Seahawks Flash Passing Game In Final Tuneup

RESTON, VA — South Lakes High wrapped up its preseason schedule Thursday night with a scrimmage against West Potomac at South Lakes.

The teams scored four touchdowns each in the mostly game-like scrimmage, and the Seahawks unveiled what should be an exciting offense. Mohammed Schuab, the senior quarterback in his first year as starter, finished 9-of-18 passing for 239 yards and two touchdowns. He had two other virtually certain touchdowns dropped.

The Seahawks’ running attack generated 88 yards, but that total was dragged down by 29 yards in losses on sacks.

South Lakes didn’t move on its first possession but scored on the next two thanks to two big completions by Schuab, including a 28-yarder to Nicholas Picarelli for the score. Schuab set up the second score with a 16-yard completion to Zaib Labeed, and Cody Wood, who gained 86 yards on seven carries, scored from six yards out to make it 14-0 South Lakes.

West Potomac got back in the game by converting a blocked punt on South Lakes’ next possession into a short touchdown drive.

The teams then swapped touchdowns in quick fashion – South Lakes scoring on a 74-yard touchdown pass from Schuab to Campbell Short.and West Potomac responding with a 54-yard TD pass of its own.

After the break, South Lakes scored just one more touchdown on a 42-yard run by Wood, and West Potomac scored on its final two possessions with reserves in the game to even it up.

Schuab was efficient in the Blue-White scrimmage, where he hit on 9 of 14 passes for 49 yards.

South Lakes Coach Jason Hescock said he was pleasantly surprised at the Seahawks’ performance in the Blue-White game and cited the play of Will Cuadio, Cody Wood and others.

He also said a lot of jobs on the team have not been settled. “It’s still kind of wide open,” he said. “Every day is a competition. Every day is a job interview. We have two guys whose jobs are safe (including returning all-region Amari Thaxton), and it’s not even certain all the positions are set for next week’s regular season opener on Thursday night at Osborn.

Last year, South Lakes defeated Osborn 54-6, but it was 14-0 in the first minute of the game thanks to a kickoff return to open the season and a turnover the Seahawks converted into a touchdown quickly. Hescock warned not to expect an easy game this time.

“They have everybody back; we have a lot of new people,” he said. “They’re quick and athletic, and those are the kinds of teams I like to play because it tests you. We’ll have to be ready.”

NOTES: The Seahawks are selling discount cards for local businesses and restaurants as a fundraiser for the team. They cost $20 and include a lot of opportunities to save from Reston businesses. Contact the school or your favorite Seahawk to purchase one. -- Brian McNicoll