WARDSVILLE - A little rain didn't stop the California football season from getting underway at the Blair Oaks Jamboree on Friday night.
In a pair of controlled scrimmages against Centralia and Moberly, the Pintos flashed their speed on more than one occasion, despite playing on the slick turf. California's speed on both sides of the ball figured to be among its strengths heading into the Jamboree, and for the most part, things played out that way.
"We made some mistakes, but you're going to early," head coach Marty Albertson said. "We have to work out a few things on the offensive line up front. I think overall we gave a good effort and we saw some good things.
"It'll be easier after we watch the film. That will tell us what we need to work on."
The Pintos' offense got off to a slow start in the first game against Centralia. With a couple bad snaps and a size disadvantage in the trenches, California was held in check in its first series against the Panthers. Things opened up in the second series, however, when junior Cory Friedmeyer broke through for a long touchdown run.
"We trapped quite a bit," Albertson said. "We tried to pull our guards and get angles and use our quickness."
The second game against Moberley saw a more confident and comfortable Pintos offense take the field. In the first series, quarterback Jacob Wolken hit receiver Luke Freeman on a long touchdown pass.
For the second-team offense, sophomore Sam Smith and freshman Alex Currens split reps under center. It was Currens who capped off the night for California. He found Hayden Hoellering in the flat, who fought through a tackle to get in for a touchdown.
"I thought as we went on, we started playing better," Albertson said. "They kind of got over the stage fright. We have a couple sophomores on the offensive line and this was their first taste of varsity action."
At running back, the trio of Friedmeyer, Gunner Baquet and Liam Glenn all made some good runs at Jamboree. After California had several injuries at the position last year, starting the season with three healthy and capable backs will be a luxury for Albertson and the coaching staff.
With a long trip to Monett kicking off the season in just three days, this current week of practice is crucial for the Pintos, and much of the focus will start on the offensive line.
"We just need to focus and get into our basic fundamentals," Albertson said. "We have to have communication on the offensive line. You can't have breakdowns and let linebackers come free without anybody taking them. Hopefully that will be something we improve on this week."