Triple play
A Royal receiver carries the ball on a handoff during a scrimmage against the Hanford defense on Tuesday.
IAN BIVONA/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
Moses Lake was one of three local teams to compete at Tuesday’s scrimmage, joining the host Royal Knights and fellow visitor Quincy Jackrabbits
A Quincy running back runs behind a wall of offensive linemen against the Connell defense.
A Moses Lake running back rushes to the left against the Hanford defense.
The Quincy offense moves upfield against the Connell defense at Tuesday’s scrimmage in Royal City.
A Royal player celebrates after scoring a touchdown on a long run against Moses Lake at Tuesday’s scrimmage.
ROYAL CITY – Three local football squads wrapped up spring practices in Royal City on Tuesday, with Moses Lake, Quincy and Royal competing in a scrimmage at David Nielsen Memorial Field in Royal City.
Varsity squads from Hanford and Connell high schools were present as well, and each team got time on the field for both offense and defense.
“They’re well-coached teams and (have) great athletes, so we’re facing some of the best kids that we’ll face,” Royal Head Coach Wiley Allred said. “That helps you get better.”
Teams took to the field for two sessions of 10 plays on both offense and defense, allowing players to practice against another team than they had been paying for the previous two weeks of spring practices.
“The quality of teams here are great, so that was a lot of fun,” Moses Lake Head Coach Brett Jay said. “Getting to see some familiar faces, and guys get to see who really wants to play. A lot of position battles right now, so we’re excited.”
Spring football began on May 30, with teams holding 10 practices leading up to Tuesday’s scrimmage. With spring ball now concluded for the Knights, Mavs and Jacks, now teams wait until August to put the pads back on for training camps.
“It’s good to get back playing,” Quincy Head Coach Russ Elliott said. “There’s a lot of time in between it, so the kids are excited to get back and get the pads on again, and get some competition.”
Tuesday’s scrimmage allowed coaches to see where teams have progressed throughout the spring practices, as well as get new players time on the field.
“We want to get a good look at the kids we’re looking to get in the mix,” Allred said.
Offensive and defensive sessions began on the defense’s 40-yard line, with each play moving closer to the end zone. If a team scored, the line of scrimmage was moved back to the defense’s 40-yard line. The field was broken into two halves, with scrimmages going on in both the east and west end zones
“Guys are just trying to get better,” Jay said. “It’s not about winning the spring championship, it’s about getting quality reps which everyone got here today, which was nice. Grateful that we can do that.”
Moses Lake and Royal will be spending time at team camps at Eastern Washington University in the coming weeks.
“It’s a period where you get better,” Jay said. “If you’re here every day and you’re getting every rep that you can, you’re going to take a step. You shut it down after spring and go into team camp, and it’s the same idea. Each one is a step for players, and you hope that it pays off.”
Ian Bivona may be reached at ibivona@columbiabasinherald.com.
