HARRELLS — The Harrells Christian Academy Crusaders hit football field Thursday afternoon in the 10th annual Touchstone Energy scrimmage at Pender High School.
Joining Harrells were East Columbus, Dixon, North Duplin, Pender, Topsail, Richlands, Trask, Swansboro, and Ashley. The Crusaders faced two opponents, Swansboro then Topsail.
The format for the scrimmage was two teams scrimmaging for 60 minutes with the clock running continuously. Each team would start at the 40-yard line and run 10 plays.
In the first scrimmage the Crusaders scored three touchdowns, while Swansboro scored two. Derek Bryant scored two rushing touchdowns and Tyson Newkirk scored the other. In the second scrimmage the Crusaders scored three, while Topsail scored one. Ty Scarborough scored two touchdowns and Bryant scored the other.
Coach Mike Brill said following the game he felt OK about his teams performance. Some of the players made some mistakes, but learned from them and got better as the scrimmage went on, Brill said.
“We had several players playing at positions they’ve never play before — naturally they’re gonna make mistakes. The kids are coach-able and willing to work hard,” added Brill.
The coach said he was impressed with Bryant and quarterback Gray Fussell.
“Bryant ran the ball good and Fussell threw the ball well,” said Brill.
The defensive coverage made mistakes, “but we are working on that,” Brill said, noting little more than a week’s worth of practice. Don Banks and Shaquor Newkirk put on a show with big hits. while Ethan Faircloth did well at the corner position, the coach noted.
“We are going to go through some growing pains each week,” Brill conceded. “We just have to focus to get better.”