Laurel varsity football team looks to build off Red White scrimmage

Following last Friday’s Red and White football scrimmage, the Laurel varsity football team is preparing for the start of the regular season, which begins with a road contest against Arcadia. Last year’s team went 3-3 in district play and 5-5 overall.

“The kids have been working hard,” said Laurel head coach Joey Jones. “We’ve got some kids that can really run. Anytime we can get the ball in their hands they’re going to be dangerous.”

Laurel senior Shakal Parker runs with the ball for the Red team during Friday’s Red White inter-squad scrimmage

Among the team’s returning players are seniors Shakai Parker (RB/DB), Khalid Burton (WR/DB), Jeremiah Mizelle-Hopkins (RB/DB), Kenyen Littleton (DB/RB/WR), Bryan Gonzalez-Rivera (K), Logan Wilkins (OL/DL); junior Kaden Shorah (OL/DL); sophomores Brynnen Thompson (OL/DL) and Tristen Johnson (DL/TE). Jones is looking for some returning players to rise above the rest.

The Bulldogs will have a new quarterback this season with the graduation of Koby Shockley.

Junior Micah Niblett and sophomore Cameron Deiter took snaps under center during Friday’s inter squad scrimmage. Jones is looking for the team’s new players to take things in.

“It’s a lot of info early and they slowly get better at everything,” he said.

Jones expects the district to be tough once again this season.

“A lot of us do similar things. It’s going be good football,” said Jones. “I’m not sure anybody knows who has what until we start playing each other.”