After completing a busy opening week of practice, Jon Guidie, now in his fifth year as Carthage High School’s head football coach, couldn’t find much to grumble about.
The Tigers, playing in front of a large crowd for the first time since last November, were in uniform Saturday for the annual Blue-White scrimmage game, which officially kicked off the season.
“I can’t complain,” said Guidie, after watching the freshman and varsity offensive and defensive units round into form. “Our kids have really done a great job.”
And everything was in place.
Students, parents and fans of all ages showed up at K.E. Baker Stadium to get a first-hand look at this year’s team.
After the scrimmage, Guidie discussed the purpose of the scrimmage and announced Derek Peterson would be the starting quarterback when the Tigers open the season on Friday, Aug. 28, at Ozark. The reasoning behind the decision, Guidie said, dealt with the fact Peterson has two years left, including this season, and senior Trevor Hole, who was battling Peterson for the job, would be needed as a wide receiver.
“We’re pretty thin (at wide receiver),” said Guidie, “and Trevor has done a great job for us. All factors included, Derek will be our starting quarterback.”
As far as the game itself, Guidie said having first stringers mixed in with second and third stringers was a way to make the teams as even as possible.
At the same time, those players are not always used to playing beside one another.
A competitive team camp, Guidie said, has moved things along faster this season than in the past.
“We got so much done during that week of camp,” explained Guidie, “it made this week so much better. We are so far ahead because of what we accomplished in camp. The quality of our scout teams is a big bonus for us this year.”
Guidie said the scout team has helped move the Tigers’ young offensive line in the right direction. “Our scout teams have helped our younger guys come around,” he said.
NOTES Junior running back Brian Poston was not in uniform Saturday night with his teammates. Poston was held back for precautionary reasons after suffering a minor injury during practice. Had it been a regular season game, Poston would have been in uniform, Guidie said.
The Tigers, after four more days of practice, head to Carl Junction on Friday, Aug. 21, for the Carl Junction Jamboree.
