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| MITCH CASEY The Marietta Times ABOVE: Marietta High School quarterback Cody Westbrook makes a throw downfield Friday night during a passing scrimmage against Morgan at Don Drumm Stadium. |
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| MITCH CASEY The Marietta Times ABOVE: Marietta High School quarterback Cody Westbrook makes a throw downfield Friday night during a passing scrimmage against Morgan at Don Drumm Stadium. |
It was only a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage, but the Marietta Tigers' offense looked like it was in mid-season form Friday night at Don Drumm Stadium.
Scrimmaging the Morgan Raiders the Tiger receivers ran crisp routes and quarterback Cody Westbrook hit them with dazzling passes.
"I was very happy. Our offensive moved the ball really well," said Marietta head coach Andy Schob.
Each team was given 10 offense plays to drive down field from its own 40-yard line during the scrimmage, which was played with the center, quarterback and the backs and receivers only on offense.
Defensively, teams had their linebackers and defensive backs on the field.
From the first offensive series Westbrook was in a rhythm, hitting his open receivers and proving why he's one of the best quarterbacks in southeast Ohio.
Westbrook was 5-for-10 on the first drive and the five incompletions he threw were the result of dropped passes by receivers.
He also connected with receiver Sean Munfield for a 40-yard touchdown pass down the sideline and another 37-yard touchdown pass to Connor Hess on the 10th play of the series.
On the night Westbrook completed 21-of-31, including six touchdowns.
"Things have come together for us," Westbrook said of the team's performance.
Westbrook connected for two touchdown passes to Morgan Wynn on the Tigers' second offensive series, of 19 and 27 yards respectively, then hit Munfield for a 27 yard score on the third series before giving way to the reserves.
On the Tigers' final offensive series Westbrook returned to center and hit Munfield for a 51 yard touchdown.
"Ever since eighth grade we've had that (connection)," Westbrook said of throwing to Munfield.
While the Tigers' offense was enjoying success, the defense also fared well though it's a good thing there weren't any men in stripes as the Marietta defenders were frequently making contact well down the field.
That approach is a product of Schob's message to play more aggressive as he seeks to transform the Tigers from a team that has had a passive reputation in the past.
"We'll accept aggressive mistakes, even if you get a few interference penalties," Schob said.
Aggressive defensive play resulted in the Tigers giving up just one touchdown in the scrimmage.
Success in 7-on-7 scrimmages can be misleading since there is no line play or running game, which hampered the Raiders, who rely largely on the running game and play action pass.
Morgan was able to find success with the short range pass with quarterback Nathan Conkler completing the first six passes on the night.
"The things we were trying to do we did well," said first year Morgan head coach Dave Everson, who is taking the reigns from retired head coach Homer Weekley after 18 years at the helm.
The Raiders enjoyed offensive success with both Conkler and Ted Vynalek at quarterback hitting the midrange pass, but the Tiger defense stymied them when they attempted to go down field.
"When we took what was there we did a nice job moving the football," Everson said.
Defensively the Raider secondary was able to inflict damage on the Tiger second string offense with Blake Shultz and Cody Fluhart making interceptions on back-to-back plays.
Brike Hardesty recorded two interceptions of his own making nice reads of the receiver's routes.
While the Raider defense made some nice plays, so did the Tigers.
Zane Eschbaugh came away with a leaping interception and Garrett Kerr broke up consecutive passes with quick tips.
"Our defense got a lot better. I've seen a lot of improvement over the last week or so," Westbrook said.
Story from The Marietta Times 7-26-2008.
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