Jason Fitzgerald tossed his visor in the air during the BlueCross BlueShield high school football jamboree Thursday, but it wasn’t because Sale Creek didn’t perform well in its final preseason tuneup against another opponent.
In the first night of the three-day exhibition at Finley Stadium, the Panthers opened against reigning state champion Tyner and pleased their new head coach as they compiled a 13-play, 55-yard series — all on the ground — that reached the 15-yard line before ending with a missed field-goal attempt. Even without starting running back Grayson Cosper, Sale Creek showcased multiple options in a rushing attack expected to be led by quarterback Khari Escobar along with Michael Gilley, Ridge Morgan and Alex Wolgast.
Fitzgerald took over at Sale Creek in February after a successful tenure at Meigs County that included deep postseason runs, and he has challenged the Panthers to create a lasting legacy on the field this season. With the Panthers 0-5 to date in the postseason, winning a playoff game would certainly contribute to that effort.
“The biggest thing with this group is they just have to believe,” said Fitzgerald, whose Panthers’ quarter with the Rams finished scoreless. “We have some good kids, and they have a lot of support. They have to believe they can play and win. We have had a good preseason, and now that is over. We have to go prove it in week one against Midway.”
In a change from past jamborees, the final action of the first night was a full scrimmage instead of a single quarter, and Ringgold’s aerial attack stole the show during the Tigers’ 28-7 victory over Soddy-Daisy.