Meadowview Christian School and Morgan Academy had their first pre-season tests Friday afternoon as each football program hosted a visiting team for an afternoon of practice scrimmages.

The Meadowview Christian Trojans lined up against the Evangel Alabaster Christian School and took turns on offensive series beginning at the 50-yard line. The Trojans got their first taste of 11-man football against players who weren’t wearing the same black and gold uniforms.

Evangel made some explosive plays, especially in the passing game. The running game was difficult for the Trojans to contain as well, but the team was able to run the play down for tackles.

Meadowview’s offense showed glimpses of success moving the ball forward, but the team is still learning their assignments and it shows. Several plays were stopped before they got started, but occasionally the Trojans created enough space for running back Zach Duke to put together a couple of impressive runs.

The Trojans still have a lot of work to do before the teams’ season begins, but this first-look gave Taylor and his coaching staff a live look into what the team needs.

Just 1.5 miles away, the Morgan Academy Senators were looking polished against Fort Dale Academy. The players and coaches from both schools know each other well, and have built a friendly relationship between the two football programs.

“Fort Dale and Morgan Academy have a long-standing, friendly rivalry,” Senators head coach Josh Thacker said. “But from a football standpoint, I was pleased with our guys. It was just a scrimmage, but now serious preparation starts for the season.”

In their first scrimmage against another team, the Senators were moving the ball effectively. The running game was picking up a few yards here and there, but it was the passing attack that really opened the offense up for Morgan Academy.

Morgan Academy head coach Josh Thacker tested his new quarterback Jeremy Lee’s ability to connect on short, medium and deep passes.

“Jeremy has done a great job,” Thacker said. “He surprises coaches daily with the throws he can make.”

Lee missed a couple early that were just barely off of his receiver’s hands, but then settled into a groove that resulted into multiple touchdown plays.

He fit one ball over two defenders to reach Hardin Utsey, who picked up one block and sprinted down the Senators sideline for an 80-yard touchdown play.

Lee completed a quick pass to his left to Ed Williams, which he turned into a long touchdown play after dodging tackles and switching fields.

The Senators offense had a decent showing against Fort Dale, and the defense looked good as well.

Fort Dale’s option-style offense made the Senators defense play assignment football, and they executed. The defensive line played well and applied pressure on pass plays while the line backers and secondary flew to the ball. Each tackle had multiple red jerseys surrounding the Fort Dale ball carrier on each play.

“Our defense is led by coach Shaun Bonds,” Thacker said. “He always has the guys in the correct position. I was excited to see us fly to the football.”

The season begins next week for both AISA schools, and the joint practice scrimmages gave each coach a look into how well their respective teams are prepared for the season.