It’s four days until kickoff for the Brandon varsity football team.
The Blackhawks open their season by traveling Millington, a team in the Tri-Valley Conference’s East to Division, for an Aug. 27 matchup.
Second-year head coach Ron Gill and the Blackhawks hope to improve on last year’s team, which went 2-7 overall and 1-5 in the Flint Metro League.
Brandon fans got a sneak peek at this year’s Blackhawks during the Black and Blue Scrimmage Aug. 13 at Brandon High School. Gill said the scrimmage went ‘real good? for the Blackhawks.
‘It showed some things we did well and some areas we need to work on,? he said.
Among the bright spots for the Blackhawks, according to Gill, were their offensive execution and overall understanding of the offense, which he said is much improved compared to this time last year.
‘We’ve come a long way from a year ago,? he said.
Although Gill said the Blackhawks still ‘need to work on their reads defensively,? he also said that ‘overall, we’re feeling good about where we’re at.?
The Blackhawks will be led this year by seniors Derek Foyt, Matt Rife, and Jordan Wingett. Gill said the quarterback spot is being contested between Andrew Burch and Sean Montgomery.
Gill said Millington will be a tough foe for the Blackhawks in their opening contest of the season.
‘Over the last 10 years, they have the third best record in the greater Flint area,? he said. ‘They’re an excellent program with a great tradition.?