Auburn area schools scrimmage ahead of season openers

With the prep football season set to kick off Friday night, teams spent the weekend scrimmaging against other schools for their first glimpses of game action. While the results were not official and the scrimmages were controlled, it was still the closest that teams have been to game speed all season. The five Auburn area schools were spread across the Sac-Joaquin Section Friday night, with some schools facing local powers and others making the long trip down to the southern part of the region for games. All-in-all, the scrimmages were successful with each team showing flashes as well as room for improvement. "Overall we had a great night and stayed relatively healthy," said Placer coach Joey Montoya, whose team scrimmaged Rocklin, Vacaville and Pleasant Grove. "It's always great to start the year off with a powerhouse like Rocklin to see where we stand. I thought we did a great job competing against a great football team. Lots of positives, and lots of fixable mistakes that will get better with time. I was happy with our performance and this team has a lot of potential." Montoya said that he was especially impressed with his backfield duo of Danny Sanchez-Harlow and Shaun Jones and noted that Liam Grant and Keilan Beverage looked strong in the passing game. Montoya also said that he was happy with the offensive line play and some of his new starters this season. Bear River traveled up Highway 49 to face Nevada Union, giving first-year head coach Jeremy Kerr a first impression of how his team looks at game speed. "It was a great mirror into what we need to work on for sure. There were great moments, but some rough ones as well," said Kerr. "NU did great, but we were able to move the ball against them on offense. Seamus McKeown and Cole Mertens both had great nights. Thankfully everyone is healthy and we are looking forward to next week." Colfax visited its former Pioneer Valley League foe Sutter for a jamboree with the Huskies and Marysville, while Foresthill squared off with Delta in its first 8-man football action. Del Oro made the long trip to Modesto to partake in Central Catholic's jamboree with Calaveras and Hughson as well. All five Auburn area teams will be in action Friday night to begin their seasons.