Hurricane Earl Forces Change to Football Scrimmage

The Marblehead High School football team's pre-season scrimmage against Melrose has been moved from Saturday to Friday at 10 a.m. in preparation for the expected effects of Hurricane Earl.

Because of the ongoing maintenance on Marblehead's field, the game will be played at Melrose High School.

The exhibition game will feature a controlled scrimmage style, with a set number of plays for each team before a change in possession, rather than a typical game format. Magicians head coach Jim Rudloff expects each unit to see playing time equivalent to one half of a regulation contest.

"As important as it is to get the first unit reps for game prep, it as just as important to let the second and third unit guys get in the game," he said. "Everyone has been working so hard and it's important to give them a chance to show the coaches what they can do and try to improve their spot."

Through the first week-and-a-half of pre-season workouts, Dan Colbert has solidified his status as the team's starting quarterback, while Joel Katz, Oliver Gregory and Josh Freedland have impressed at the linebacker positions, which were left vacant following the departure of three senior players in 2009.

"Dan's done everything we're asked of him so far, but it will be so important for him to not try and be Hayes Richardson of last year," said Rudloff. "Dan just needs to be Dan, and do what the 2010 team needs of him."

The Magicians open their season Sept. 11 at Pentucket at 1 p.m.