eagles’ defense stands out at scrimmage

The Seymour Eagles got their first taste of on-the-field-action Friday night in a three-team controlled scrimmage at Benton Householder Field.

Region 2-3A’s Anderson County Mavericks and traditional Seymour rival Gatlinburg Pittman joined the Eagles for the first scrimmage of fall camp. The format was arranged so that each team faced off for an equal number of minutes on the field.

Although their were no official winners or losers as no score or statistics were kept, Seymour head coach Gary Householder said he felt the Eagles held their own against the Mavericks and Highlanders.

“I thought our defense did a pretty good job,” said Householder. “(The SHS defense) didn’t get scored on all night.”

The scrimmage began with an array of turnovers from each of the teams. The only points the Eagles surrendered all night, in fact, came early in the scrimmage when Anderson County scored on a short interception return.

“Seymour and Anderson County both scored one touchdown,” Householder continued. “We scored on Gatlinburg-Pittman but they didn’t score on us.”

Fans that came to the scrimmage hoping to see some offensive fireworks left disappointed. Although each team had at least one big play on offense, none of the teams’ offenses managed to put together what would be considered a long, sustained drive all night.

 “That’s usually the case at this time of the year,” Householder added. “It takes the offense a while to catch up with the defense. Everybody’s defense seemed to be better at this point.”

Although the Eagles offense was short on highlights Friday night, Householder said it’s moving in the right direction.

“We just have to work on execution,” he said. “I think we were trying to do too many things too early. We still need to work on some things.”

Householder said he came away from last week’s scrimmage impressed with the play of Kelby Ashley.

“Number 46, Kelby Atchley, played outstanding,” said the coach. “He played dog (strong safety) and he ran the ball good too. He’s new to the team this year and it looks like he’s going to help us.”

The Eagles will travel to Webb School Friday night for their second scrimmage of fall camp.

“We’ll spend Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday working on different areas. Thursday we’ll try to put it all together and Friday we’ll got to Webb and try it again,” said Householder.

The Seymour Coach said Friday’s scrimmage in West Knoxville is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. but it could be moved back to a 6 p.m. start depending on the heat.