The Oak Ridge Wildcats prepared for the season ahead by hosting in 7-on-7 play on Blankenship Field at Jack Armstrong Stadium in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, on Thursday, July 18, 2019. (Photo by Danny Parker)
By Mike Blackerby
OAK RIDGE – Two of the state’s top Class 5A programs butted heads Thursday in 7-on-7 play on Blankenship Field.
Defending 5A state champion Central and Oak Ridge squared off in a passing-only scrimmage as area teams get ready to put the pads on in coming days.
William Blount and Sequoyah were also on hand as preparations heat up for the 2019 high school football season.
Hopes are high in both the Central and Oak Ridge camps, which return 10 and 13 starters, respectively.
After losing their first two games in 2018, the Bobcats (13-2) ran the table the rest of the way.
Central defeated Henry County 14-9 in the 5A state championship game.
Oak Ridge just missed a semifinal date with the Bobcats last season. The Wildcats (10-3) stumbled in the quarterfinals, losing a heartbreaking 42-40 decision to Catholic after building a big halftime lead.
Here’s how both teams stacked up on Thursday in their 7-on-7 scrimmage …
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