Sumrall’s new-look offense opened the season with a rough outing, a 36-0 loss to South Jones. In about a span of two weeks since, the unit has taken significant steps forward.
It all started with a change at the top, as junior Billy Garrity, primarily a wide receiver the last two seasons, made the position switch to quarterback. As a result, Dannis Jackson moved back to his natural spot at wide receiver.
With just four days to prepare for their week two opponent, the Wesson Cobras, Bobcat head coach Shannon White set the immediate expectations low. So even he was surprised with Garrity and his ‘unbelievable’ performance.
“He practiced at quarterback for four days and threw for 200-something yards, completed 14 for 18 passes and ran for 40 yards,” White said. “Unbelievable and really exceptional.”
More importanty, Garrity helped the Bobcats pick up their first win of the season, as they defeated the Cobras, 35-21. According to White, Garrity is, ‘no doubt’, their starter moving forward throughout the rest of the season.
“He’s got a good arm, and it will get better,” White explained. “He’ll get better and better as he gets more game experience.”
“And he’s a 200 pound guy that can run,” White added. “He’s hard-nosed and was our wingback, a running back for us. He’s got some intangibles. The poise and such. He’s just a cool customer and does not get rattled in any situation. Baseball or football, he’s always been that way.”
Like Garrity, Dannis Jackson shined against Wesson. In his first game back at wide receiver, Jackson caught 11 passes for 155 yards from Garrity. Paired with Zane Berry and Nijewel Coleman, Jackson, alongside the team’s solid running game, has given this offense a new found balance.
“We’re a better offense if we can throw and run,” White said. “We’ve got some really good receivers out there, and I think our running game is really what we saw last week. That’s really what we’re looking for.”
Moving forward, most of the pressure will be on Garrity to perform, but White’s not too worried about that.
“That was one of the reasons we wanted to but him back there. Because we knew he would handle it well,” White concluded. “I didn’t know how good he would play, but I did know he wasn’t scared of the moment or position.”
Garrity will make his second start this Friday night when the Bobcats (1-1) travel to Sacred Heart (2-0).
Photo courtesy of Vicki Sumlin
