It was a dress rehearsal for both Riverview Middle School and Dawson County Middle School football teams last Thursday at Riverview.

Both head coaches, Frank Brown-Dawson County and Mark Thomason-Riverview, got a chance to see their squads line up against different faces.

Four teams participated in the scrimmage. Jasper, Pickens, Riverview and

Dawson County each ran six plays on offense in the controlled scrimmage.

Score wasn’t kept in the games, but the scrimmage gave each team a chance to oil up their machines before they open for real tomorrow.

“We did pretty ok. There are several things we need to improve on. First we need to tackle better and stay on our blocks longer,” Thomason said.

“Strengths, none yet, but I will say we ran the ball very hard. I saw good things out of Bruce Clark at wide receiver and line backer. Cole Knight also ran the ball very well. Cody Smith made a couple of big hits, and Evan Kells did a good job for us on the offensive line and defensive line,” said Thomason about his Eagle team.

Veteran coach Frank Brown also had some encouraging things to say about his Tiger football team.

“Our goal was to get everyone in the game and try to get a good look at our personal. I was very pleased with our performance overall,” he said.

“The offensive line performed well. Jackson and Mitchell Putnam played well at quarterback and receiver. Our backs, Will Anglin and Mathew Hammond had some good carries,” Brown added.

“Defensively we are trying to get folks in position to make some plays. We have got to get more people to the football,” Brown said about his defense.

Tomorrow will be a big day for both teams as they square off in the opening game of the season.

Last year a lot of these players were on the same team, but now they will line up against each other. It should be a spirited and competitive game for both squads.

“We really have to come out next week and work hard to get ready for Riverview,” said Brown after last week’s scrimmage.

“They have some great talent over there, with a lot of experience. They will be tough to shut down. We are going to try and stop the big play and hold on to the football. Our guys are excited about our season and work hard to prepare every week. We are going to go out and play hard and do what we do and see how it ends up.”

Thomason commented about the big game Thursday by saying, “Our kids are super excited. It’s all they have talked about all summer. We have to keep reminding them that they aren’t your teammates anymore.

“Offensively Dawson throws the ball really well. We are going to have to key in on their quarterback and receivers. Our pass rush will be a key for our success this week,” said Thomason.

Thomason also talked about his preparation this week for the Tigers, “Our players already know how important this game is. We are going to teach them this week how to act and react. Dawson County wants this game just as bad as they do.”

Look for a huge crowd tomorrow. Some have estimated that the crowd could reach as many as 1,000 people.

Kick-off is scheduled for 5 p.m.

E-mail Pam Jacobs at sports@dawsonnews.com.