The first week of football practice ended on Saturday morning at Gordon Wood Stadium with the annual Maroon-White Scrimmage.

Derrick Stuckley of Brownwoodnews.com got Coach Sammy Burnett’s assessment after the scrimmage.

“No. 1, our kids came in with a great attitude and a great desire to work,” Burnett said. “Through the middle of the week, when your body’s getting sore and tired, they found a way to mentally push through. They’re positive about what they’re doing and what they’re asked to do. They’re bouncing around and not having to be told three or four times. That shows passion on their side, and I’m really pleased with that.”

As for the scrimmage itself Saturday, Burnett said earlier in the week an increased physicality level is what he wanted to see most from the Lions.

“I saw a lot of flying to the football and I saw a lot of people at the ball, tackling the ball carrier,” Burnett said. “Among the bright spots, Chance Jones really playing linebacker for the first time, was extremely physical. Quentin McCarty made some big plays on both sides of the ball. Ike Hall did a good job being calm. We threw some 50-50 balls, and we made every one of those catches, so I’m pleased with the receiving corps. I’m pleased with the quarterback play with Ike and with Chance. Up front we did a pretty good job, we busted some assignments but they’re going to do that early. There’s room to grow and room to fix the mistakes that we made.”

The Lions return to practice Monday and conclude their second week of work with a scrimmage against Decatur at Gordon Wood Stadium.

The varsity will take the field at 7 p.m. Friday, while the JV and freshman squads will kick off the action at 6 p.m.

Brownwood will also scrimmage at Lampasas on Thursday, Aug. 18 before hosting Abilene Wylie in the 2022 season opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at Gordon Wood Stadium.

(photo courtesy Brownwoodnews.com)