Fallon scrimmage more than a game

Football season is weeks away, but two familiar foes are ready to crack the pads.

Lahontan Valley rivals Fallon and Fernley strap up Saturday for their annual scrimmage at 11 a.m. at the Edward Arciniega Complex. The freshmen/JV scrimmage is at 9 a.m.

Fallon coach Brooke Hill, in his fifth season at the helm, and the Greenwave Quarterback Club are organizing a festive atmosphere to get Wave fans ready for the upcoming season.

Fallon kicks off the regular season at 7 p.m. on Sept. 6 at home against Wooster.

As for Saturday’s scrimmage and events, Greenwave Quarterback Club President Kim Beeghly said plenty of activities will be available. Admission to the game is free, and face painting, concessions, Wave merchandise, sponsorships and seats for sale are just a number of items planned.

“We just want people to come out and support the high school teams,” Beeghly said. “We want everyone to have a really good time.”

Fallon is coming off its third consecutive playoff appearance, while the Vaqueros aim to build off last year’s surprising campaign. Fernley notched the biggest win in the north last season when it snapped four-time state champ Truckee’s 41-game winning streak.

The Wolverines, though, exacted their revenge in the playoffs with a 47-13 win over Fernley.

The Wave, meanwhile, ripped off seven straight wins to open the season but stumbled down the stretch with three consecutive losses including two straight to Lowry.

Fallon lost most of its skill position players due to graduation but returns senior quarterback Morgan Dirickson and senior running back Trent Tarner.

Despite the loss in the defensive backfield, the Wave return a strong front as last year’s sack leaders Justin Hatfield (nine) and Tyler Bagby (five) return.

Hill, though, said he plans to keep his scrimmage “pretty vanilla” as to avoid tipping any specific plays designed for the Vaquerous. For the most part, the Fallon coach wants to assess his players, specifically those locked in position battles, to determine who will start the season opener against Wooster.

Fernley, meanwhile, returns senior quarterback Skylar Williams, defensive backs Kevin Montgomery and Anfernee Sloan.

“We want to help encourage the freshmen, JV and varsity players in the scrimmage against Fernley,” Beeghly added. “The best way to show support is to get involved.”