Rockwall played a live game with four 10 minute quarters. At the 6 minute mark of each quarter, regardless of the position on the drive, the second team came in the game, and then relinquished their spots with two minutes left in the quarter, except for the final quarter where they stayed in.
The orange team was clearly the superior team with standout QB Braden Smith, standout lineman Chance Willard, and stand out brothers Trevor Arterburn and Aaron Arterburn. The white team featured QB Jarron White. At first, we were skeptical of his 5'6 frame, but he proved himself to be a dual-threat in the game.
The atmosphere for the Orange-White was the best I've seen at a spring game this year. The whole crowd was in Orange, cheerleaders were present, an announcer was present, and hundreds of little 9-12 year old girls were dressed up in the "Future Yellowjacket Cheerleader" outfit which gave the stadium an electric feel. The home side was just about completely packed.
Braden Smith lived up to standards. Two touchdowns and a safety were already on the board when I arrived early in the second quarter. Braden led a drive in two minute drill format. He hooked up with Drew Beddow for a 30 yard pass with under a minute left in the first half to give the Orange a 23-0 halftime lead.
Of particular concern to Yellowjacket fans this season would be replacing the two amazing running backs they had last season. No one impressed me at running back this evening, and the best runs of the game were Braden Smith on five wide sets where he would run the QB draw.
The standout player I hadn't heard of before the game was back up QB Jarron White. I literally laughed at how a varsity QB could be 5'6 and play in a district like 10-5A. He promptly swept around left end in a display of speed and cutting ability which left me speechless to give white their first and only touchdown of the game. My apologizes to the White family - Jarron may be used at running back if needed - as he had the best run of the game.
No other players really stood out. The set up of the game with the substitutions didn't allow much flow. I was there for three quarters, and got to see the first team orange offense on only about four drives. Braden Smith was effective making smart decisions, but they will need to establish a running game or a good defense will rush 3 and drop 8 back in coverage. Their ability to develop a running back will be of utmost importance this season. Rockwall should be very good at 7 on 7 this season as Braden Smith makes great decisions and his father, Scott Smith, the head coach of Rockwall, trusts him to run the game smartly and efficiently.