Kendrick Singleton, Kelsey Kirksey and Jared Lee on defense.

Coach Ryan Sulkowski felt good about the way spring football practice progressed going into last Friday’s jamboree at Ocala Trinity Catholic. And even after the 17-7 loss to the reigning state champions, he remained encouraged by what he saw.

The Cats knew that they were in for a tough game against the Celtics. Ocala ran up 216 yards and running back Austin McClelland had 149 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries.

“They return 10 starters and they’re still a pretty dadgum good team,” said Coach Sulkowski.

The Cats had trouble stopping McClelland, but Sulkowski pointed to missed tackles and misreads on the defensive side of the ball.

“We were there defensively, it was just a foot here or there that we were off,” commented Sulkowski.

Celtic Coach John Brantley knew “what would hurt us,” Sulkowski said. The opposing team capitalized on new BCHS players at key positions and the Cats’ relative lack of depth.

“A lot of folks are moping around because we lost, but this is just a jamboree. We played a team that is toting a ring on their fingers. We wanted a dogfight and that’s what we got,” he said.

There were a lot of positives to take out of the game, starting with a  lack of injuries. Also, quarterback Thomas Sirk demonstrated his ability to lead the team offensively.

“We’re a step closer to seeing who will get on the bus to Atlanta,” said Sulkowski, referring to the opening game of the season against Atlanta Westminster. “This game was to learn and we learned a lot. We have four new offensive linemen and they did pretty well. We have the potential to be very good.”

Sulkowski will feature the upcoming ninth graders in the scrimmage game on Wednesday, May 25, at 3:30 pm on the BCHS practice field.  The public is invited to attend.

“We’ve spent a lot of time with them this spring trying to develop them and it’s paying off. There are four or five of them who could make it on the bus,” he said.