Eagles are focused on the gridiron

Issaquah Eagles football completes spring practice sessions with annual scrimmage

By Shaun Scott • June 21, 2016 6:19 pm
An Issaquah Eagles player makes a move upfield after hauling in a pass during the Issaquah Eagles football team's spring scrimmage on June 16 at Issaquah High School. The Eagles scrimmage came to an end earlier than expected due to inclement weather conditions.
An Issaquah Eagles player makes a move upfield after hauling in a pass during the Issaquah Eagles football team's spring scrimmage on June 16 at Issaquah High School. The Eagles scrimmage came to an end earlier than expected due to inclement weather conditions.

The Issaquah Eagles football team’s yearly spring football scrimmage came to a screeching halt due Mother Nature’s wrath.

The Eagles, who were competing fiercely during their annual spring-ending scrimmage, when thunder boomed and a glimpse of lightning occurred in the hills near Gary Moore Stadium about halfway through the session on June 16. Issaquah head coach Buddy Bland immediately ended the scrimmage as his players scurried into the locker room.

“I have done this (spring football scrimmage) a total of 10 times now and this is the first time we’ve had this (thunder/lightning),” Bland said with a smile. “It is what it is.”

Even though the scrimmage concluded 45 minutes to an hour early, Bland was pleased with his team’s accomplishments during spring practice sessions. The Eagles competed in nine spring practices and the scrimmage before departing for team camp on June 18. Bland said spring football gives his coaching staff a chance to evaluate the players within the program.

“The main thing we’re trying to do is get guys on film,” Bland said. “We have two different camera angles. We are going to watch them and see how they react in a competitive situation.”

He noted Payton Person is the favorite to win the starting quarterback job this fall. Person was Cam Humphrey’s backup in 2014 and 2015.

“Payton right now is the guy that has got the reigns,” Bland said. “He has had a pretty good spring camp. He is also the oldest guy (in the quarterback competition),” Bland said. “Tonight he led a couple of drives for scores. He has got the most experience and right now he is holding on to the reigns but he is being pushed by a couple of guys right now.”

The Eagles, who lost 42-32 to the Lake Stevens Vikings in the first round of the Class 4A state playoffs in 2015, finished with a 9-4 overall record.

“We got a lot of kids that are coming back. They understand that we don’t quit and we’re never going to quit,” Bland said of his team’s spirited mindset. “We don’t care where we are on the scoreboard, we’re going to go all way until the final whistle blows. I think that mentality has been bred throughout the program.”