Photo by: Jon Dohrer, Kingston Public Schools Kingston Redskins applaud the Pride of Texomaland Marching Band, which turned out to support the team at the scrimmage Friday, as did the cheerleaders.

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by Jon Dohrer

Kingston Public Schools

KINGSTON — Coach John Caraway saw exactly what he was looking to see from his Kingston Redskins in their first intersquad scrimmage Friday. It wasn’t necessarily touchdowns or big tackles Caraway was looking for. In fact, he didn’t even mention scores or yardage when talking about the Healdton preseason contest.

“We had a great effort, and that’s what we want to see,” Caraway said. “That’s something we’re talking to the kids about. We have to see 100 percent effort on every play, and that’s what we got.”

For the record, Kingston scored five touchdowns, and managed to keep the Bulldogs out of their end zone.

The teams ran three series of 12 offensive plays each, with no kickoffs or punts. In their first possession, the ’Skins scored twice. The first came on a corner pass from Jared Hayes to Marcus Burleson. That score was set up by runs from Dalton Blankenship and catches by freshman Paden Hayes.

The Redskins scored again on that possession, on a deep pass from Jared Hayes to Paden Hayes.

The second teamers also found the end zone on a 60-yard scamper by tailback Clay Jones.

The first team took the field again for the final series, and scored twice more. The first touchdown came on a short keep by Jared Hayes, and moments later he again found Paden Hayes for a 45-yard TD pass.

Among other offensive highlights were catches by Jake Patterson, Chris Stowe and Tanner Holland. On the other side of the ball, an interception by Hayes and big hits by Dalton Williams and company punctuated a solid defensive effort. Penetration by the big men was also a bright spot.

Coaches also praised the play of the offensive line. Senior Zac Aplin said protecting the quarterback is a top priority for the O-line, and he was pleased with the performance.

“We gave Jared time to pass, and that’s what we wanted to do,” Aplin said. “We’re very comfortable with Jared — we’ve been around him for 12 years. We just want to give him time to throw the ball, and we did that (Friday).”

The Redskins travel to Velma-Alma next week for a final tune-up with the Comets before opening the regular season Aug. 31 against Dickson at home.