Monarch quarterback Ethan Mussel throws a pass during a recent preseason practice. The Monarchs will scrimmage today at Delaware Hayes in action that will also include Mt. Vernon. (Journal-Tribune photo by Tim Miller)
There are battles currently being waged in Marysville.
No, it’s not anything related to street violence… it’s about football.
There are a number of starting positions up for grabs within the Monarch gridiron squad.
Today’s three-team scrimmage at Delaware Hayes (with Mount Vernon) should go a long way in determining which players are going to see the field in what positions.
“We’ve got battles going on at offensive tackle, guard and center and at linebacker and safeties on defense,” said MHS head coach Brent Johnson.
The most fierce competition would appear to be on the defensive line.
“Right now, we’ve got nine guys who will rotate in on the D-line on Friday nights,” said Johnson. “That’s good for us in that we should never run out of gas.”
Johnson said today’s scrimmage, which was scheduled to begin at 10 a.m., will go a long way to determine where a number of players land.
“Some of those nine guys working with the defensive line could be shifted to other positions,” he said. “We will just have to wait and see.”
The Monarchs have concluded their first week of preseason practice.
“I like the work ethic the guys have shown,” said Johnson.
“Our seniors are figuring out how to lead the right way and our sophomores are learning how to practice the right way.
“I know that sounds strange, but I’ve always believed that we play how we practice,” the coach said. “We’re playing fast and physical and are getting into good football shape.”
Johnson said he is searching for specific things during the scrimmage.
“I’ve told the guys I’m looking for three things,” he said.
“The first is we need to be the most physical team on the field,” he said. “We also have to play the fastest of the three teams and we also have to play with the most energy.
“I know we’re going to make mistakes,” he said. “We can correct those, as long as we are physical and fast.”
Each Monarch player in grades 10-12 will see action.
“Everyone is going to get on tape and get in reps,” said Johnson.
“We need to figure out who is going to play in what spots on Friday nights,” he noted. “However, we also want to see what type of development we have among our younger players.”
The Monarchs will compete in one final preseason scrimmage next week.
The freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams will travel to Central Crossing for the annual Jamboree scrimmage.
The freshmen will take to the field at 5 p.m. on Thursday (Aug. 12), followed by JV and varsity scrimmages.