Friday night lite
By JARED PUTNAM

The running back keeps a tight, two handed grip on the ball as he plows forward.

Friday night under the lights kicked off over the weekend, as the Union County Panthers varsity football team got their feet wet against its first opposition of 2006. The contest might better be described as Friday night lite, as it was only a scrimmage designed to help both teams better prepare for the real deal.

The Panthers purposely limited their offense to only a handful of plays during the matchup. Head Coach Todd Peugh said that the team accomplished what it needed to do. "We didn't try to play Gilmer," said Coach Peugh. "We just tried to play our gameplan."

Coach Peugh said that by having the athletes on film in a simulation of a game, the coaching staff can now better review both their execution and effort. What they have seen so far, they have liked.

"I felt good [after the game]," said Coach Peugh, who explained that what he saw from the team was a lot of effort and correctable mistakes. "I really feel like if we can correct those mistakes and the effort stays there, we'll be fine," said the coach.

The defender brings down the Gilmer runner.

Offensively the team felt that the first three drives were executed well. More specifically, the offensive line was coming hard off the ball. Coach Peugh said that is important when considering a weekly size disadvantage. "We're never going to be as big as whoever we play," said Coach Peugh, adding that effort makes a big difference in neutralizing that disadvantage.

Coach Peugh was also pleased with the younger players, who got the opportunity to show what they can do in the final quarter of the game.

As with trying to turn any program around Coach Peugh noted that the biggest battle is convincing some of the players that winning is possible. Coach Peugh said that is easier to do with the younger players who are fresh out of middle school and accustomed to winning. has an open week this week, allowing an extra week to make corrections. The coaching staff will also be able to get a look at the team's first o p p o n e n t , T o w n s County, who will be in a c t i o n a g a i n s t A n d r e w s this Friday night.

The kicker hits the extra point.

The team will gameplan for each opponent and try to attack their respective weaknesses throughout the season, but the main focus will always be at home. Said Coach Peugh, "We want to take care of the Union County Panthers first."

Part of the halftime entertainment. Teammates celebrate after an interception. The band plays during halftime.