South Cobb Keeps Up Tradition with Blue and White Game

In the fading daylight of a warm, spring Friday night, a friendly battle ensued for gridiron dominance. South Cobb High School's football team held its annual Blue and White Game, the team's first full-dress, full-contact scrimmage. Summer workouts don't begin until early July.

Athletic Director Chuck Stines is optimistic for the 2011-12 season–even after losing a number of senior players to graduation this year.

"We have a good, young quarterback who could do well this year, if he can get a good number of snaps in and some protection," said Stines.

Sharing in that optimism is Head Football Coach Ed Koester.

"Although we lost a number of seniors from last season, we also had a number of good players return to the team...We don't believe in starting you because you're a senior…we believe in starting the best player at that position," Koester said.

Along with his able team of assistants, Koester and company were busy directing offensive and defensive action during the scrimmage. It was, at times, just a blur of blue, white and green.

Watching her son from the stands, Courtney Watson is pleased with what she's seen so far. Her son, Brandon Watson (#7), plays strong safety, cornerback and receiver. He made a number of good plays during the scrimmage. Additionally, #22 Christopher Beck had several well-executed rushes and #78 James Johnson filled a gap to deliver a bone-jarring blow to a ball carrier in the back field.

The jersey colors don't reveal much in the way of who the starters are, as players are mixed in on both teams. Nevertheless, a lot of promise was evident to all in attendance and the 2010 conference champs should be in a good position this year to defend.