Berkley Football Team Ready For Scrimmage

A lot of football fans are asking: Who will replace Terrell Porter? The more pressing question should be: Who is going to start at quarterback?

During the third day of fall practice Wednesday, wasn’t that forthcoming with details on the competition. Seniors Kyle Macey and Damon Eldridge and junior Alex Agbay are vying for the position.

“That’s probably the biggest competition we have right now,” Burnside said. 

He did point to the team scrimmage at Hurley Field on Saturday as an important test for all three players.

“The scrimmage on Saturday will help get everything figured out,” Burnside said.

Berkley students and families can watch the practice game this weekend and enjoy a picnic hosted by the football team. There will be free food (hot dogs and hamburgers) and only one simple requirement.

“We just want parents to come out and have fun,” Burnside said. “It’s a great chance for families to watch their kid play since every single player will get in the game.”

The scrimmage starts at 10 a.m. and will go to 4 p.m. Coaches will pick the teams and use the game to get film on all of the varsity players including the quarterbacks.

Burnside is excited to see the quarterbacks play in a game-like situation. They are splitting practice reps right now and, according to Burnside, have pretty different skill sets. He declined to break down their strength and weaknesses, but did say he’s confident all three have the leadership skills to guide the team.

Senior running back Markeis Hampton offered a few more thoughts on his fellow seniors.

“Macey has great toughness,” Hampton said. “There’s been times I’ve played with him where he’s had cracked ribs and he('s) still fighting through, he’s not a quitter. Damon is just as fast as any of the backs we have.”

If all three play well this week and next, it’s possible all of them could see playing time Aug. 26 against Ferndale. Alternatively, if one player loses out on the competition, that doesn’t necessarily mean they are going straight to the bench.

“All of them, if they don’t play quarterback, they are still good enough to play receiver,” Burnside said. “They’re all good athletes, they are all still going to be able to contribute to what we’re doing.”

The game Saturday will be the first time Berkley fans get a look at the offense under their new coach.

Fans shouldn’t expect a totally revamped scheme. Burnside comes from an option background at Novi, but the coach isn’t moving away from what the Bears did in the past. He’s making sure that transition happens more with the junior varsity kids.

“We’re kind of infusing that as we go through with the lower levels first,” Burnside said.

One thing fans will see is an excited group of coaches and players. Optimism about the season is running high and everyone is ready to take the field, even if it’s only for a scrimmage.  

“This is the best time of year right here,” Burnside said. “We are real excited to get out here, we had a great summer, great camp. We really are hitting the ground running.”