The Big Red Have Big Shoes to Fill

Henry Co. Patriots v. Montgomery Bell Academy Big Red in Scrimmage

by. Palmer Thombs (D1 Highlights Intern)

The Montgomery Bell Academy Big Red and Henry County Patriots kicked off their football season Friday night with a scrimmage in Nashville. MBA, coming off of a 10-3 State Runner-Up season in 2016, has plenty of big shoes to fill following the graduation of 29 seniors, but the scrimmage was a step in the right direction.

MBA Quarterback Ty Allen runs the ball during pre-season scrimmage vs. the Henry County Patriots

Returning starting quarterback, Ty Allen, led the first offense to an impressive outing. The Big Red drove down the field on their first possession, but the offense stalled and settled for a field goal. Following a touchdown given up by the defense, MBA regained momentum with a quick score of their own on a long run by senior running back, Michael McGuire.

The offensive line consisting of juniors Jackson Lampley and Jackson Link, along with seniors Wesley Hall, Ruff Maddux, and Palmer Thombs opened holes all night for the backs to run freely. McGuire’s long run was not the only one of the night, as Allen got in on the action, shaking off defenders on his way to a touchdown. Senior offensive lineman, Jackson Abbey, and running back, Tay Munoz, were both out with injury, but should contribute greatly to the running game this season.

The passing game got involved too, as Allen connected with senior wideout, Jackson McFadden, for a jump ball in the end zone. After the game, McFadden, a vocal leader on the team, spoke about the offensive performance on the night.

“We had some big plays to go along with a couple of busts where we didn’t get to our assignments. It was fun to go against a defense that wasn’t our own. They gave us some different looks, but we had a good time tonight.”

Allen added, “Overall, the offense is making strides and competing really hard.”

Defensively, the Big Red struggled with tackling the shifty Patriots early on, but a fumble recovered by senior defensive lineman Rhys Rutherford jump-started the defense to an energy

Jackson Hannah during pre-season scrimmage vs. the Henry County Patriots

filled night. Senior Harrison Graves and junior Jackson Hannah disrupted the Patriot offense all night long. In the secondary, 2016 BlueCross Bowl Defensive MVP, Nick German, played physically while junior Christian Schwartz came up with a big interception near the end of the first half. Fenner Pollock also returns at cornerback to contribute on a Big Red defense that hopes to be one of the best in years.

Starting safety and defensive leader, Gordon Pollock, spoke about the defense, saying, “There were definitely some good things happening tonight, but also some stuff to work on as a defensive unit. One of the things that was exciting to see was that we were flying to the ball every play. I’m looking forward to seeing how we improve as the season goes on.”

At the halftime break, MBA led 31-17, before younger players got a taste of the action in the second half. The Big Red are back in action next week with two scrimmages. Tuesday night they take on the Smyrna Bulldogs, while Friday they compete with the Oakland Patriots in a jamboree at LaVergne High School.