NATCHITOCHES – Scrimmages in fall camp are like riding a bike. They’re either violent or they’re not.
Following a condensed version of the scheduled work from earlier in the week, the Northwestern State football team got back in the seat and moving forward on Saturday with more physicality and effort, exactly what head coach Blaine McCorkle was looking to see.
“A lot of good film and a lot of reps, just about double the reps we had from Wednesday’s version of what we did today,” McCorkle said. “That’s what we wanted. We worked. It was physical and there’ll be some bumps and bruises today and a very good learning experience for us.”
The offense was put in an adverse position from the outset of the full 11-on-11 segments, starting backed up at its own two-yard line. The defense took advantage of the situation, winning that portion of the scrimmage and forcing a pair of safeties.
The early challenge for the offense was intentional.
“It’s set up by design to put the offense in some tough spots early to force them to overcome adversity right off the bat,” McCorkle said. “As things went on I think they started to come around a little bit and really all learnable things through there.”
Quarterback Abram Johnston felt the offense responded with the type of energy it needed, even if there was still plenty to clean up.
“I think we came out with a lot of energy and just tried to execute our jobs,” Johnston said. “But that being said I think we still have several things to fix. We didn’t get into the end zone enough. Had some penalties, the officials were pretty strict on us today which is going to help us get better. But once we get that stuff cleaned up through next week we’ll be in a better position.”
The offense found its footing as the scrimmage progressed.
Running back Zay Davis broke a big run off the right side to cap the opening segment, and the Demons found more success in the red zone during the back end of the scrimmage, converting a handful of opportunities.
“The whole quarterback group got reps and did what we were supposed to do and executed the plays that were called,” Johnston said. “The running backs were physical, receivers were giving effort blocking downfield. The effort was there but just need to clean some things up.”
While the offense worked through its early adversity, the defensive side of the ball set the tone with its energy and physicality.
“Defensively we were juiced up and ready to go,” defensive lineman Tyler Lewis said. “Saw from the start of practice the energy was there and everybody was focused and locked in. I appreciate how the guys came together today and put together a good day.”
The defense’s performance was part of what McCorkle described as a balanced day between the two sides of the ball.
“We’ve still got good balance and that give-and-take from both sides of the ball,” McCorkle said. “Defense played with some intensity and physicality and they have a chance to be a pretty special group. They’ve been a little healthier than the offense but the overall balance between the two sides has been pretty good.”
The Demons also got a dose of game-like accountability from the officiating crew, which McCorkle jokingly called, “the best unit on the field” after both sides accumulated a handful of penalties.
For Lewis, the penalties provided another opportunity for the defense to reinforce one of the core principles it has emphasized throughout camp.
“It starts with accountability,” he said. “That’s one of our five stars and people holding each other accountable and making sure we’re doing the right things. We had a few penalties from the backend today but we’ve got a great leader in the defensive back room but I’m confident in Christian (Williams) to step in and talk to his guys. We want to be a discipline team across the board, both sides of the ball, and not give other teams an inch.”
Saturday marked another step forward for the Demons following two full weeks of fall camp. With the Aug. 27 season opener against Louisiana Christian approaching, the Demons have continued to progress while staying perfectly on schedule.
“I feel like we’re in a good spot,” McCorkle said. “Got to get over a few bumps and bruises but we’re on track. All of our install has stayed on schedule and that’s a big deal. They’ve got the rest of the afternoon off then come back Sunday afternoon, watch some film, get stretched out a little and crank back up Monday morning.”