TAHLEQUAH DAILY PRESS — The team portion of the 2009 Kenny Evans NSU Football Camp came to a close on Friday as the schools in attendance got a chance to compete against each other. The camp also gave Evans and his staff a chance to evaluate some of the standout prep athletes that they might consider recruiting.

“The camp went good,” said Evans. “This was a big plus for Northeastern State, not just for football.”

Among the teams that attended the camp was Tahlequah High School. The young Tigers team was able to get valuable offensive and defensive reps against other schools.

“It was great,” said Tigers coach Tuffy Thornton. “We’re very young and our young kids need every rep we can get. It’s good for everybody.”

The camp also gave the Tahlequah coaching staff a chance to further evaluate the running back position, where right now Colin Downs, Taylor Harris, Jeremy Dry and Billy Fry are among the players competing for playing time.

“They all do things well,” said Thornton.

One spot that is not likely up for competition is the quarterback spot where junior Colin Scarsdale got the majority of the snaps in the camp. Scarsdale took over the job during the season last year and will be the starter in the fall.

“Colin’s an athlete,” said Thornton. “He’s a quarterback. He’s got the swagger. He’s a good leader for our bunch.”

Thornton was also impressed with the progression that the offensive line has shown so far this summer.

“I think our offensive line has come around,” said Thornton. “We’re not there yet, but they are proving they’ve got the makings of a pretty good bunch.”

The Tigers will be back in action later in the summer on July 13 and 14 when they scrimmage Miami and Claremore.

For the Keys Cougars, the camp was part of a busy week that also included another camp at Vian later on Friday night and also on Saturday.

Coach Gary Willis has been impressed with the dedication his team has shown in the offseason.

“They’ve had a good attitude,” said Willis. “Sometimes in the summer we have a hard time getting kids in. We’ve had a good summer turnout, even in the weight room.”

One of the players who have stood out in summer workouts has been senior quarterback Lane Trammel, who will be taking over for the graduated Ryan Nolan.

“Lane Trammel’s doing a pretty good job,” said Willis.

The Riders also competed in the NSU Camp, but due to a lack of players were only able to attend the first day. Despite that, Hulbert Assistant Coach Johnny Morrison saw some things to be optimistic about.

“We had bright spots in the passing game and the running game,” said Morrison.

Some of the other schools in attendence were Vian, Cashion and Texoma.

“It went pretty smooth,” said NSU Assistant Coach and Camp Director Brad Cornelson. “The teams got some good looks and reps.”