Phil Campbell gets confidence boost in preseason scrimmage
Robbie Robinson carries a Central defender into the end zone.
Sage Raper stares down a Central defender.
Lineman Cooper Riddle steps into a block.
Noah Raper fends off a Central defender.
Bryant Hyde hauls in a deep pass from Kyle Pace.
Braxton Goodson escapes for his first of two touchdown catches on the night.
It was controlled. There were no live special teams, and the varsity team played only one half – but Kevin Barnwell had to like what he saw out of his Phil Campbell Bobcats Friday night.
Phil Campbell outscored the Central Wildcats 20-6 in the first half of a scrimmage game, which was the varsity portion.
“I was pleased with how we went out an competed,” said Barnwell. “We missed some assignments, but I liked the intensity. That is what I was looking for.”
Phil Campbell went heavy on the run game with 49 carries for 259 yards. Isac Hill led the way for the Bobcats with six caries for 58 yards. Noah Raper carried the ball eight times for 46 yards, and Braxton Mayfield carried seven times for 42 yards and a touchdown.
“We were looking to reestablish the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball,” said Barnwell. “I think we are making progress in doing that.”
Kyle Pace was sharp at quarterback, completing six of seven passes for 153 yards and three touchdowns.
“Kyle is a good quarterback,” said Barnwell. “I push him really hard in practice. I want the game to be easier than practice. I throw a lot at him, and he can take it.”
Two of those touchdown passes were to Braxten Goodson. The other was to Robbie Robinson.
Pace also hit Bryant Hyde for a 55-yard reception down the Bobcat sideline that almost resulted in another score.
Phil Campbell scored first on a 26-yard pass to Goodson to give the Bobcats a 6-0 lead with 3:47 to go in the first quarter. The Bobcats extended their lead to 14-0 on a 16-yard pass from Pace to Robinson with 5:35 to go in the second quarter.
Central scored on the ensuing drive to cut the Bobcat lead to 14-6.
Pace and Goodson connected for the second time on an 18-yard pass with six seconds to go in the half to give Phil Campbell a 20-6 lead.
The Bobcats open the regular season Friday on the road at Hackleburg.
