Portsmouth West outscores GAHS, 4-1

[jottings]

Portsmouth West’s varsity scored four TDs and held Gallipolis to one in a controlled football scrimmage on Memorial Field Saturday morning under a hot muggy sun.

The GAHS JVs outscored West, 7-6, and the GAHS freshmen were trailing one TD to none as time was running out in the two-hour scrimmage.

West’s varsity racked up what would have been 11 first downs and permitted six. The Senators gained around 245 total yards to Gallia Academy’s 154. GAHS completed five of nine passes for 48 yards, and had one interception. West completed five of six passes for 95 yards and one TD. West outrushed GAHS, 150-106.

Although no yardage was marked off, GAHS was penalized four times and West four times. West fumbled twice and GAHS once.

Gallipolis will travel to Meigs Friday for a 7 p.m. play-in scrimmage. Admission will be charged. The scrimmage will be played under game-like conditions with punts, kickoffs and extra point attempts.

GAHS will open its 2010 season Aug. 27 at Athens.

First 10-play GAHS series
Gallipolis marched 70 yards in 10 plays. Jared Golden raced 54 yards for TD on fourth play of scrimmage. GAHS moved ball 35 yards next six plays to West’s 41.

First10-play West series
West drove 70 yards in 10 plays, scoring from10 yards out on 10th play.

Second 10 play GAHS series
Blue Devils drove 33 yards to West’s 37.

Second West 10 play series

West moved 140 yards in 10 plays, scoring on a 68-yard pass on the second play and from 15 yards out on a QB keeper on the 10th play.

Third 10-play GAHS series

GAHS moved 12yards in five plays, but lost ball on pass interception.

Third West four play series
West moved no yards in four plays.

Fourth GAHS four play series, GAHS moved ball six yards.

Fourth West eight play series, West moved ball 47 yards, scoring from eight yards out.

Reserves took over from here, moving 70 yards in eight plays, scoring on a 54 yard run by Cody Russell. PAT kick by Hannon good.

West reserves moved 70 yards in 10 plays, scoring on a 10-yard run on last play of series, but missed extra point attempt.

GAHS moved 33 yards in 10 plays.

Frosh took over from here. West scored one TD, and GAHS had moved to West’s 10-yard line as two-hour scrimmage ended.

[buck&blue]

Not sure what to make of what I saw from GA,,,,Saw some positives, more negatives,,,,secondary looks like they need major improvement---

[jottings]

Pass defense needs lots of work...Line play has to improve in order for backs to scamper.

[DIDO]

West secondary also picked off a Blue Devil pass for 6. We had 5 scores to Gallopolis 1.
I believe you was only talking offense scores though.

[buck&blue]

The refs blew the whistle early on that pick, and GA quit,,,,,maybe 6 in a real game,,maybe not...

[BBallin fool]

How many starters does West have back from last season?

[jottings]

Whole bunch. Senators had lots of sophs and juniors on field in '09.

[GAHS83]

While West was clearly the better team, the scrimmage was closer than the score. West didn't dominate the scrimmage. Unfortunately, that was a recurring them from last year's team. I hope we can see some improvement.

Here are some thoughts:

The GA defense was unable to make plays in space, whether it was a pass play, a sweep or a QB scramble. The LBs for GAHS were pretty much a non-factor. We had tons of missed/broken tackles. That needs to be a focus before we get going in the regular season.

On a positive note, I thought the O-line was much improved from last year. The Devils were able to move the ball with some consistency. The were holes for the backs to run through and time for Moore to throw the ball most of the time.

From a West perspective, they need to show more consistency. The looked good at times and had several long plays, but they didn't consistently put up the 4 or 5 yards per play that I would've expected on offense and weren't able to shut down the GA offense. The biggest surprise was that Pendleton didn't impress me at all. I thought that a player with that level of recruiting going on would've stood out and it would have been obvious who he was. I walked away from the scrimmage wondering if he had even played because I just didn't see anyone of D-1 College caliber. (I was told late that he did play)

[osu 77]

While West was clearly the better team, the scrimmage was closer than the score. West didn't dominate the scrimmage. Unfortunately, that was a recurring them from last year's team. I hope we can see some improvement.

Here are some thoughts:

The GA defense was unable to make plays in space, whether it was a pass play, a sweep or a QB scramble. The LBs for GAHS were pretty much a non-factor. We had tons of missed/broken tackles. That needs to be a focus before we get going in the regular season.

On a positive note, I thought the O-line was much improved from last year. The Devils were able to move the ball with some consistency. The were holes for the backs to run through and time for Moore to throw the ball most of the time.

From a West perspective, they need to show more consistency. The looked good at times and had several long plays, but they didn't consistently put up the 4 or 5 yards per play that I would've expected on offense and weren't able to shut down the GA offense. The biggest surprise was that Pendleton didn't impress me at all. I thought that a player with that level of recruiting going on would've stood out and it would have been obvious who he was. I walked away from the scrimmage wondering if he had even played because I just didn't see anyone of D-1 College caliber. (I was told late that he did play)

What scrimmage were you at? I watched them move the ball up and down the field and was only stopped one time. Almost every time they ran the ball they gained at least 5 yards per carry. Their defense besides the first series totally dominated the line of scrimmage and when the chains came out West dominated almost every play. As for Pendleton not impressing you should tell you that West is a much better team overall this year and do not need Pendleton to dominate the game. Pendleton was limited to a number of carries by the Coaches for a reason. I think the coaches know what Pendleton can do and what impressed me most about him was that he was blocking much better than what I seen in the past.

In closing, I really fell badly for the kids GAHS playing football. The field they had to play on was in terrible shape because of the rain and sand that was left on the field when it was flooded. GAHS fans get behind your team and coaches and get a new field built for these kids/coaches because they work very hard every day. By the way I see GAHS Coaching staff and the kids coming together.

GHAS good luck this year and may all your kids stay healthy!!

[FANOSPORTS]

Pass defense needs lots of work...Line play has to improve in order for backs to scamper.

I think West will win their league this year so take from that what you will. Jottings, on another note it's been a long time since i've read in a newspaper or heard on tv the word "scamper". It was used quite a bit in the old media days (touchdown scamper, scampered around left end, etc.) but it's another word that's gone by the wayside. Some of these young'uns will probably have to pull it up in the dictionary just to know what it means.

[Westfan]

West knows what they have in Pendelton. No reason to get him banged up before the season starts. Just a few carries to knock the rust off.

We no doubt have a more diverse attack this year. That will only help this team succeed.

[sider_zone]

I thought GAHS looked pretty good! Don't mean to brag but you did scrimmage a Good Team. The Line looked Good against a very strong West line. As siderman said the coaches know very well what they have in Pendelton and with the other backs & receivers West will be fine.

[Westfan]

Gallipolis looked much improved. They are big and agile upfront. Unlike past teams they just don't have the great skill players in space or alot of speed. I think they'll be very competitive this year.

I like how West has looked. We have athletes. Ratliff is looking great at QB. He throws a nice ball and runs well. But more than anything I see him and Pendelton leading. That will be the big difference in this team from last year. Much more maturity and leadership.