2019 Scrimmage: Paducah, Borden County, & Ropes

By Bobbie Brown

Today was the day. The first scrimmage of the 2019 season. Excitement was running on HIGH!
 
I made my way to Paducah; meandering through Spur, Dickens, Roaring Springs, and then taking the right turn at Matador. Another 32 miles and I was in the middle of Paducah. While the school sets on the West side of town, the football stadium is on the East side of town on the road to Crowell. I arrived early, and there were already many cars and trucks parked around the stands.
 
Because it’s August and the scrimmage started at 10:00AM, I knew it was going to be a scorcher! I sun screened up and grabbed my camera and made my way to the field. I found Coach York on the way. He was in his grey floppy hat with orange trim – such a cool hat! I later saw the manager/water boy had the exact same floppy hat. Coach York was definitely ready to get the scrimmage going. You could tell in the way he walked that he was excited. If I were him, I’d be excited as well. Have you seen the speed on the Dragon team? If you haven’t, you should make time and go watch them. State track champions on a football field. Yep, it’s something to see!
 
Ropes and Borden County had driven the miles into the canyons to Paducah. Everywhere I looked there were players trying to find shade. Lucky for those on the opposite side of the field, there was an enormous fruitless Mulberry tree that could provide shade for several teams. I definitely took advantage of its shade several times!
 
I talked to Coaches Trey Richey and Bubba Edwards. They both told me how much they enjoy the Coyotes this year. They both said they are just a lot of fun to coach. As a matter of fact, the quote of the day came from Coach Trey Richey. He was walking off the field after a Coyote offensive series and called Trey Edwards over. Last year, Trey wasn’t very big. He was a sophomore and still growing. And grow and work hard he has! Coach Richey said, “Hey son! You are not what you were! You are 6’2 and 185 pounds. Go THROUGH them! You can do that now!” And you can bet he will. He’ll figure it out and soon!
 
I also had the chance to talk to Coach Kyle and Jackson from Ropes. Ropes has 33 players out this year. That is a lot of green on the sidelines! Their Center from last year has moved into the QB position. Sounds a little odd but the kid is extremely athletic and can do just about whatever he tries. They have some big guys on the line on JV. I was astonished. HUGE kids up front. I guess with 33 players, some of them are bound to be pretty big boys.
 
Now on to the Paducah players. Four had to sit out this first scrimmage for various reasons, but they will be back. And with a vengeance. I don’t know who #20 is for Paducah (you can bet I will find out), but that kid has some lateral moves that breaks all kinds of ankles. So so so quick! And let’s not forget the speed. I’m anxious to see how they do this year. I think they will get better by leaps and bounds every week if they listen to Coach York.
 
After melting in the late morning/early afternoon sun, it was time for me to head out. I left with a huge smile on my face and excitement still dancing around me. Yep… it’s football season, folks! And I, for one, am very happy about that!
 
Hope you all find a scrimmage to attend. Week one games are right around the corner… just two weeks away!
 
In the meantime, Go Forward and Do GOOD!