Bluejays Prepare for First Scrimmage

By: Chris Evans

 

            The Guthrie Bluejays will open up the 2007 scrimmage portion of their schedule this Thursday under the lights of Jelsma Stadium as McGuiness and Cushing come to town. McGuiness and Cushing have strong programs in 4A. The Jones Longhorns, a 2A school, will come to town as well, but will not go up against Guthrie. The scrimmage is slated for a 6 p.m. start.

            The agenda for the night will be freshmen at 6pm, junior varsity at 7pm, and the varsity starting around 8pm.

            Guthrie, who comes off a 10-3 season and a state semifinal appearance, returns a state and national top recruit, senior Kye Staley, for his senior campaign. However, the Jays will have to replace three starters from the offensive line. The offensive line will be an emphasis this season just like it was a year ago in the preseason. The line ended up solid for the Bluejay running game arsenal last year.

            Overall, the offense returns eight players who saw significant amount of time last season. Meanwhile, on the defense side of the ball Guthrie lost four starters including two defensive linemen. The Jays, however, will return big names that played a major role a year ago including: Justin Chappell, Michael Harmon, Jack Dumas, Josh King, Israel Escoe, and James Day. This same group was responsible for the majority of the tackles a year ago.

            Guthrie will have to replace athlete DeMarcus Davis and Collin Duel in the secondary. Bluejay opponents averaged less then 10 points a game last season.

            Guthrie and McGuiness last played in the 2005 season. Guthrie got a 32 yard field goal from Dane Lausen to lead 3-0 at halftime. Guthrie would get the winning touchdown in the fourth quarter when Bryce Gates hooked up with Kressy Davis for a 38 yard pass and a 10-6 victory.

            Guthrie will host one more scrimmage next Thursday at Jelsma Stadium against Ada. The scrimmage will begin at 6.