It’s finally that time of year again. After 10 long months, we finally got our first look at the 2006 Johnstown Trojans.

As I entered Trojan Stadium, the first thing I was impressed with was the amount of fans that turned out for the first scrimmage. Kudos to the fans that came out to support the team.

The first series pitted the Cambria Heights Offense versus the JHS defense. I think the first team defense was a nice surprise, holding Cambria Heights to 22 yards on 10 plays. Yes, I know, Cambria Heights isn’t known for their great football teams, but holding any team to an average of 2.2 yards per play is a nice start to a season.

On the ensuing series, Antwan Reed electrified the Trojan crowd on the first play from scrimmage with a 70 yard touchdown run. This was the first of two 70 yard touchdown runs for Antwan on this morning.

The rest of the scrimmage was pretty uneventful as far as scoring goes, until the goal-line series. Each team had an opportunity with the ball at the five yard line. Both CH and JHS scored twice. The touchdown total was JHS 4 CH 2.

Finally, I just want to end on some random thoughts about the scrimmage:

Antwan Reed very well may be the best player in the Laurel Highlands Conference this year. If the line can come together, there is no reason he can’t match, or at least come close to some of LaRod’s numbers.

The first team defense looked solid. They didn’t allow any sustained drives.

I watched the highly touted sophomore lineman Istanovich on a few plays. He threw his guy around pretty easily.

As expected, Johnstown did not show much of their offense, throwing little, and running basic plays such as pitches and dives. This is expected as there were different HS scouts in attendance.

This team will go as the Offensive and Defensive lines go. The skill players are as good as the conference has, but in football you have to be able to run and stop the run to win consistently. Johnstown will be able to run outside because of their speed and athleticism, but I think the big thing to watch for will how JHS will be able to run between the tackles. They did a nice job at the goal line scoring two TD’s.

Remember, it is still way too early to tell how things are going to shape out after one scrimmage. However, watching their first scrimmage I feel that they can compete with any team in the conference.