The DeKalb Middle School Saints took to the field last week in a scrimmage game against Algood. While the practice showed some promise amongst the young team in some areas, coaches say they have a lot of work to do in other areas.
"There were a few things we looked at that we could build on," Coach Tadd Webb told the Review. "There were a few things we did well, but on the flip side, there were many things we need to keep working on."
According to Webb the running game for the Saints is looking good, and the passing game has promise. "Our running backs are running hard," Webb said. "They hit their holes and are running hard. At times, the quarterbacks threw the ball well to the receivers."
In a game of physical aggression and hard hits, it’s the offensive line that is the backbone of the team. Coach Webb said that the offensive line is where the team needs work in understanding the game, as well as toughness. "Offensively, we’ve got to continue to work. It starts in the backfield as well. We’ve got to make sure that we’re reading the holes correctly, blocking with our fullbacks, and our line up front. We’ve got to get more physical up front."
Speed is the concern on defense. Webb says the defense was making plays up the middle, but the outsides needed to be defended better. "Defensively, through the middle, at times we made some plays. But, outside, with the speed, we’ve got to make sure we set the edges and contain the speed."
Coach Webb said the biggest obstacle that faces the DMS Saints is youth and inexperience. "We’ve got three players coming back from last year that have seen substantial playing time," Webb said. "It’s a young team and we just have to get out there and play."
The Saints’ first regularly scheduled game was to be against Smith County on Aug. 13, but the game was cancelled due to weather. The next scheduled game is Aug. 22 at home against Gordonsville. There is no word as to when the Smith County game will be rescheduled.