It was methodical and beautiful. The first nine plays of the Mineola Yellowjackets’ varsity offense in Friday’s scrimmage against Caddo Mills were both. Seven runs for 55 yards with no negative yardage, and two for two passing including a wide receiver screen and a deep in route composed the play selection.

Operating out of a standard three receiver set with a single back in the backfield, the Yellowjackets followed excellent blocking of the left side of the line which allowed the talented backfield to exploit the defense. A four yard scoring run off of left tackle capped the initial drive.

Mineola scored again six plays later on a beautiful 70-yard deep post pattern. The touchdown pass was preceded by three positive yardage running plays, two of which were executed from a full backfield set.

The hometown crowd was reassured by the initial efforts of the Jackets’ offense. The squad recorded two scores, no negative yardage plays, no turnovers and zero penalties in the initial 15 play set. It was a good start to the season.

The debut of the varsity defense showed much promise, but was not as successful. In 11 plays the defense conceded two scores to a well-balanced Caddo Mills offense. The two scores came on a wide receiver pick pattern which went for a 14-yard score, and an 11-yard skinny post pattern. Of the initial seven running plays faced by the Mineola defense only one was stopped for no or negative yardage.

The Mineola offense was sporadic in the second 15-play set. Three turnovers, two interceptions and one fumble plagued their efforts. Nine running plays netted 51 yards while the passing attack was two completions in six attempts. It was obvious that the Caddo Mills defense had made some adjustments between periods.

Caddo Mills scored once in their second set of plays. They scored on an 8-yard crossing pattern from a quarterback roll-out action. The score was preceded by a 40-yard completion on a wide receiver go route.

Mineola scored twice in the 12:00 minute live quarter, and converted both points after touchdown to claim a 14-0 advantage. A third score on a 23-yard quarterback option was nullified due to a holding call. The Mineola defense tallied an interception and a turnover on downs during the live action. The turnover on downs was critical in stopping a Caddo Mills drive, and came from sack of the Caddo Mills quarterback for a nine-yard loss.