For the first time in program history, the varsity football teams from Coahulla Creek and Dalton met under the bright lights of Harmon Field for a preseason scrimmage.
While the Colts came up on the short end of the scoreboard, the night provided a valuable opportunity to compete against a talented opponent and identify areas to improve before the start of the regular season. For Coahulla Creek, the scrimmage was less about the final result and more about taking the lessons learned into next week’s matchup with Northwest and the season ahead.
Following the scrimmage, Head Coach Drew Carter was asked whether he felt the game would help prepare the Colts for Northwest and the rest of the season.
“It showed us a lot,” Carter said. “I told our guys there is a lot we can learn from mistake-wise, but also a lot we can build off of with both sides of the ball.”
Carter also pointed to several positives from the defensive performance while acknowledging areas the Colts can continue to improve.
“Defensively overall, we were where we were supposed to be,” Carter said. “A couple missed tackles led to more than a couple explosive plays that we just need to tidy up, but a really good opponent with explosive players really prepared us going into the regular season.”
One of the Colts who made an impact on both sides of the ball was senior Wyatt Mann. Mann made plays defensively and also recorded a reception that moved the chains for a first down.
Looking ahead to next week’s game, Mann knows there are still areas where he can continue to grow.
“Going into next week, I need to play faster and smarter on the defensive side of the ball,” Mann said.
Mann was also asked what he felt he did well during the scrimmage.
“I feel like I did good on coming down on the ball once it was thrown my way,” he said.
As one of the team’s captains alongside River Choate, Mann will play an important role in helping lead the Colts as they prepare for the regular season.
Senior linebacker Branson Lowery also turned in a strong performance, making several plays in the backfield, including multiple sacks. Lowery said his physicality and aggressiveness were among the things he felt he did well during the scrimmage.
“The things I feel I did well during the game was playing fast and physical with no hesitation,” Lowery said.
With the regular season approaching, Lowery is confident in what this team can accomplish.
“I feel great about next week’s game,” Lowery said. “I believe in my teammates’ abilities and I believe in my abilities to help carry the team on the defensive side.”
The preseason scrimmage against Dalton provided the Colts with an opportunity to compete, learn and identify areas for improvement before the games begin to count. While there were certainly things to clean up, the night also revealed encouraging signs and provided valuable experience for a young Coahulla Creek team.
Now, the Colts will turn their attention toward Northwest and the start of the 2026 season, carrying the lessons from Friday night forward as they continue to build.
Article written by Brinkley Bennett