By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

The Pelham High School football coach said he saw much promise in his team during a May 13 scrimmage against Pell City High School.

The Panthers shut out Pell City 24-0 during the scrimmage, and running back Jacob Nichols, who played for the PHS junior varsity team last year, recorded 130 rushing yards in 24 carries.

“It was good to get out there and see the kids in pads again,” said PHS head coach Brett Burnett. “It gave us a chance to put in action some of the things we have been working on.”

Because the school graduated several key players, including linebacker Derek Slaughter, running back Dominique Harris and wide receiver Reed Bright, the spring game gave the Panthers a chance to play several players who could serve a big role on the team next year.

“It was good to play quite a few folks, especially the younger kids who will be stepping up next year,” Burnett said. “It allows us to have some film to study this summer. We will really be looking at that film hard.”

During the scrimmage, Nichols recorded a 2-yard touchdown run, and returning quarterback Gray Cato connected with Tucker Thomas on a 24-yard scoring pass. Devon Miles also scored a touchdown on a 45-yard scramble.

“He had some nice runs,” Burnett said of Nichols. “We are still trying to determine what role he will play next year.”

“(The team’s performance) wasn’t perfect by any means, but it gave us some things to work on,” Burnett said. “We had a chance to go through some plays and gain some experience on the field.”

Pelham will take its scrimmage performance into account during summer practice as the team prepares for its exhibition against Tuscaloosa County on Aug. 19. The Panthers’ first regular-season game will be August 26 at home against Hueytown.

“We really took our time in spring practice. We really focused on fundamentals,” Burnett said. “We are looking forward to summer practice now.”