Pios impressive in scrimmage

LAFAYETTE – High school football moves to the playing field this week and not a moment too soon for area teams like Notre Dame and St. Thomas More, who hooked up in a spirited scrimmage Thursday on the Cougars home turf.
For several seasons the two schools have treated fans to a series of skill drills capped by game type, limited play possessions. As in past years, Pios’ coach Lewis Cook leaves the field with a lot to research on the game films.
“It’s never as good as you think and hopefully not as bad either,” said Cook. “We executed, got on them and blocked some guys and made some plays. We know there is going to be some things we have to take a look at, but I was pleased with the way we came out and played against a good team.”
The Notre Dame defense had the upper hand in 7-on-7 line drills. STM could produce just 4 net yards in seven straight cracks at the Pios front four and linebackers.
“I’m really happy about what our front seven has done so far and they carried that over to the field and did a really good job,” noted defensive coordinator James McCleary. “I was concerned about getting a little too excited, but for the most part we did a good job of picking up assignments.”
That carried over to the passing drill where the Pios connected for nine straight completions. Brad Stoma capped the drill with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Boedy Borill.
With Notre Dame on defense first for full team scrimmage, the Pios starters made quick work of the Cougars offense. STM gained just nine yards on seven runs and completed only one of five passes for 16 yards.
The Pios offense then drove 65 yards in nine plays for the first score of the scrimmage. Lance Bertrand had runs of 17 and 19 yards, Brad Stoma completed a 10 yard pass to Gabe Gardiner and Joe Faulk capped the drive with a one-yard TD run.
St. Thomas More answered with a no huddle offense and completed six-of-six passes in a 10 play, 65 yard scoring drive.
“That second possession they picked up the tempo and played a lot of the quick game with passing plays to get some yards on us,” added coach McCleary. “I was pleased that our secondary improved on decision making and understanding that type of game and our guys will learn a lot from that.”
Both teams added scores from the backups. Notre Dame found the end zone on a 17 yard run by Collin Kirsch.
“Al I ask for is some effort and to have some fun,” summed up Cook. “Defensively, that first series, our front four with Conner Kirsch and Nate Link were in there making life tough for them. The second time around, we subbed a lot, worked some guys in to the situations, so it was not as true a look, but that’s what the scrimmages are for.”
The teams will meet again Thursday in the Kiwanis Jamboree at Teurlings.