Pike County traveled to Daleville Friday night for a spring football jamboree that marked both the end of spring practices and the beginning of new Bulldog head coach Robert Johnson’s tenure at PCHS.

In the end, Johnson’s debut proved to be an auspicious one, as the Bulldogs downed Daleville 16-7.

The victory gave Bulldog fans their first look at Johnson’s new spread Wing-T offense, and it looked as if the PCHS players have adapted quickly to the new style.

“We were in a full-out spread tonight,” Johnson said.

“Everything we did was spread, and I feel like we threw the ball real well. Our defense only gave up the seven points, so they played real well too.”

PCHS got on the board with a field goal on their third drive of the game, and then allowed a long Warhawk drive before coming up with a key goal-line stand just before halftime, sending the two teams to the break with the Bulldogs leading 3-0.

After stopping the Daleville offense to start the second half, the Bulldogs took the ensuing possession and were able to drive for a touchdown to make it 10-0.

The Bulldog defense then came up with an interception return for a touchdown to make it 16-0, essentially putting the game out of reach.

After the PCHS defense stopped Daleville once more, both coaches chose to use the remaining time to give their younger players some experience.

Daleville was able to score one touchdown during that time, but was unable to make any serious comeback attempt.

In addition to seeing the new PCHS offense in live action for the first time, those on hand also got to see the continued quarterback battle for PCHS.

Both Marlon Meadows and Jerrelle Bailey have competed for the starting job throughout the spring, and Johnson said both played well, and helped the Bulldog passing attack to shine.

“I think both of them threw the ball real well,” Johnson said. “I don’t know the exact stats, but I’d say we probably threw for about 220 yards.”

With spring practice now at an end, Johnson said the win is a positive sign heading into the 2010 season.

“Being where we are now after the first week of practice, I feel real good about our team,” Johnson said. “But, this was just a scrimmage.”

Now, we’re going to work hard in all areas of weight raining, and see if we can’t get a little bit stronger and a little bit faster. Of course, over the summer, we’re also going to work on our kicking game, and then our skill guys are really going to work hard in our 7-on7 drills that we do.”

PCHS will be back in action Aug. 20 for the annual Pike County Classic jamboree game against Charles Henderson.