Southside plays benefit game with Siloam Springs
During the Mavericks first outing in a benefit game with Siloam Springs, a lot went right, but plenty went wrong.
That was the takeaway after the first scrimmage/live game practice from Southside High School coach Robert Dameron.
Unlike the pros, high school football players do not have a lot of preseason work in games, training camps or other ways to be ready for the first kickoff.
More: Fall football is back
Southside has an offensive lineman, Kobe Branham, No. 50, who is committed to play at the University of Arkansas.
Dameron talked about the Tuesday night action with Siloam Springs Panthers in a benefit game for the Arkansas Activities Association.
"There are some things that I am really happy with," Dameron said. "I thought we protected the ball really well. Some things defensively, and offensively we need to clean up."
One example was the kicking game. Early season mechanics with special teams can be rusty at best.
There were times that the wrong people were on the field, the coach said. The practice was valuable before the first game arrives Aug. 25 against crosstown rival the Northside Grizzlies at Jim Rowland Stadium.
"I wanted it treated the same as a Friday night to make sure we have 11 on the field and the right 11. Everybody in the stands can see if there are 11 people on the field," Dameron said.
At 5:30 p.m. Friday, parents, friends and fans can meet the Mavericks until about 8 p.m. with cheerleaders, Ramsey and Chaffin middle school teams, dance performances and the introductions of players before a scrimmage at the stadium, 4100 Gary St.
This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Southside Mavericks work on the basics in benefit game
