August 20, 2005
ODESSA - Lubbock Coronado came into the scrimmage as the returning District 2-5A champions, while Odessa Permian had their worst season in school history last year in District 3-5A.  Under new head coach Darren Allman, the Panthers have been looking for positives in both Spring Training and scrimmage.  They may have found a light in that tunnel by way of its defense.  The Panthers looked a lot better on the defensive side of the ball, with marked improvement in the quickness and swarming to the ball categories.  Bront Bird, Andrew Amoyaw, and Paul Girard turned in good defensive performances for Mojo.

The two teams ran several personnel through the controlled portion of the scrimmage.  In the game time environment, Lubbock Coronado's offense scored twice and added a field goal.  Permian's offense ran into a stingy Mustang defense, but still made it into the end zone on an Eric Gonzales plunge from the 1-yd line.  Offensively, the line showed a lot of stress.  Most of the live quarter, Permian's offense had Coronado defenders in the backfield.  Both Gonzales and Tate Smith were having to scramble out of the pocket to keep the ball and play alive.  Gonzales was 10-of-15 passing for 140 yards, while Smith was 7-of-10 for 88 yards with two interceptions.  Melvis Pride had 64 yards on six carries, while Colby Swearington caught five passes for 64 yards.  Josh Stephens had four receptions for 46 yards.  Robert Murry and Cody Leija also contributed in moving the ball.

Lubbock Coronado QB Keaton Harris threw for 208 yards, completing 17 of 25 passes.  Billy Harris rushed and received for 117 Mustang yards.  Overall, the scrimmage gave both coaching staffs a better look at the areas of improvement their respective teams will need to address before Week Zero begins next week.

Most Amusing Award goes to the whistling Coronado assistant coach.  He whistles (like you would call a dog) hours on end.  Some on the sideline said he does it all of the time.  Just in the length of the scrimmage, he would make one want to drink more water or be an endorsement for Chapstik.  That being said, I'll take this opportunity to finish with a Disney ending... and just whistle while you work.