ATHENS — With the official start to practice just over a week away, the Lancaster football team continues to get ready for the upcoming season.
The Golden Gales traveled to Ohio University on July 21 to face Hilliard Davidson in a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage. It was Lancaster’s third and final passing scrimmage of the summer.
Lancaster, which is known as a run-first team, was still able to get plenty out of Monday’s 7-on-7 against the Wildcats at OU’s Peden Stadium. More than anything, it gave the Gales a chance to compete on the field.
There was a lot of enthusiasm and intensity from the Lancaster players, and they did a nice job on both sides of the ball, making plays.
Lancaster senior quarterback Brody Burke, a three-year starter, said it is completely different than competing in an actual game. It does give the quarterbacks, receivers, and defensive players a chance to see coverages.
“Anytime we can work on our passing game, it’s a good thing,” said Burke, who passed for just over 1,000 yards last season. “I think we are going to be even better in the pass game this year. I know for me, with this being my third year as a starter, things are starting to slow down, and I understand the game and our offense a lot better.
“Working with these guys during the summer allows us to keep taking steps and getting better as a team. Being out in this environment gives us another chance to compete and get ready for the season.”
Senior tight end/linebacker Landon Knoch was one of the more vocal leaders during the scrimmage, and he was making plays, which included a leaping interception. You could tell that he loved being out there.
“This is a great opportunity for us to work together as a team,” Knoch said. “I love my team, and this is a special group of guys. Being out here, you just want to compete, compete, compete. It’s even better when you make a play and you have your teammates to celebrate with you.
“We have a bunch of underdogs that people are counting out, and we like that. We have put in extra work, and by doing that together, we build team chemistry. We can’t wait to get the season started.”
The first official day of practice is Aug. 1. The Gales will have two scrimmages, both at home on Aug. 8 against Independence at 6 p.m., and Aug. 14 at 6 p.m. against St. Charlles before kicking off the season on the road against Hilliard Darby on Aug. 22. The first home game will be Aug. 29 against Dublin Scioto.
Tom Wilson is a sports reporter for the Lancaster Eagle-Gazette. Contact him at 740-689-5150 or via email at twilson@gannett.com for comments or story tips. Follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter twil2323.
This article originally appeared on Lancaster Eagle-Gazette: Making plays: Lancaster traveled to OU for 7-on-7 passing scrimmage against Davidson
Reporting by Tom Wilson, Lancaster Eagle-Gazette / Lancaster Eagle-Gazette
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