Bearcats run past C.E. Byrd in productive scrimmage
Jordan Hayes (4) led the Bearcats with over 100 rushing yards in a scrimmage with C.E. Byrd. Photo by Reggie McLeroy
Ruston’s top running backs stomped the Yellowjackets of C.E. Byrd, while the Bearcats’ defense gained valuable experience in a productive scrimmage in Shreveport on Friday.
Between Jordan Hayes’ 112 yards and 3 touchdowns and Dylone Brooks’ 100 yards and 2 scores, Ruston’s ground game seemed to have not missed a beat from where last season left off in the team’s first preseason action before the regular season begins in two weeks.
The live portion of the scrimmage, two 10- minute halves, ended 7-7, but Ruston established itself as the stronger offensive unit throughout the evening.
“I thought it was a really productive scrimmage from the standpoint of we did some good things in all three phases of the game,” Ruston head coach Jerrod Baugh said. “I thought Josh made some good throws that we dropped. I thought Jordan and Dylone ran the ball really well. I thought the offensive line played OK.
“Defensively, I think we had some issues to start, but you saw 11 guys running to the football and that’s really what you want to see, regardless of alignment error or this or that. As long as the guys are going full speed to the ball, we can figure out the rest.”
In the first section of controlled scrimmage, Hayes took off for a 54yard touchdown, only for Brooks to follow him up on the ensuing drive for a 14-yard touchdown.
The second portion of the controlled plays saw Hayes catch a strike from quarterback Josh Brantley for a 29-yard touchdown in the back corner of the end-zone, followed up by Brooks punching in his second rushing score of the night from 11 yards out.
In the live portion, Hayes scored Ruston’s lone touchdown from 18 yards out.
Ruston’s passing offense had opportunities to strike for big gains as well, but Brantley’s targets couldn’t haul in a handful of attempts. Baugh said the new receivers have a lot to work on but won’t deny inexperience played a factor in the lack of execution.
“ I think we were doing things to be successful to make plays. I think for some of those guys there were some nerves being new to varsity football,” Baugh said. “Hopefully that gets ironed out. At the end of the day, our guys know they have to make those plays. We won’t pull the plug on a kid for one dropped ball, not right now.
“But those plays are opportunities you have to take advantage of if you’re going to win a ballgame where that could be the difference.”
When Byrd had the ball, running its optionoffense, Ruston needed some time to get adjust-ed and attack downhill like usual. With tailbacks motioning in and out of the backfield, the Bearcats’ linebackers and safeties got a test in their eye discipline and attention to detail.
“I do think towards the end our intensity level went down to where they were able to do some things late in the game and give themselves a chance to kick a field goal,” Baugh said. “It’s difficult to game plan against when you haven’t seen it in live action until the game. But I think they take coaching well, and we’ll adjust and see what it is we can improve on for the next game.”
The Bearcats will prepare to face District 2- 5A rival Neville in the 2024 Bayou Jamb on Saturday at 6 p.m. at Malone Stadium in Monroe.
