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by John Unrein “Did we win the day?” This question is often posed to the Eagles Football Team by Head Coach David Allie following scrimmages or offseason preparation work. It’s an important one as the message conveyed is centered around doing what’s needed to get better on a consistent basis. This was the first thing asked of the team as they assembled following their scrimmage at Lee’s Summit North on Tuesday, June 25th. Involved in the scrimmage were Grain Valley, Lee’s Summit North, and Pleasant Hill. All participants go through round robin play in helmets and shoulder pads only. Segments of the competition include rotating defenses versus offenses for a series of downs, driving the football with the opportunity for continuation upon getting a first down, and having time for younger players to face off against competition their own age. Efforts are made to keep physicality in check with quick whistles and only allowing a wrap, touch, or thud without tackling to the ground. “We try to be creative within the twenty days we are given by the State for offseason work. We were fortunate in the timing of when we got of school in that we could have our team camp prior to heading to Pitt State for a three-day college camp. On the field activities during Tuesdays in June as well as this scrimmage give us middle of the summer preparation prior to the dead week (no activities) in Missouri during the first week of July,” Allie said. “We’ve had great attendance this year. These kids have bought in and are showing up. Something like today they can look forward to and provides a reward for the hard work they put in. Winning the day is not necessarily about how many touchdowns we score or prevent in this setting. Instead, it’s about you coming out and performing to the best of your ability.” Among the active players on the field drawing praise from the Eagles coaching staff was Senior Linebacker Seth Dankenbring. He along with other members of the black shirt defense improved in consistency throughout the scrimmage with their run fits and angles of pursuit. “The best thing about today is that we got to compete together as a team in our preparation for the upcoming season. We accepted the challenge and played well against a bigger school like Lee’s Summit North as well as acknowledging our mistakes and being willing to get better because of them. We came in with an open mind set and got after it today. I am pleased with how we did,” Dankenbring said. Grain Valley Football will continue their preparation for the upcoming season with weight training picking up again on July 8th and varsity camp the week of July 22nd.  The Eagles defense successfully pursues and corrals a Lee’s Summit North ball carrier. Photo credit: Valley News staff  The Eagles ball carrier successfully eludes a Pleasant Hill defender. Photo credit: Valley News staff  The offensive line goes through run step progressions. Photo credit: Valley News staff
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