The Bowie Jackrabbits hosted the Burkburnett Bulldogs for their second and final scrimmage before the start of the regular season. Here are a few observations from the scrimmage regarding the two teams:
1. A duel of dual threats
While neither team had much success with their passing games, minus a couple plays, the rushing games stole the show, especially with the quarterbacks. Bowie’s Matthew Wallace and Burkburnett’s Marcus Jackson dazzled on the ground, probably the top rushers from the scrimmage.
2. A need to improve passing games
While there are obviously many kinks a team usually irons out as the season progresses, one in particular from this scrimmage was the struggles with the passing game. Both teams suffered a handful of dropped and overthrown passes throughout the contest. It’s interesting to wonder how different the live quarters would have gone if the Jackrabbits and Bulldogs were lights out in the air.
Wallace played defense for most of last season, and is currently competing for the starting quarterback position, and competing well. Jackson however may just need to knock the rust off, he threw for 1,361 yards and 19 touchdowns as a sophomore in 2016.
3. Defenses were stingy when they needed to be
Both offenses were effective in marching down the field during the live quarters, seemingly destined to finish each drive with points. However, both defenses stepped up throughout the scrimmage, keeping it a low-scoring contest from the red zone.
4. Dramatic change in tempo
As most scrimmages go, this one began with a few non-constrained drives, giving both teams offenses and defenses time to warm up. There weren’t many exciting individual plays during this time, it felt as though both teams were going through the motions. However, once the event changed to two live quarters, it was as if someone flipped a switch.
With the way both teams performed during this time, it was as if Bowie and Burkburnett were battling in the postseason. The players were into it, the crowd was into it, Bowie’s cheerleaders were in attendance, what have you. The scrimmage ended with a 7-6 Burkburnett win, as the Bulldogs defense denied Bowie in the red zone with 40 seconds remaining.
5. These teams are ready for the season
Despite what one may think of a scrimmage, these teams were fired up. It was refreshing seeing the Bowie players get focused into the action on the field, providing tips and support, and it was fun seeing the Burkburnett players on the other side explode with joy at pivotal moments in the live quarters. If these teams approached this scrimmage with this much positivity, just imagine their excitement for the season opener.
Bowie opens their season next Friday on the road in Aubrey, while Burkburnett hosts rival Iowa Park.
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