Colts conclude their spring with scrimmage at Gordon Lee
The Colts put forward incredible effort in their spring game against a former region foe, Gordon Lee. The varsity teams played only the first half of the game, and although no official score was kept on the scoreboard, the Trojans were up 21-14 at halftime. The trailing score did not paint the entire story, says Coach Drew Carter, “I was really pleased overall with our team. I really didn’t know what to expect from our team because of the youth and inexperience in some spots. Falling behind 14-0 in the 1st quarter, Coahulla Creek responded with a strong 2nd quarter, out scoring Gordon Lee 14-7. “I was really impressed with the way that our team competed and responded to adversity. We came out of the game healthy and ready for a productive summer,” says Carter. Several players made their presence felt, showing just how much potential and talent they have to exhibit this coming season.
Gordon Lee came out firing early and scored the game’s first touchdown with 4 minutes left in the first quarter. The Colts turned over the ball to the Trojans on a fumble on the next possession, leading to another 7 points for the Trojans. Despite falling behind, the defense prevented a three touchdown lead with a huge goal line stop, which had Carter pumped, “We made a couple of crucial stops, and that goal line stand we were really excited about.”
Quarterback Waelyn Baliles was hot in the second quarter. Connecting with senior receiver Andrew Russell for a 25 yard TD at the 8:25 mark. Russell also helped out on defense with the interception to give his offense the ball back. The Trojans got on the board again with a touchdown with 1:20 left in the half, giving them a 21-7 lead. The Creek responded quickly, as Baliles connected with sophomore receiver Wyatt Mann for a 52 yard TD with 40 seconds. The 21-14 score held until the half.
Commenting on the offense Carter said, “I think the Spring and the Spring Game gave us an idea of what our identity will be. We were able to figure out what our strengths are, and the areas where we need to improve. We have some offensive playmakers in Kobe King, Wyatt Mann, Andrew Russell, and Tyler Douglas. And I think we have the right guy behind center to get them the ball. Waelyn had an excellent Spring, and I think that will give him confidence going forward.”
The defense was a key aspect for the Colts Thursday night too, getting several stops, and pressuring the quarterback. Jackson Lowery, Chevy Joyce, and Colby Ewart anchored the defensive front. “I was really pleased with how our defense played. They had great energy, and they were in position to make plays almost every play. The big plays that we gave up were from missed tackles, and that was to be expected in a Spring game,” says Carter. Even though hitting the quarterback was not allowed in this exhibition game, they earned 3 “sacks” on Gordon Lee’s QB by the end of the night. Speaking on the defensive line, Carter said “I think they set the tone for our defense both physically and emotionally. That unit is very talented.”
The scrimmage officially wraps up the 2024 edition of spring practice, and has only made the Colts more hungry for the regular season. The team will use their work in the weight room and from this spring to carry them through the remainder of the offseason.
By: Ava Howell & Jenny Cook – Coahulla Creek Football Writers