I passed on the first few football scrimmages held Friday and Saturday because I was working hard with my new coworkers on the new websites Friday and because of all the bad weather and Pilot Pen finals on Saturday.
But I finally got myself together on this gorgeous Sunday to watch Staples and Seymour visit Shelton for a tri-scrimmage that–for a football-starved reporter–was four hours of bliss.
That is, until I felt sizzling skin on the back of my neck… yeah, forgot the sunblock. I’m in pain.
Won’t get too, too detailed on the report. Besides, reader Dave K beat me to the punch on another entry. Here’s what he saw:
Staples,Seymour @ Shelton
1 Staples – excellent skilled players QB and RBs Excellent line play out played Shelton
2 Shelton – deep in skilled positions; OL and DL need to improve; new offense (spread and wildcat) needs time to develop. played an entire scrimmage with out one toss pitch.
3 Seymour- small line, not impressed with QB, out played by both Shelton and Staples
Update: Here’s another take, this time from Johnny Ribbs on a seperate post:
Staples,Seymour @ Shelton (my take)
1 Staples – QB’s didnt impress me at all. Big squad. Solid overall.
2 Shelton – deep in skilled positions; QB looked great to me.
3 Seymour- no argument they were outplayed by both squads. QB looked ok in the pass skeleton, Seymour got smacked around pretty good in the 7 on 7.
That’s pretty much what I noticed, too. (Thanks, guys). Indeed, there was one stretch during the rushing portion of the scrimmage when Staples’ offensive line consistently opened big gaps or flattened the ends on sweeps off tackle, to bust their tailbacks loose for potentially big runs. Shelton passes the eyeball test for size. But, surprisingly enough, the run defense’s ineffectiveness stood out.
Passing defense? The Gaels were pretty good. They have athletes at the skill positions. And, on offense, 6-4 senior quarterback Mike Brighindi Ray Pendagast and his receivers picked Staples’ secondary apart, prompting Wreckers assistant Mac DeVito to quip to boss Marce Petroccio during one play, “Do you want to fire me now or after the scrimmage?”
Shelton’s run game was particularly good. Its offensive line, which returns three starters, broke open some holes for senior tailback Paul Piccirillo and junior Ryan DeAngelis. Piccirillo, in fact, scored often, including back-to-back TDs late in the scrimmage. Like Dave said, they’re trying a some new things on offense.
Staples’ QB Brandon Pacilio threw decent long passes to his receivers. They made a few nice catches. The Wreckers’ option offense under his direction and the aforementioned O-line looks like it could be pretty good.
Seymour has some issues. The ‘Cats are a mix of vets and kids who never played a lick of football in their life. Taylor Searles, the tailback, stood out at times. QB Conor Shugrue has to break in a brand-new receiving corps. The defense struggled against both Staples and Shelton. Big and athletic tackle Jacob Drozd may make a move from D-line to linebacker. So far, it’s a work in progress.
New coach Tom Lennon who is taking over for 28-year coach Paul Sponheimer says they have some work to do. That Seymour eschewed spring practices for extra days this August, Lennon says, has made a world of difference.
But, don’t forget, this is far early in the preseason. None of this means squat come Sept. 16.
Anyway, video to come as soon as I get it transcribed and edited. First football video of the season with the new camera. We’ll see how this goes.
Until then, your comments are welcome.
(Thanks to Dave K, again, for correcting me on Pendagast. Like I said to a few people at the scrimmage, I always got him and Brighindi mixed up.)
Like everyone else in the biz, we’re high on 
New Bassick coach Frank Marcucio is fired up, to say the least. His kids should be stoked, too.
You guys are incredible. 
