The Riverview Middle School football team hosted a jamboree with Pickens and Clear Creek middle schools last week in Dawsonville.

The Aug. 16 event was a chance for first year head coach Benjy Edwards to evaluate his players before the regular season begins.

"We started off slow against Clear Creek. This was the first time we got to see someone new and we were nervous. Some of the guys didn't know what to expect in the first game," Edwards said.

"In the second game against Pickens the guys looked much more relaxed and executed well. We moved the ball great against Pickens and held them on defense," he added.

Edwards said he noticed several of his players who performed well. He praised the play of running backs Connor Bearden and Timothy Moody. Both of the players had two touchdowns each in the games.

"Cullen Reed threw the ball really well at quarterback," Edwards said. "He connected with Barry Thurmond a couple of times throughout the scrimmage. On the line, Casey Passmore blocked pretty well. Defensively, Trey Dixon had some hard hits and has an eye for the ball."

Defensively Chris Rodriguez picked up a fumble and returned it for a touchdown. Easton Wright also had an interception against Pickens.

This week the Eagles will open the season with a game against cross-town rival Dawson County.

The game will be played at 7p.m. Saturday at Tiger Stadium on the campus of Dawson County High School.

Edwards said his team will work hard this week in preparation of Saturday's big show down.

"Offensively we will be working on staying on blocks longer to give our backs a chance to use their speed. Also, we cannot turn the ball over if we want a chance at winning," he said.

"Defensively we are going to have to tackle better," Edwards added.