Quitman and Hawkins battled in a scrimmage Friday night with both coaches able to take away positives for their upcoming seasons.

Quitman suffered a loss prior to the game when team leader Isaac Sims, center and defensive lineman, was rushed to a local hospital for an emergency appendectomy. The surgery went better than expected and the big lineman may be ready to play in the season opener at Big Sandy.

“We had great news. When they went in, they didn’t have to tear through the muscle to get to the appendix, so it will be a few days before he can start exercising. He can start running and doing some things,” Head Coach John Woodard said. “We don’t expect him back for the scrimmage, but maybe he will be ready for Big Sandy.”

The Bulldogs had two other injuries during the scrimmage. “Teague Stewart (knee injury) came out pretty early and Kayden White had a shoulder sprain later in the scrimmage,” Woodard noted. “It was nice that we had kids who stepped right in and played.”

There was only one score when each of the team’s number one units faced off. Quitman held the high –powered Hawk spread offense to several three-and-outs before talented quarterback Akim Richmond tossed a bomb for a score and the offensive line was able to move the defense early as the Bulldogs drove for three straight first downs early.

The Bulldogs were able to run the ball well with fullback Wacey Warren, quarterbacks Jake Farmer and Ty Moss along with runningbacks A.J. Dunn, Brad Davenport and White all able to gain positive yards. David Henderson did a good job filling in for Sims at center.

“Hawkins has good speed and some real talent. Coach Moore (Marty) does a great coaching job with his kids,” Woodard said. “But overall, I saw a lot of positive things with our kids. The thing I hate most is how disappointed they were in themselves after it was over. These kids want to win so bad, they were just real disappointed.”

Hawkins scored on three long runs later in the scrimmage after the number one units got in there playing time. The Hawks showed great offensive potential and the big-play possibilities are there with Richmond, Tristan Garrett, Daniel Robinson and Dustin Threlkeld.

Woodard said they know what needs to be worked on. “We need to work on the passing game on offense. I was pleased that we just had two bad snaps from a kid who has never played center,” Woodard said. “With Isaac out we had to change some of the ways we block, but the kids adapted pretty well. In a game situation they go three and out we get the ball. Scrimmages are just modified practices. It’s hard to score a lot when you just get 15 plays when you run the ball like we do.”

The Bulldogs are set to travel to Como-Pickton this Thursday night for another scrimmage before opening the season at Big Sandy August 26.