Grapeland D Shines in Final Tune-Up

By Will Johnson

Messenger Reporter

TRINITY – In their final tune-up before the start of the regular season, the Grapeland Sandies traveled to Trinity to take on the Tigers last Friday. While the defense is usually ahead of the offense at this time of the year, the Sandies defense looked flat out dominant in their last scrimmage of the year.

The Grapeland front seven simply stonewalled the Trinity offense during the first series of downs. Tackles in the backfield for a loss, quarterback sacks, you name it and the Sandies defense did it.

Grapeland didn’t allow the Trinity offense any breathing room and the only play to gain more than four yards was the final play of Trinity’s offensive series.

Linebackers Cooper Sheridan and Cooper Ward packed a dynamic one-two bunch while Dameion Smith and Chanellor Francis looked to be in mid-season form on the line.

Offensively, the Sandies are a work in progress – but they’re really close. There’s a completely new scheme in place under Coach Terry Ward and some of the wrinkles are still being ironed out

The speed is still there and the line performed well against the Tigers. Quarterback BJ Lamb is growing into his role as the leader of the offense, while Cadarian Wiley continues to impress from his running back position.      

Grapeland opens the regular season against the Milano Eagles in Milano on Friday, Aug. 30. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 pm.

Will Johnson may be contacted via e-mail at [email protected].