By all accounts, it was a good night for the Cougars on Friday.
All three football teams – varsity, JV and freshmen – got to suit up and face off against Gregori in a non-league scrimmage. The freshmen and JV were on the field first in Modesto, each level using half the field. Then the varsity squads for the Cougars and Jaguars clashed, again using just half a field and also having coaches on the field to observe the action and provide some direction.
“I thought we showed some bright moments, bright spots and athleticism from some guys,” varsity head coach Andrew Beam said. “Defensively, we were flying to the ball.”
There were some mistakes on the offensive line and also some miscues on defense that gave up some plays to Gregori but, overall, Beam said he was extremely pleased with what he saw on Friday night. Though no official scores are kept, Escalon did get into the end zone more than Gregori.
“I left there happier than I had been the last couple of years,” Beam said.
The athleticism they were looking for came in the form of Ian Trejo, Dylan Ball and Jake Ferreira, all who figure to be offensive weapons.
“Our sophomore quarterback did well; he completed his first four passes,” Beam added of Archer Sanders.
Originally, there was a quarterback battle shaping up this season between Sanders and Ferreira but Beam said the decision was made a few weeks ago to go with Sanders as the starting QB, as the versatile Ferreira can be used in many offensive scenarios.
Friday, he scored a touchdown on a 15-yard fly sweep and had a 25-yard touchdown catch.
“Jake might be the fastest player we have ever had,” Beam noted. “He has elite speed.”
Other strong efforts on Friday night included work by Curtis Thomas on the defensive line, Conner McDowell at linebacker and Caleb Boatman at right tackle.
“I was also pleased with the trio of Trejo, Ball and Ferreira,” Beam said, adding that the Cougars also had a nice touchdown catch from sophomore Trevor Jansen.
The only drawback Friday night, Beam explained, was that the second unit got on the field for only one series, while the starters had two chances to take the field.
Meanwhile, it was a solid effort from the JV Cougars, said head coach Brant Rose.
“Our coaching staff left the scrimmage feeling like our team had exceeded our expectations,” Rose explained. “We weren’t sure going in how well our team would execute offensively, but the players were able to move the ball well against Gregori. I think Friday was a good momentum builder our team needed heading into the season opening game.”
Freshman head coach Nate Caton said there were some bright spots on Friday night but the team members also learned several areas where they need improvement and they will be looking to make consistent strides this season.
The JV and varsity squads will be at home Friday night, Aug. 28 to host Liberty Ranch in a non-league game; game times have been pushed back due to predicted high temperatures. The start times will be 5:30 p.m. for JV, 7:30 p.m. for varsity, in hopes of having a little bit of a cooldown prior to kickoff.
Tickets are available on GoFan and can also be purchased with cash at the gate.
“Liberty Ranch returns everybody and this is the best team they have ever had,” Beam said of welcoming the school from Galt to town for the Friday night game at Engel Field. “They have three 1,000-yard running backs, they look like a veteran team and this is going to be a heck of a challenge.”
