Wall impressed with Gents in three-way scrimmage

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It was only a scrimmage, but Crowley High football coach Jeptha Wall left the Gents’ first test of the 2018 season with reason to smile Friday.
The Gents hosted a three-way scrimmage with St. Louis Catholic and Southside High School and Wall walked away from the three-hour session “very pleased” with what he saw.
“You know, we played with a lot of poise and we never really got rattled,” he said. “We never hit that panic mode. They stayed calm, (players) kept their mouths shut and played the game and that was good to see.”
As in all scrimmages, there were good and bad things for each team.
Starting with the good: Wall was quick to compliment the play of starting quarterback Marquis Garrett, who connected with a number of his receivers throughout the evening and also did a good job of executing some rare quarterback runs.
In 2017, Garrett showed he could get the job done on the ground when things broke down, but on Friday, the Gents had some designed QB runs scripted in and the junior took advantage of his opportunities.
In the live four-minute quarter against Southside, Garrett broke free for a 20-plus yard run for the Gents’ only touchdown of the frame.
Garrett also hit the air for another score when he connected with Obadiah Butler for nearly a 30-yard touchdown during the Gents’ final offensive series before the live quarter.
“His skills are getting a little bit better, a little more refined, and he played super tonight,” said Wall of Garrett. “He threw the ball exceptionally well and he did a great job of scrambling and making things happen.”
Also earning praise were the receivers, who made some great grabs, including Rapheus Joseph and Demarcus Dioron, as well as Butler and the other running backs in the Gents’ stable.
“We really have a bunch of guys that can make plays,” said Wall. “Rapheus and Demarcus are out there making great plays and you still have to defend the slot guys.”
Butler and Jai’Rece Lewis each broke a handful of nice runs with the first team and Camron Dugar hit paydirt on a nice run with the second unit. Also picking up yards on the ground were Rodney Goodley, Jonteyvan Marks and Tyron Goodley.
Part of the Gents’ success in the run game can be attributed to the offensive line, which returns starters Jayln SuireAlex Simon and Havonda Smith.
“We’re fortunate to have some of those guys back up front; so as far as the chemistry, it’s pretty good,” said Wall of his offensive line. “We rotated some guys in and out at different positions up front and they did a good job; they know the schemes and they know where to go so that’s nice to have, finally.”
Not to be outdone, the Gents’ defense was pretty impressive as well.
The first unit bent, but didn’t break during its opening series and the Gents never allowed Southside to reach the red zone.
Southside did manage to score once - on its second offensive series. But the Gents held them out of the end zone in the live quarter and didn’t allow them to make a single first down.
Joseph, who was primarily an offensive player last season, logged a pair of sacks from his spot on the defensive side at end.
Markel Domino was another standout on defense as was Lewis and Dioron, both of who saw snaps on each side of the ball.
“I think we are maybe a little bit further along than I thought we’d be,” said Wall. “I think our speed and conditioning has to get a little bit better, but I like what I’ve seen so far.
“You know, we have some athletes and they’re going to make plays. The big question mark is: can we put complete games together?”
The Gents will find that out this Friday when they square off with North Vermilion at 8 p.m. in the final game of the Acadia/Vermilion Parish Jamboree in Leroy.
Season Tickets
Season tickets for Crowley High’s 2018 football season can be purchased for $40 each at the CHS front office. A purchased set of two (480) season tickets will include a free parking pass.