High school football: SPASH, Pacelli seek answers to questions in scrimmages

STEVENS POINT – John Miech stepped forward to address the Stevens Point football players standing and kneeling in front of him.

The former UW-Stevens Point head coach and current SPASH defensive coordinator offered his assessment. Miech's message to the troops included the need to get off blocks better and perform assignments with greater focus and intensity.

SPASH head coach Pete McAdams then took his turn. He wanted to see a little more team unity. A willingness by players to support teammates after a job well done.

"A big thing for us is how they're going to play together, especially when their backs are up against the wall," McAdams said. "We have some growth yet to make on that end.

"It's also about what (one player) can do and what (another player) can do at this spot or that spot. The eye in the sky (video) will answer some of those things for us."

SPASH and De Pere wrapped up and energetic 75-minute scrimmage Friday at Community Stadium in Goerke Park.

Earlier in the morning, Pacelli stepped on the artificial turf to see how it stacked up against Greenwood and Westfield.

Every year, high school football coaches enter the season with questions about their teams.

They hope to get some answers at the traditional scrimmage a week before the regular season opens Aug. 17.

Pacelli coach Drew Nelson was no different Friday.

"With our numbers, we try to limit the contact in practice. So I wanted to see who would step up and be physical," said Nelson, who welcomed approximately 30 players out this season. "I thought some of the kids stepped up today.

"There are 11 positions on offense, defense and special teams that are open. We told the kids after the scrimmage, the film doesn't lie. We'll see who wants to play."

Nelson was happy to see what Westfield and Greenwood presented against his offense.

In the opening scrimmage with Greenwood, the Cardinals got a chance to see how they stacked up against a double-wing attack. Westfield then tested their pass coverage.

He also saw some promising signs from his offense.

That was particularly true in regards to fine-tuning its time-tested trapping ground attack. An experienced line opened up some huge holes throughout both scrimmages.

"I thought overall we did well. I was surprised by some of the kids and that's nice to see," said Nelson, whose team will open at Dodgeland. "We've finally got enough numbers where kids are pushing each other and no position is set.

"We've been preaching for two weeks now since start of practice that we have to start the season right." 

McAdams noted the practice was both informative and beneficial on a variety of fronts.

The respective scrimmages offered the first glimpse into how players would perform under fire and in game situations.

McAdams saw some good things. But he also understands there is plenty of work to be done before the Panthers travel to Neenah for the season opener next week.

Not the least of which is figuring out which players will fill the voids left by heavy graduation losses at the skilled positions.

"We need to put our kids in the best position to be successful and utilize their skills and talents in that regard," McAdams said. "We have to find ways we can to get everything out of our guys."

The scrimmage served its purpose from his persepctive.

"We got a lot of kids different reps. I didn't ever look at the down and distance calling plays. It was who's in there and hasn't touched the ball," the SPASH coach said. "I think it was really good because now we can evaluate the film and scrimmage, and really see where our strengths are."

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