WOODWARD — Some — but not all — of the questions Woodward-Granger football head coach George Ashman had were answered at an intra-squad scrimmage Friday.
“I don’t think we had anybody rise up and take a starting position away from someone, but I will tell you one thing — there is a much smaller gap between who is going to start at several spots,” Ashman said. “All of that is because of the intensity our guys showed. We really came out and gave a good effort and as a result some reserves are going to see more time on the field than I thought they might.”
As is usually the case with football teams, defenses typically start the season farther down the readiness scale than offenses.
“Defense is ‘read and react’ while on offense you have to try to get all the moving parts working together,” Ashman said. “Brendan Bird and J. P. Nixon both had their moments at quarterback, and I would say I have not made up my mind yet which way to go. We have another week of practice left, and maybe one of them will make a statement before next Friday and claim the job.”
Another spot that remains murky is at center, where Ashman said “two or three guys could be the one we turn to.”
Woodward-Granger hosts Martensdale-St. Marys Friday at 7:30 p.m. in a non-district season opener. The Hawks topped the Blue Devils, 36-20, last season.
“Hopefully we can come out, get on top early and get a win,” Ashman said. “We are going to need some early successes to build our confidence and get us going in the right direction.”
