Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Wolf scrimmage gives fans an early look

The Prescott High School Curley Wolves stormed their field Thursday, Aug. 16, in an intra-squad maroon-white scrimmage game.

We saw a few things that needed a little work, and we saw a few things that we really liked, Wolves head coach, Greg Smith said. Overall we werent too bad. A lot of our guys were a little out of shape, but thats expected.

The Wolves came out passing on three of their first four plays. Termaine Henderson underwent his first real experience from under center. The junior showed off some skill as a runner, scrambling on several plays.

Hes a fantastic runner, Smith said. He reminded me of Matt Jones with those long strides. He can move a little too. Hes hard to hit.

Though Henderson displayed exceptional skill running the ball, the Wolves passing attack seemed off at times according to coach Smith.

We have to get a little better with our timing, Smith said. Weve got some excellent receivers, and weve got to get those guys the football.

Jordan Williamson directed the Wolves white team and showcased some running skill as well. The 230-pound sophomore impressed coach Smith with his scrambling ability, yet needs a few more snaps.

Hes got to learn the mechanics of the position a little better. Those kids in senior high cant be pushed off as easily as those ninth grade kids, Smith said. Hell get better with his footwork, and hell be a dandy. But he did show us that he can move. Hes tough to bring down.

Both quarterbacks relied heavily on a taller receiver as a main target.

Williamson often looked toward Termaine Hendersons twin brother, Jermaine.

Jermaine is very special, Smith said. His height gives him natural leverage against defenders. Hes got those long, strong arms and does an absolutely phenomenal job blocking.

Termaine Henderson looked toward Tony Gillard to go up and over the shorter cornerbacks for the maroon team.

If the ball is in the air, hell go up and get it, Smith said.

Henderson looked to Gillard several times, yet Gillard scored on a reverse pass from fellow senior, James Threadgill. Threadgill also added to the Wolves rushing attack, with a couple of bruising runs.

Hes a no non-sense type of leader for us, Smith said. He really worked hard for us in the weight room this summer. Hes one of those old school, blue-collar guys that loves to block and loves to run the ball. You need that from a fullback.

Threadgill is one of the seniors on a deep and talented depth chart for the Wolves this season.

Our running backs are going to make a lot of people miss, offensive coordinator, Brian Glass said. Theyre really good.

One of those running backs being senior, Travaro Coulter. Coulter saw some quality snaps, as did B.J. Haynie and DeMarcus Collier.

Coulter is going to be a good back for us again, Smith said. Haynie will see most of his time on defense, but we have got to get the ball in his hands offensively, and Collier is a really special kid. Always says yes sir and no sir. He managed the white teams touchdown drive pretty well. He ran hard and even through a pass.

We were a little more out of shape than we should have been, but well be fine, Glass said. There are a few kinks that need to be worked out, but everything should shape up just fine when the season rolls around.

The Wolves defense displayed some aggressive play as well.

I actually had to shut it down early, Smith said. Those boys got out there and started popping the pads a little too hard.

Two of those defenders being Caleb and Drew Loe.

Drew Loe will have about 200 pounds running full speed at you, Smith said. Caleb Loes story is a really strong one. This is a kid, who underwent surgeries and other adversities that a lot of athletes dont have to deal with. For him to have the strength to get out and do the things he does, is real motivation.

Defensively we looked pretty solid, Glass said. We came out flying to the football. We missed few assignments, but we wrapped up and tackled. Thats whats important.

The Wolves will take the field again in their final scrimmage game this Thursday. The Wolves will welcome in the Arkadelphia Badgers, with the junior high taking the field first.