Back to the film room

By Corine Gatti The News Virginian
Published: August 15, 2008

STUARTS DRAFT — The scoreboard was lit and fans pounded their feet on the metal bleachers during Stuarts Draft’s scrimmage against the defending Group A, Division 1 champion Buffalo Gap.
The anticipation of Friday football was becoming a reality.
It also meant that the regular season was fast approaching and both squads were looking to improve.
“I did not think that we were sharp,” said Bison coach Rob Maxwell. “I know this was a scrimmage, and you don’t have a playbook, but we need to work harder. I was not happy.”
Although passing, rushing and touchdowns were not recorded — it was taped for the black and gold to start breaking down their mistakes during Monday’s practice.
“Hopefully we will improve week-by-week, and show more improvement,” Maxwell said.
Cougars coach Rod Bowers hung his head after he led his team off the field. After a long huddle, Bowers was not content either.
“We have a lot of work to do,” Bowers said. “I didn’t like what I saw tonight.”
Bowers would not elaborate on what his team will be working on before their first game on Aug. 22 against Broadway.
“That’s between me and the team, but we don’t have much more time before the season starts to get it right,” Bowers said.
Bowers said he was concerned that the team was not living up to their potential.
“They were not using their God-given abilities and talents,” Bowers said. “It’s important to remember that we play for something much greater and much higher than ourselves. There were some areas tonight that we did not do that.”
Maxwell did not see the humor in having fun. He viewed the scrimmage as setting the bar for his squad.
“The only fun for our guys tonight was playing against another team with different colored jerseys,” Maxwell said. “Again it’s just a scrimmage, but we can’t look at it like that.”
Gap will play their first home game on Aug. 29 against Bath County.
Both coaches disappointment in the scrimmage didn’t interrupt the jovial atmosphere of the fans sitting on both sides of the bleachers. Cheers continued until the final play.
“That’s why people love high school sports, it’s a fun way to take your family out,” Bowers said. “I’m happy that people are out here supporting the kids, it’s important for them to see that. They liked to be watched, you know.”