The Mineola Yellowjackets could not have asked for a better tune-up than last Thursday’s scrimmage at Caddo Mills. The Foxes are projected to be in the title fight for District 6-4A DII and have plenty of reasons to expect great things this year.

If this had been a pre-district game, it likely would have been an instant classic. Not only was the football on display excellent, but both teams were executing at higher levels than one normally sees in a pre-season scrimmage.

Everything you would want to see from these two teams happened in the first possessions by each. 

The Jackets had indeed shaken off the dust from one week ago and came out firing on all cylinders. They drove the ball 70 yards in nine plays and scored with a nice push off the right side. The drive consisted of seven runs and two passes (both complete).

Of specific note was the ability of the Jacket offensive line to make their initial block, spring free and reach a Caddo Mills linebacker on the second level of defense.  

Also noteworthy were the first two pass plays. In an area that did not get off to a fast start the previous week, the Jackets offense turned it around. The passing game in that initial drive was sharp and well-executed.

Once the Foxes got the ball, they demonstrated a diverse offensive playbook, behind one of the largest offensive lines in high school football. The Jackets adapted well, however, and were able to hold their own by using leverage and quickness along the defensive line. 

Caddo Mills scored on a delayed quarterback option. After playing the option down the right side, the Caddo Mills quarterback pulled the ball and sprinted back against pursuit. He eventually turned the corner and beat the defense to the goal line. 

Each varsity squad recorded a single score on the night. After those two lengthy drives, the scrimmage became a back and forth game with each team winning the play on a seemingly alternating basis.

Two additional areas which stood out were the performance of the secondary and the effectiveness of tackling fundamentals. 

Mineola looks to be on track to tackle the Canton Eagles in the home opener Friday.