MEADVILLE – With a new head coach overseeing their every moveThursday night, a looser and more focused Franklin County footballteam introduced themselves in Louie Mullins Memorial Stadium for atwo-hour scrimmage that featured 80-degree temperatures, humidity,and off and on-again rain showers.

The Blue team beat the White team 12-7 in the scrimmage. Newhead coach Rickey O’Quinn Jr. said he felt his team did well inconcluding spring drills.

“It went well,” said O’Quinn. “I’m proud of how competitive wewere.”

The first half was a defensive struggle as both teams wentscoreless in the first two frames. Josh Hilliard opened the secondhalf with an electrifying 84-yard kickoff return to give the Blueteam a 6-0 lead.

White team quarterback Jay Davis added a 1-yard plunge to puthis squad ahead 7-6 with 3:11 remaining. Kicker Coleman Gravesadded the PAT.

After a nice return of 42 yards by rising senior Milton Griffin,the Blue team scored moments later when Griffin found a wide-openCalvin Robinson from 20-yards out with a touchdown strike.

The Blue team ended the game by collecting an on-sides kick.

“I saw some good signs on both offense and defense,” saidO’Quinn, whose Bulldogs must replace eight starters to graduationon that side of the ball. “We’ve got some underclassmen who arestepping up.”

Rising seniors Paul Williams, Preston Shelton, James Green,Billy Norman, and DeMeachary Hickingbottom each made an impact inthe game. All four are leaders on the FCHS team.

“We’ve been working hard this spring,” said O’Quinn, who wasjoined by assistants Brent Calcote, Adam Barron, and Tony Gibbs onstaff. “I feel really good about our team heading into thefall.”

In between the third and fourth quarters, former Franklin Countyfootball coach Michael Goff was honored for his 38 years service onthe Bulldogs sidelines. Several players and coaches greeted Goffwith hugs and handshakes. He was given a football signed by theteam.

The Bulldogs worked three different players at quarterback inFred Coleman, Milton Griffin, and Jay Davis. Several players alsotook their turn auditioning for running back duties.

“We split the guys up and saw some very positive things,” addedO’Quinn. “This summer we’ve got to work hard. The fall will be herebefore we know it.”

FCHS opens up the 2010 season Aug. 20, at home against LoydStar.