Cyclones shine in first scrimmage of 2023

Published 5:40 pm Monday, August 7, 2023

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Star Photo/Ivan Sanders The J Train, Jaiden Wallin, powers the football to within a yard of the goal line in the Cyclones scrimmage with West Ridge at Citizens Bank Stadium on Friday evening.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Elizabethton lineman Seth Campbell (50) stands up the charging defensive West Ridge defensive player. Cyclone tight end Riley Jones (81) lends a hand.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Defensive end Mason Ball (82) dives for the Wolves quarterback's legs for a sack during the scrimmage. Giving pursuit is defensive lineman Landon Hughes (67).

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders There was no getting away for the West Ridge Wolves quarterback as senior defensive lineman Eli Guess brings him down for a sack.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Elizabethton defensive end Ben Adams (44) wraps up the West Ridge quarterback's legs while teammates close in.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Senior running back Kaleb Holzer takes advantage of a gap created by his offensive line.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Freshman kicker Will Bowers boots a point-after attempt after a Cyclone score.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Luke Whaley dances past a solid block from a pair of teammates.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders J Train, Jaiden Wallin, picks up solid yardage after a reception on a screen pass.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Sophomore quarterback Rhett Slagle throws a short crossing route.

Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Cyclone quarterback Justin Whitehead prepares to throw to an open receiver.

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STAR CORRESPONDENT

Fans got their first glimpse of the 2023 Elizabethton Cyclones on Friday evening at Citizens Bank Stadium when they played host to the West Ridge Wolves.

It had to be a pleasant sight as the Cyclones showed off a different brand of football as the Cyclone defense was flying to the football account for no less than six sacks on the first two Wolves possessions led by Mason Ball, Eli Guess, Andrew Blevins, and Ben Adams from the defensive front.

And while the defense was styling and profiling, as famous wrestler Ric Flair would say, the offense showcased speed on that side of the ball as well as quarterbacks Justin Whitehead and Rhett Slagle took turns in hitting playmakers such as Cameron Baker and Jeriah Griffin.

Mixed into that was the thunder and lightning running of J-Train Jaiden Wallin and Kaleb Holzer.

Even though there might have been a missed tackle or an incorrect route run, overall, the results showed fans a different side of Cyclone football than in the past.

Head Coach Shawn Witten even went to the top of the press box and called down offense from up top while his coaching staff relayed the plays to those players on the field.

All of this is part of a new philosophy that Coach Witten has been preaching during pre-season practice.

The Cyclones are scheduled to host Union, VA on Tuesday evening at 6:30 pm at Citizens Bank Stadium in their second scrimmage of the season leading up to the first game of the season, Railroad Rumble 3, to be played at Kermit Tipton Stadium against Science Hill.

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