The Scott Skyhawks posted a 33-19 scrimmage win over the Nicholas County Grizzlies last Saturday morning at the Scott High Athletic Complex.

The scrimmage was divided into two segments, with the teams alternately running 10 offensive plays each during the early portion then breaking out the first down chains for the second segment.

With seniors Ryan Price, Jordan Green, and Drew Runyan each recording a tackle for loss, the Scott defense stonewalled the Grizzlies early, yielding a net of just four yards on Nicholas County’s first 10-play series.

Middle linebacker Jacob Blosser, a sophomore, joined Ryan Price and Drew Runyan in making big defensive plays later in the opening portion of the scrimmage as the visitors managed just one early score via a 38-yard touchdown pass play.

Scott junior Shane Fletcher turned in two big plays for Skyhawk touchdowns. Fletcher intercepted a Nicholas pass and returned it 34 yards for a touchdown and later teamed with QB Drew Runyan for a 32-yard TD pass.

Junior running back Cameron Reeves had the scrimmage’s biggest play early on, posting a 60-yard touchdown run. The Skyhawks had another scoring opportunity halted at the Nicholas County one yard line after a 69-yard drive.

The ‘Hawks began the second part of the scrimmage by stopping the Grizzlies’ offense and putting together a scoring drive.

Two receptions by Shayne Butcher and key runs from Fletcher, Reeves, and Jake Robinson sent the Scott offense marching toward a score. Sophomore QB Nevin Honeycutt and junior tight end Tyler Thompson capped the effort when they hooked up for a two-yard touchdown pass.

Nicholas County then pieced together a pair of scoring drives, each one being finished off by a short TD run.

Scott concluded the preseason contest with a sustained scoring drive. A 14-yard pass reception by Shayne Butcher and drive-sustaining runs by Robinson, Reeves, and Fletcher highlighted the march as Honeycutt and Tyler Thompson connected for their second two-yard touchdown pass of the day.

Senior Matt Berry, who handled most of the Skyhawk punting chores, booted three of five conversion kicks while Nicholas County was successful on one of three conversion kicks.

Scott head coach Shane Griffith commented on the scrimmage, “Our defense played very well early on. As the scrimmage went on and we substituted on defense, we did give up some big plays. Our linebackers (Travis Bender, Jacob Blosser, Jordan Green, and Drew Runyan) made some big plays and showed signs of coming together as a unit, but we still need for some chemistry to develop there as they play together more”

“Offensively, Drew Runyan and Nevin Honeycutt each played well at quarterback and our running backs all did a good job of picking up yardage after first contact by the defense. Our receivers made some big plays and continue to show that we have various weapons to go to in the passing game.

“Our offensive line has the potential to control the line of scrimmage, but our linemen did not stay on their blocks long enough during this scrimmage. That will be an area of focus as we prepare for the season-opener (Friday, August 29 at home) against Roane County. We have to maintain our blocks in order to be successful on offense.”

Griffith also singled out Cameron Akers, a first-year player, for his effort during the scrimmage. Akers, who is charged with identifying offensive formations and calling defenses, is a senior free safety.

After the season opener against Roane County, the Skyhawks will visit Wyoming East on September 5th before hosting Chapmanville on September 12th.