Renegades get final chance to impress coaches at scrimmage
| Thursday, Aug 26 2010 10:50 PM
Last Updated Thursday, Aug 26 2010 10:51 PM
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It's BC vs BC as running back Lee West takes a hit from a defensive teammate during the inter-squad scrimmage at Bakersfield College.
Renegade quarterback Byron Campbell looks down field for a receiver during the inter-squad scrimmage Thursday night.
Running back Andre Smith breaks down field on a long carry during a scrimmage at BC.
Eight days remain before Bakersfield College's season opener, and the scrimmage Thursday night is going to play a pivotal role in who winds up starting throughout the lineup.
"We'll know by Monday who the starters are, maybe sooner," coach Jeff Chudy said after Thursday night's 80-minute matchup under the lights at Memorial Stadium.
It was the final full-scale scrimmage prior to the season opener at home vs. Los Angeles Pierce College on Sept. 4.
The action was quicker and more crisp than last Saturday's first scrimmage.
The defense, which was shredded numerous times and hampered by missed tackles on Saturday, didn't allow the long runs that stood out a few days earlier.
But Chudy emphasized to his squad that the five turnovers on Thursday were unacceptable.
"You've got to protect the ball," he said to the assembled group of players. "The ball is sacred."
Chudy was frustrated by erratic snaps from center to quarterbacks in shotgun formation -- several required the quarterback to leap for the ball, others bounced.
Chudy said he was happy with the way the "defense ran around," but bemoaned the lack of communication between defensive players.
"The tempo was better than it was last week," Chudy said. "We've just got to be smarter."
Quarterback candidate Lyle Negron, who twisted an ankle and had a left (non-throwing) shoulder injury Saturday, looked 100 percent during his playing time.
Negron and Byron Campbell both completed some crisp passes, and the other quarterback candidate, Dylan Slayton, had one of two touchdown passes thrown Thursday.
A huge, physical offensive line looked imposing. All four running backs -- sophomores Andre Smith, Julian Dean-Johnson and Eric Jones and freshman Lee West -- all looked solid.
Smith has fully recovered from a season-ending broken ankle suffered in last year's opener. He had 181 yards, including a 79-yard touchdown run, in the 33-14 win over Fresno City College.
"Andre looked extremely quick," Chudy said. "It's really impressive to watch the kid cut, the way he changes direction without losing any speed. He's like a Maserati."
All four runners "are going to create problems" for BC's opponents, Chudy said.
