The Gilmer High Bobcats are not the only ones sharpening their passing offense and defense.
Clear Creak Middle School hosted Sonoraville, Ashworth and Fannin County last Wednesday for a seven-on-seven passing competition.
Each school fielded a seventh and eighth-grade squad and they competed separately. Each competition between teams included two 10-minute periods.
“We mainly take these as a defensive workout for us, but it does help with the pass game,” head coach Willie Dodaro said. “It’s a balanced workout for us. It’s no secret that everyone in the world throws the ball against us in our league.”
The Bobcats’ defense was tested against Fannin, who was the only league opponent in attendance. The Rebels had plenty of open receivers, according to Dodaro.
“I think we did really well, but we got lucky against Fannin because of some dropped passes,” he said. “I think we still moved the ball well against them. We went against Ashworth and Sonoraville earlier this summer, and I was happy with what we did against them as well because they knew what was coming. I was pleased with that, but we definitely have to get a lot better against Fannin because that’s our opener.”
While passing may not be the offensive focus of the program, the Bobcats still had a solid day. Both seventh and eighth grade quarterbacks and receivers were able to find open space for completions and long gains.
“Our quarterbacks A.J. Callihan for the eighth grade and Slade Smith for the seventh grade were very disciplined with the ball and read the defenses really well,” Dodaro said. “And I was really impressed with our catching of the ball. When you have kids who can catch, you can be successful.”
Additionally, a challenge was held for the teams’ offensive and defensive linemen as they competed in blocking and strength drills. They also took some time to have fun with a game of “trashketball,” which combines football and basketball in a three-versus-three format.
“I was pleased with coach Cole Farist working with the offensive and defensive lines,” said Dodaro. “That’s a big emphasis for us, that our linemen get to compete against other people. They had a successful day, and hats off to coach Farist for keeping the fun in it while also getting the work in.”
The Bobcats still have a few weeks of preseason practices and workouts remaining. CCMS begins the season Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Fannin County.