It is no secret that Oak Grove has to replace a lot of production from the quarterback position in 2019. For three seasons, John Rhys Plumlee accounted for over 7700 yards and 80 touchdowns for the Warriors. However, for head coach Drew Causey, he believes his Warriors team will grow and be successful in the coming weeks. Last Friday night’s scrimmage saw varsity and junior varsity compete for one half of football against Stone. The Warriors came away with a 13-0 victory.
Causey spoke with his players after and was encouraged with what he saw.
“That was a great start, a very great start. We got up 13-0 in one half. We got 93 guys in for playing time. That is great to see. You see what I have been saying, that we have to keep getting better. We can improve a lot, we have a long way to go. We got next week as our off week. We are going to get better and watch some film, then it is time to play football.”
Causey was quick to point out what most coaches did Friday evening and that is how hard it has been to get much done with the Mississippi heatwave. However, he was encouraged at the effort they gave as they kicked the scrimmage off at 5 p.m.
“I was proud of our guys. It was and has been very hot. We had to try and get 93 guys in during one half, so we got that accomplished. I was proud that our guys played hard. We have a long way to go to get better, though.”
During the summer and into fall practice, Causey has found enjoyment in coaching a younger group of players and seeing them grow.
“It has been a great summer. The guys have had great attitudes and work hard. It has been a fun group of kids to be around this season. They are really fun to coach.”
While Oak Grove lost production offensively, they bring back experience at arguably the most important position on defense: linebacker.
“I think the linebackers are the heart and soul of your defense. They have done a great job of trying to lead the team and trying to do things like that. They are all very talented, so we are excited about them.”
The burning question for many fans has been the quarterback position and who will take over. Causey stated that there was still an open competition for the job, but was optimistic about the three competitors.
“We have three guys who are competing their butts off for it. We got to see a lot this evening under the lights with the competition. We will go back, evaluate it, and see where we go from here.”
Oak Grove kicks off their season at home against the Wayne County War Eagles next Friday night. The two teams are set to square off at 7.pm.
