Teams make ready for final scrimmages

Tommy Mann Jr.

For The Record

Local football teams knocked off some of the rust this past week as area high schools got their first chance at contact with opposing teams in the first week of scrimmages. Now the second week looms ahead as the start of the season begins Aug. 26.

The Mustangs will scrimmage the Vidor Pirates on Thursday, but the matchup has been relocated from WO-S to the Carroll A. "Butch" Thomas Educational Support Center in Beaumont with the JV contest starting at 4:30 p.m. Both teams have played in some very physical, exciting scrimmages in recent years and this week's contest should be no different.

West Orange-Stark traveled to Port Neches this past week and defeated the PN-G Indians 19-7 in a simulated-game contest.

Mustangs quarterback Jack Dallas was in fine form as he led the Mustangs on three first-half scoring drives, all of which resulted in touchdown passes by Dallas. The defense, meanwhile, held the Indians out of the end zone in the first half of the scrimmage before allowing a long touchdown run in the third quarter of the matchup.

The Cardinals will hit the road this week as the Cardinals travel to Kirbyville for a scrimmage against the Wildcats on Thursday.

The Cardinals participated in a tri-scrimmage this past week against Buna and Beaumont Kelly and showcased its firepower on offense and toughness on defense.

The Bridge City offense burned Kelly for two touchdowns on two big plays, while its defense stiffled the Bulldogs offense before giving up a long touchdown pass late. Against Buna, the Cardinals offense managed two touchdowns on long drives down the field while preventing the Cougars offense from scoring when BC returned to defense.

Kirbyville is led by Coach Greg Neece and returns seven starters from a squad which finished with a 10-2 record in 2015 before exiting in the area round of the Class 3A playoffs.

Little Cypress-Mauriceville will travel to Newton on Thursday as the Bears take on the Eagles.

LC-M traveled to the Houston area this past week and faced a tough test with the Coldspring-Oakhurst Trojans.

The Eagles, who are looking for a successful year, have been predicted to win the Class 3A state championship in 2016 by "Dave Campbell's Texas Football."

Newton, which is a member of District 10-3A Division II and led by Coach Seven Armstrong, finished with a record of 8-5 last season and return 11 starters for this year's roster.

Orangefield is on the road again this week as the Bobcats travel to Splendora to face off against the Wildcats at 6:30 p.m., Thursday.

The Bobcats had a difficult time with Shepherd but reportedly managed to get one score on offense, which was enough as the defense keep the Pirates offense out of the end zone during the scrimmage.

Splendora moved up classifications this year and is now a member of powerhouse District 21-5A.

In 2015, the Wildcats finished with a record of 3-7 but are looking for a successful campaign under the leadership of Coach Marcus Schulz as the team returns 16 starters.

Deweyville will be at home this Thursday as the Pirates the East Chambers Buccaneers in the final tune-up for both teams before starting the regular season.

East Chambers represents District 12-3A Division I and returns six starters from its 2015 season when the team finished with a 10-2 record. The Buccaneers are under the guidance of Coach Russ Sutherland.