North Montgomery's Nick Norman chases McCutcheon's Mason Douglas during a controlled scrimmage on Friday night.
It is hard to tell what kind of season McCutcheon is expected to have this season, but North Montgomery held their own against the Mavericks — a school with an enrollment nearly four times the size of the Chargers — on Friday night in a controlled scrimmage.
In all both teams shined on defense, while the offensives sputtered at times, which is to be expected this early in the season. It was nearly a draw, with neither team ever overpowering the other.
Here are three take aways from the scrimmage.
North is stacked up front
Led by seniors Drew Webster and Jack Thompson, the Charger's offensive and defensive lines are going to be a strength for North Montgomery this season.
On offense the Charger's created some holes on their first possession that paved way for a long run by Zach Waldon, and was capped off by an early score.
Defensively, the Chargers held the Mavericks to no scores on their first possession.
Questions surround skill players
While Jaron Bradford looked boggled at times, the second-year quarterback is poised to be much more comfortable under center as a senior.
With a backup like Zach Waldon, the Chargers are set at quarterback. Waldon can also carry the ball, but Zak Searle, who is expected to be the starting tailback is battling a back injury and was limited on Friday.
The big question mark is the injury to senior Kade Kobel, who is continuing to battle a lower-body injury suffered this past spring.
Kobel will be the go-to guy offensively when healthy, but after that it is unclear who will be next in line other than Waldon and hopefully Searle.
Kai Warren is one the Charger's top two-way players, and can do a variety things on offense. Friday he carried the ball and was a target for Bradford.
Junior Logan Kelly is another option at wide receiver, and senior Alex Wallace caught a couple of nice balls on Friday.
The big question mark is where does Jacob Braun fit in. Braun can give the Chargers stability as a blocker, but has also developed into a skill guy. He caught a touchdown on Friday.
Defense will be strength
Last season the Chargers had trouble finding consistency on offense, and that will very likely be the same this season, especially if Kobel remains sidelined.
However, the North Montgomery defense looked really good Friday night.
Not only did the line up front with Webster and Thompson look strong, but the secondary had its moments too. Warren will always be the quarterback of the secondary, but even with the absence of Kobel, a variety of guys made an impact in the defensive backfield.
Question marks remain in the linebacker department, but a healthy Searle will look to lead the pack there.
North Montgomery opens the season at home against North Putnam next Friday at 7 p.m.
