Jamboree answers some questions

The Mount Vernon Jamboree gives players and coaches a chance to preview the coming season.

“With football season starting this Friday, Oak Harbor High School football coach Dave Ward still has some questions about the capabilities of his team.Some of those questions were answered last Friday, during the Mount Vernon Jamboree.The Jamboree is an annual contest waged between prep football teams from Island and Snohomish counties. The teams run 10 offensive and 10 defensive plays against each other allowing players and coaches to gage their own abilities as well as those of teams and coaching staffs from the other schools.The Wildcats were tested against Mt. Vernon and Burlington.It was good, Ward said on Monday. … The defense was real stiff. We didn’t allow any points.Ward said he was especially pleased with the solid play of tackles Fred Cheesboro and Kevin McMickle, as well as the pressure defensive ends Scott Gentry and Jeff Heiserman brought to bear on Mt. Vernon’s offense.As for his own offense, Ward said the blocking of tight end Garrett Paine stood out, as well as the leadership of Brent Lang at quarterback and Brian Lang at running back and middle linebacker.Brent Lang, Ward said, proved he can not only pass effectively but interrupt passes as well.Brent tipped a pass against Arlington, then made the interception off the tip, Ward said.Mixing up starters and junior players, The Wildcats were able to move the ball effectively against Mt. Vernon and Arlington.We were able to move the ball, drive it down the field and inside the 10 (yard line) twice, Ward said. one drive was stopped because of a mis-snap and one drive was stopped because of an interception.The Wildcats will mix the running game with the passing this year, Ward said.We want to set up the pass with the run and some play action, the Wildcat coach said. Brent has a good arm and we want to loosen teams up and send someone deep every quarter.The Wildcats will get the chance this Friday against Anacortes, at Anacortes.They’re going to be be big and strong so we’ve got to read quick up front and read their blitzes, he said, adding that he plans to utilize the Wildcats’ quickness and take the attack to Anacortes.It’s all about playing our game and staying focused, he said. The team that limits their mistakes will be more successful. “