Coaches say neither team looks perfect in the Gladiators' 19-15 victory.
By ERIC MUSKATEVC
Published August 29, 2003
COUNTRYSIDE - The cliches were flying during postgame remarks from Countryside coach John Davis and Gibbs coach Alvin Davis, but neither could help it if, in their opinion, the Cougars and Gladiators need to improve on both sides of the ball.
Despite the inconsistency, Gibbs squeezed by 19-15 in the preseason kickoff.
"I saw a team that needs to be improved," Alvin Davis said. "Its still early, but I think I saw some good blocking. I liked the special teams."
Walter Brady opened the scoring for Gibbs during the first minute of the second quarter with a 64-yard touchdown run. The Cougars came back with a two-minute drive capped by a 1-yard touchdown run by Corey Roebuck to take a 7-6 lead.
On John Davis' list of negatives were two interceptions, two fumbles and costly penalties.
"We need to pay more attention to detail and stay more focused," he said. "I liked us in spurts, but if we're focused and take care of the little things, we'll be better."
Gibbs went up 12-7 after Kevin Williams' 94-yard touchdown run that exemplified Gibbs' speed. "We actually had no idea how fast we were until we got out here," Alvin Davis said. "We don't have our own field and have been practicing on a junior football field.
But, he said, that doesn't mean everything was perfect.
"We're going to have to practice this week a little bit harder than most teams," he said.
John Davis would just like the weather to allow his team to practice.
"We haven't had a full practice in about a week and a half due to rain and lightning," he said. "We get out there for a bit, and then we have to sit inside for an hour."
Brandon Shorter, who will share time at quarterback for Gibbs with Josh McKinnon, threw a 22-yard touchdown to Michael Shorter late in the second quarter for a 19-7 lead.
Countryside came out stronger in the second half, getting a safety in the third and a touchdown in the fourth.
