THOMASVILLE — Thomas County Central dominated Lowndes in their preseason scrimmage on Friday, defeating the Vikings 31-10.
What really stood out in the scrimmage, similar to last season, was the Central defense. Though they gave up a pair of big pass plays, the Yellow Jackets defense was stifling. They forced several three and outs and severely limited the Vikings run game. Lowndes scored just three points on a field goal when the starters were in and scored just a single touchdown as the two’s and three’s were subbed in.
“Defensively, I thought we did a really good job or pursuing and getting to the ball,” said head coach Justin Rogers. “First game out for a lot of young d-linemen because d-line is something we’re really nervous about and, being really young there, I thought they played well. So, that was a very big high point there.”
Lowndes did threaten to score twice as their two big pass plays put them within ten yards of the goal line. But, both times the Yellow Jackets defense stood strong and held Lowndes back. Aside from those big pass plays, the Central secondary played well. Rogers was sure to mention Jayden Rubbo and Omari Stephenson as players who had good games and pointed out Tre’von Pringle, who got his first taste of live action on the defensive side of the ball at the nickel.
The Central offense looked very good on the ground, but had some struggles in the air. Quarterback Jaylen Johnson did have some good connections with his new receivers, however, Johnson also had several near interceptions and was sacked twice, back-to-back, to finish the first half. It wasn’t all bad of course. Fans saw Central’s patented quick drives, with the Jackets scoring their second touchdown of the game in just two plays.
On the ground, AJ Clark looked to be in good form. He put the finishing touches on a scoring drive to put the Jackets up 21-0 in the second quarter and broke off for several big runs, along with the other Central backs, behind and offensive line that look up to the task.
“I thought all four backs played really hard and I think they’re all very talented,” said Rogers. “That’s the deepest position we have is at running back right now. We’ve got a lot of backs that can really do it.”
Central’s kicking group did struggle in the scrimmage. Kicker Drew Reneau, who was very consistent all of last season, struggled on special teams. Though he kicked very well on extra points and field goals, Reneau had two kickoffs go out of bounds and shacked a couple of punts. This is likely just rust falling off in the preseason, as Reneau its expected to be his reliable self in the Central kicking game this year.
Central did have a scare with four-star safety Dee Reddick, who is committed to UCF.
While making a tackle on a third down run play Reddick went down and did not move for an extended period of time with 7:07 left in the second quarter. Once Reddick stood it was clear he had injured his left arm or shoulder. Reddick was seen later in the second quarter in good spirits, but without pads or a jersey on. He was seen again after the second half with his left arm in a sling. Rogers commented on the injury saying, “He just kind of banged his shoulder up a little bit. He’ll be fine, just rehab and things like that and he’ll be good to go and be back in the lineup”.
Thomas County Central will open the season at home on Aug. 16 against Monroe.