Franklinton managed to get a game in last Saturday, making the most of it by blanking the Varnado Wildcats, 35-0, at home.
Scobel said his squad will have to play sound football, and he sees Franklinton (12-1 last year) as a major test based on their team speed and athleticism.
 CHS junior running back Phillip Bickham is congratulated by offensive lineman Kevin Broussard (72) following his TD run against the Pine Raiders in the Covington Jamboree. (File Photo by Mike McCall) |
Scobel highlighted the defensive play of seniors Barry Grinnell and Casey Hebert, along with junior Jeremiah Sasso, in the Lions’ 27-0 victory over the Pine Raiders in the Aug. 29 jamboree.
“I didn’t have to take those guys out of the game so that means they did their jobs. I saw improvements from the scrimmage against Brother Martin. We have to continue to get better every week,” Scobel said.
The Fighting Lions forced and recovered four fumbles in their jamboree victory.
“I thought we played physical football against Pine. I want us to be a physical football team, and I continue to instill that in our players. Going against a good, young Franklinton team on the road will be a different measuring stick than Pine,” the first-year coach added.
Scobel said there are some athletic teams in District 7-5A, but his club may not play anybody as athletic as Franklinton.
“They will be one of our biggest challenges. Shane (Smith) has a very good program. I think they have an advantage of getting in a game last week. Them having that real live test should help them,” he said.
The Lions returned to practice last Friday.
“We were a little sluggish at our first practice. We were missing about 10 players. We continue to work at getting better along the offensive line,” Scobel added.
Scobel said the running game is set with junior Phillip Bickham (5-11, 172) ready to shoulder the load. Scobel also likes the experience level and capability of his wide receivers. Coach Smith said as he watched Covington High play Pine in the jamboree, he felt they were an improved club from last year.
“They looked good against Pine. They have a year of experience. Covington High always plays with lots of enthusiasm.” Smith said his defense would have to be prepared to stop junior Tyler Scott, the Lions’ starting quarterback,” he said.
“He is a good athlete. He presents some issues for us throwing the ball and also running it. We also have to contain their running back No. 24 (Phillip Bickham). He is very athletic and runs the ball with authority.”
Franklinton starting sophomore quarterback Magee (5-10, 185) played tailback last season for the Demons. Smith described his young quarterback as being really poised for a sophomore.
“Terrance is making good decisions for us. He gained lots of experience as a tailback last year,” Smith said. Smith said his club has to find a way to replace last year’s offensive go-to-guy, Jahyryn Taylor, now a freshman with the LSU Tigers.
“At this point, we don’t have just one person we can count on. All 11 of our offensive players will have to contribute for us to be successful. Our level of execution against Varnado looked like a week one game,” Smith added.
Smith said his defense played well with some good work on special teams, including junior Devonta Flowers returning a punt 45 yards for a touchdown.
Franklinton has new guys on defense but will count on strong play from three returning starters, senior all-district defensive end Chaz Tate (6-3, 225), senior linebacker Robert Thomas (5-8, 175) and junior linebacker Joshua Marks (5-8, 185).
“Those guys are our defensive leaders, and we are fortunate to have them back. We have a young team so we are rotating a lot of guys on defense,” Smith said.
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