[Coach Booth]

Bell went for 2-point conversion since their All-State Kicker was injured earlier in scrimmage on bad snap/hold and had ice pack on his ankle! I talked to some of the players who were shocked when they got off the bus and found a game-like atmosphere. Was not at all what they expected, nor what they prepared for. This was a scrimmage! Last year JC folks pooh-hooed the fact that Bell played JC even and when the two kickers went head-to-head...and Merrick won that battle....they said....Bell did not win...only scrimmage!! LOL! All in your perspective. Bell viewed this as a scrimmage period. Dudley prepares his players for games in a much different way. Too bad, the reorganization separated this potential great rivalry in 3-A of old.

You just lost all credibility in your post when you suggested there was this much anticipated head to head matchup between the JC kicker and Merrick. JC's kicker last year was terrible and is no longer playing. The kicker that they have this year is a freshman. There isn't a kicker in this state that's as good as Merrick. You mean to tell me that a team with as many players that Bell County has doesn't have another kicker. Thats weak man.

You say they were shocked with the game like atmosphere. What shocked them? There were no officials for the game. Both teams opened the scrimmage punting with no returns. What shocked them? Both coaches agreed that it would be a down and distance type scrimmage. So again I ask why were they shocked? Please include some details.

It's just a lame excuse if you ask me to cover up your first team defense giving up 394 yards in just three quarters and your team not playing well. :p