Central opens preseason with home scrimmage against McKenzie

 



Jason Peevyhouse

Editor, JP Productions Sports

Obion County Central got its first live-action taste of competition on Friday night as the Rebels hosted, well, the Rebels from McKenzie in Troy in the teams’ opening scrimmage action of the 2025 preseason.


Following the scrimmage, Central Head Coach Clayton Morris said there were many positives from the scrimmage overall.

“Our kids were gritty, and went toe to toe with a very good and historic McKenzie program,” Morris said. “Obviously, there are things we have to clean up quickly, however, compared to where we were this time last year, it’s not even the same program. We are years advanced today.”

In pointing out parts of the game which he saw as positive, Morris looked to the defensive side of the ball.

“Man, I loved the way our defense played,” Morris added. “We are creating turnovers and big plays. We are also starting to develop a little swag defensively.

“The guys are still getting used to my system, my style and what I want. But man was I proud of our first showing. I also think our strength, conditioning and preparation was on display. Don’t feel as if our guys were gassed, and we had no cramps. That’s always a great thing.”


Along with the positives, Morris pointed out some things his group of Rebels need to improve on heading into next week’s three-way scrimmage at Graves County.

“Our offense improved as we went along, but we have to get them going asap,” the Central head coach said. “Events have caused us to have to shift things around up front, but no excuses will be made. We have to get the job done. We have way too much big play potential, but it starts up front.”

Central heads to Graves County, Kentucky for a three-way scrimmage, with Humboldt also participating, on Friday before closing out the preseason on Aug. 15 at the Dyersburg High School Jamboree. On the way through the next week, Morris said he wants to see the team continue to improve.

“Clean it up,” Morris said. “Continue to improve and take that next step. (We need the) O-line to get the job done and the defense to take over a road game.”

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