Football is a game of timing and tempo and with that in mind, the Mineola Yellowjackets’ scrimmage against Caddo Mills last Thursday is just what was needed to prepare for their season opener. 

On the positive side of the ledger, Mineola received high marks for quickness at the edges, defensive pursuit and competitiveness in the trenches. There is no doubt about the character of the team, as it remains consistent year-to-year. 

The Jackets were up against a mirror image of themselves. The Caddo Mills Foxes run the same single-back shotgun offense. They are, however, a passing team out of that system, whereby the Jackets are predominantly a running team. 

Mineola gave up two scores on the night, one on a phenomenal broken field run by the Caddo Mills quarterback and the other on a dive play following an 18-yard pass completion.

Statistically, the struggle with timing and tempo resulted in significantly less production than Mineola fans are accustomed to. The Jackets gained 113 yards on the ground, through 33 carries. Passing, they were 12 of 22 for 60 yards.

Statistics are largely meaningless in scrimmages. The objectives behind scrimmages are less about outcomes and more about how individuals and groups react in game-like conditions. 

Fundamentally, the team is sound. The issues of timing will be worked out simply with more repetitions. The increased tempo of competition will become enhanced once the real game clock starts ticking.

It is anticipated that the Jackets will be working on two specifics in the lead-up to the season opener: shedding blockers and tackling large-bodied receivers. 

Mineola opens Friday hosting Canton at Meredith Memorial Stadium. Pre-district play continues Sept. 4 at Wills Point. The Yellowjackets then host West Rusk Sept. 11 in their last pre-district game. Two 4-A teams and the always-challenging West Rusk Raiders will prepare the team well for commencing district play Sept. 25 at Winnsboro.