Blue Devils engage in spirited practice

TIFTON -- The Tift County Blue Devils football team completed a spirited practice Tuesday that included a skirmish or two. According to head coach Tommy Seward, the Devils are ready to hit somebody wearing a different colored jersey.

The squad will get that chance Friday when Tift travels to Quitman to take on the Brooks County Trojans in the Devils' only scrimmage of the preseason.

"Brooks will be a good test for us," said Seward as practice came to a close Tuesday afternoon.

The last time the Blue Devils faced the AA Trojans came in the preseason last year. The Devils have prepared for Friday's contest by watching last year's film and running the Brooks County offense and defense.

"That 's been easy because they run the Wing T," said Seward. "And on defense they run a split like us, too."

While Tift came out on top in last year's contest, Seward remembered Brooks struggling early.

"They (Brooks) fumbled so much last year," he said. "Once they settled down, they did okay."

The Trojans also lost their starting running back on one of the game's opening series.

This Friday's game, which kicks off at 7:30 p.m. at Veterans Stadium, will consist of four nine-minute quarters with the junior varsity squads playing in the first quarter.

The Devil offense continues to polish its new offensive scheme working on both the run and the pass. Second string quarterback Donnell Cullins was impressive earlier this week completing several passes during scrimmage action.

"We've got to find a way to get the ball in Cullins' hands 10 or 12 times per game," said Seward. In addition to being the Devils backup quarterback, Cullins is also a wing back and the starting cornerback on defense.

Defensive lineman Keon Brown was released from doctor's care Tuesday and returned to full practice Wednesday afternoon. Brown suffered a shoulder injury early last week. When practicing and playing, team trainer Andy Ellis will fit Brown with a brace that will restrict the rotation of the injured shoulder.