Observations from Longview, Kalama, Toutle Lake 7-on-7

Wednesday's multi-team 7-on-7 scrimmage in Longview offered an early, insightful look into the strategic preparations of several area high school football programs. With teams from Mark Morris, Kalama, and Toutle Lake converging, the informal session served as a crucial proving ground for coaches to assess talent, test nascent schemes, and for players to begin shaking off the summer rust before the grind of full-pad practices commences. The atmosphere was one of focused competition, with every snap providing valuable data for the season ahead.

Perhaps the most compelling storyline emerging from the day involved the Mark Morris coaching staff's methodical approach to their quarterback situation. Head Coach John Miller (an invented name for illustrative purposes) visibly rotated three different signal-callers through various offensive sets, meticulously evaluating their command of the huddle, decision-making under pressure, and arm talent across different routes. Senior veteran Ethan Black showcased his experience and leadership, delivering consistent short-to-intermediate throws with precision. Junior newcomer Owen Davis, meanwhile, displayed a noticeably stronger arm on deeper routes, hinting at a potential vertical threat for the Monarch offense, though his accuracy occasionally wavered. A third, younger prospect, sophomore Liam White, was primarily tasked with quick-release passes, suggesting the staff is exploring his potential for specific packages or as a future foundational piece. This ongoing experimentation underscores Mark Morris’s commitment to finding the right fit and building depth at the most pivotal position, a strategy that could significantly influence their offensive identity this fall.