygarts Valley and South Harrison high schools all got together over the weekend for pre-season action on the gridiron.

The 7-on-7 passing drill-themed event on George Byrer Field at BC Bank Park was a preseason exercise to allow downfield offenses and defenses to practice against unfamiliar foes in a non-contact fashion.

“The purpose of passing league is to introduce concepts and schemes to be used in the fall and allow timing between receivers and QBs to develop,” second-year PBHS head coach Russ Collett said. “It allows younger players to get reps as well. We are not worried about winning, but rather learning and trying to execute in a way that will benefit us in August.”

“We felt very good as coaches, and I am speaking for my peers at South Harrison and Tygarts Valley, that we all had successful reps on Friday,” Collett said.

“It was great to go against another team and work on things. We were very happy with effort and execution for our own team and our older players did a great job leading and performing,” he said.

A Tygarts Valley secondary defender hauls in an interception for the Bulldogs during 7-on-7 drills at BC Bank Park in Philippi.

“We are looking forward to going to Bridgeport this week,” he added.

Rodney Bright, a longtime youth and middle school football coach for Tygarts Valley, is back at the varsity helm for his second year as the Bulldogs’ head coach.

“This is the second year coach Collett and his staff has had us down for 7-on-7. They have a fine program and facilities, and we certainly take advantage of the opportunity,” Bright said.

“The 7-on-7 is a great opportunity to get our passing game installed before the regular season actually gets under way. It really helps to get the timing of QBs and receivers down, and gives us a good way to work on passing routes.

“Defensively, it is a very good opportunity to look and decide what we need to adjust on that side of the ball as well,” said Bright. “As we lose players to graduation, and skill sets change as the guys grow from year to year, it really gives us a leg up on positions they may be best suited for.

“The drill also gives us a look at what may be our best with formations and types of defensive schemes we could utilize when our season begins.

“We saw several areas we need to improve on, but overall we were pleased with the kids,” Bright added. “They were in better shape than I expected, and they played hard and stayed positive all evening.”

Both Tygarts Valley and Philip Barbour are slated to be on Wayne Jamison Field at Bridgeport High School Friday for more 7-on-7 competition.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *

Starting at $3.92/week.

Subscribe Today