GENTRY -- Old-time rival teams from Decatur and Gentry faced off in scrimmage play at Pioneer Stadium on Thursday. But the purpose of the non-conference game between the 3A and 4A squads was to prepare both teams for upcoming conference play, and both teams came away better for the experience.
Though the Pioneers dominated the first part of the scrimmage and were up 35-7 at the half, the Bulldogs had opportunity to test their offensive and defensive squads against a full team -- something that has been difficult to do in practice because of the small team size. And in the second half, as Gentry's less experienced players took the field, the Bulldogs did better.
The Pioneers too used the night to gain experience and test strengths and weaknesses.
"I was pleased with many things our team was able to do last night," Little said on Friday. "The first opportunity to work against someone, other than yourself, is always good for evaluation. I was also displeased with a few things ... I think that is to be expected, early on. The mistakes can definitely be corrected before next week -- when it counts."
Gentry plays an away game against West Fork on Friday.
"Overall, I believe we accomplished most of what we wanted to, in preparation for the real thing," Little said.
Sports on 09/03/2014