Hornets see progress in Black and Gold spring scrimmage

Photo By: Michael Hanich
Harmony Grove quarterback Caleb Johnson run for the first down in Black and Gold Scrimmage.
Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove quarterback Caleb Johnson run for the first down in Black and Gold Scrimmage.

Harmony Grove's spring football training was eventful, with players joining mid-way through the period following the conclusion of the 2022 baseball season as the team worked to install new schemes ahead of the 2022-2023 season.

When it came time for the Hornets' annual Black and Gold scrimmage game Monday night, head coach Ernie Horstkamp said he felt confident that his team was willing to adapt to and compete with the new schemes. The scrimmage game provided evenly mixed teams of first- and second-team players to show their stuff to their teammates in a friendly match-up.

The gold team jumped to an early six-point lead as quarterback Braden Brown found star wide receiver Landon Garrett for a quick pass that turned into a 85-yard touchdown. Garrett's speed and elusiveness would be a significant problem for the opposing defense throughout the scrimmage. The black team responded with a score drive in a ten-play drive that resulted in a three-yard rushing touchdown from quarterback Caleb Johnson. Running back Shamar Patterson ran two yards for a two-point conversion and the black team took the 8-6 lead.

After a quick four-and-out from the gold squad, it didn't take long for Johnson to find the end zone again. On the second play of the drive, Johnson found wide receiver Cannon Booker for an 11-yard touchdown pass. Johnson's two-point conversion run was no good, but the black team extended their lead to 14-6 in the first quarter.

The gold team looked to answer back with a scoring drive of their own, but a 13-play drive ended with a clutch tackle for loss from linebacker Christian Montgomery. The gold team's defense managed to secure a three-and-out and got the ball back shortly before halftime. Garrett ran the ball the ball for 14 yards and then caught a quick pass from Brown for another 12 yards. Brown was subsequently able to connect with wide receiver Harry Nix for a 25-yard touchdown. Demariyon Billingly's two yard run gave the gold team a two-point conversion to tie the game up.

The black team had a chance to take back the lead before halftime, but ran out of time in the red zone. It was an all-defensive performance from both squads in the third quarter as they each encountered a three-and-out within their first drives. The black team was able to retake the lead early in the fourth quarter thanks to a six yard touchdown run from quarterback Caleb Johnson. Lane Davis's two-yard run for a two-point conversion was good and the black team led 22-14.

The black team looked to lock the game and run the clock out, but a fumble recovered by linebacker Trevion Hopson gave the gold team new life. Brown's 37 yard pass to incoming sophomore wide receiver Za'Kyus Smith put them near red-zone territory. Landon Garrett's 12 yard run was able to put his gold team into the red zone. One player, defensive back Caleb Johnson, who has rarely played on defense, however, intercepted Brown's pass to give his black team the 22-14 win in the spring scrimmage game.

There were several significant improvements from the Hornets on both sides of the ball evidenced in the scrimmage game. The running game looks efficient with their new packages, with Caleb Johnson having a more aggressive role as an RPO quarterback. He was a runner that was hard for the defense to bring down. Landon Garrett and senior running back Selwyn Martinez showed they were able to take significant carries. Johnson rushed for 60 yards and two touchdowns on 14 rushing attempts. Martinez rushed for 49 yards on six carries while Garrett rushed for 46 yards on three carries.

The passing game will continue to need more consistency outside of Johnson and Garrett. Johnson threw for 8-of-14 for 81 yards and a touchdown. Garrett showed he will be a problem for opposing defenses throughout the season with his speed and dynamic play-making abilities that allowed him to beat the defensive backs in coverage constantly. Garrett caught four receptions for 97 yards. His quarterback, Bradon Brown, was 6-of-14 of his passes for 159 yards, a touchdown and an interception.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hornets were confident in their depth and the talent they have returning. There were several young players last season that are returned more experienced, ready to lead a tough Hornets defense. The defenses from both teams accumulated eight tackles for loss, three sacks and two turnovers.

Junior outside linebacker Cannon Booker accounted for three total tackles and two tackles for loss. Selwyn Martinez also made huge contributions to the Hornets as the starting middle linebacker as he accounted for four total tackles. Sophomore linebacker Justin Tillery accounted for three and a half tackles, one and a half tackles for loss and one sack. Finally, junior defensive end Brock Simon accounted for two tackles and a sack.

"We had a pretty good spring; there's so much going on with the spring and sports banquets, baseball team made it to regional, so we condensed down. We got about six days in the game so we're pleased of what we got in," Horstkamp said after the game. "Obviously, we're not completely there; there are some things we got to get right. Execution wasn't quite there. I think the weather helped us a little bit out here today with the conditioning part."

He said he was pleased with his players' performances in the scrimmage.

"First thing I took away from it was the depth I think we have. We were able to field two competitive teams evenly matched and then, especially early, before we really got tired -- we did wear down before the second half -- but I really liked our physicality. You can really hear the game playing and that's something we really like to hear," he said.

The Harmony Grove Hornets will move on to the summer training process as they develop themselves more in the weight room and through positional drills. They will take part in seven-on-sevens and linemen camps throughout the remainder of the off-season.

With most of the 3A-6 conference experiencing a significant change among their teams, the Hornets have a great opportunity to take the conference title this 2022 season after coming in second last season.

photo Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove wide receiver Harry Nix catching a touchdown pass early in the scrimmage.
photo Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove running back Shamar Patterson goes to celebrate with his teammates after running for a two-point conversion.
photo Photo By: Michael Hanich Harmony Grove head coach Ernie Horstkamp talks to his players after the scrimmage.

Upcoming Events