By RAY BENTON
Leader sports editor
The North Pulaski Falcons played their annual Red-White intrasquad scrimmage game last Friday night, and displayed the athleticism that coach Teodis Ingram has been enjoying during fall practice.
The Falcons looked bigger than most recent teams and play on Friday was more lively and physical than most preseason intrasquad games.
“This has been a much more physical preseason than any other I’ve had here,” said Ingram.
Play began with the first-team defense taking on the scout offense and it went as one would expect. The offense hit one pass for a 15-yard gain, but gained little else in 12 plays. Defensive tackle Brandon Green and linebacker Fred Thomas each recorded sacks. Green bull rushed through the guard while Thomas got his sack on a stunt.
The second stage was first-team offensive skill players running full-contact 7-on-7 against linebackers, cornerbacks and safeties, but they didn’t look sharp. Quarterback Michael Barnes did hit Thomas for a 30-yard gain down the left sideline. Thomas likely would have scored on the play but coaches blew the whistle to avoid any dangerous sideline tackles. Thomas also fumbled once and receivers dropped several passes.
The spread is not North Pulaski’s base offense this year, and it looked much better when the linemen came onto the field and the Falcons lined up in the wishbone. Thomas broke loose for 30 yards on the first play and may have scored again if not for another quick whistle.
Other highlights of the first-team offense’s first full drive was a hard-nosed 12-yard run by Darren Penn, in which the big fullback broke several tackles. Barnes also connected with receiver Yakeem Young for a 50-yard touchdown pass also down the left sideline.
North Pulaski does not have a benefit scrimmage game this year, and will open the season on Friday, Sept. 6 at home against J.A. Fair.
