Georgiana School’s spring scrimmage with Flomaton High School has second-year head coach David Watts cautiously optimistic about the Panthers’ 2012 campaign.

Despite losing 21-13, Watts found plenty to be pleased with.

“We made some glaring mistakes but there were plenty of positives,” he said. “We had several guys that were playing for the first time and they had to get their feet wet.”

Despite the inexperience, Watts said he felt like his team tackled better than it did at any point last season.

“Defensively we had a bunch of guys playing for the first time,” Watts said.

The team’s defensive charge was led by Devin Bonner. The Georgiana linebacker tallied nine tackles and a sack in just one half of play.

Watts said that fellow linebackers Shaun Giddens, who tallied five tackles, and Jay Williams also stood out. Jeremy Albritton also recorded five tackles.

Bonner turned in a solid performance on the offensive side of the ball as well. The fullback turned quarterback was 4-for-7 passing for 124 yards and two touchdowns, while picking up another 33 yards on the ground.

“Devin Bonner played exceptionally well for us at quarterback,” Watts said. “We are reading a lot of stuff with the option game and he did that very well. He also threw it effectively for us.”

Jacquez Payton was on the receiving end of both of Bonner’s touchdown tosses. He had two receptions for 112 yards.

“Jacquez had a very good game for us and he is only in the eighth grade,” Watts said.

“He has some things that he must improve on but he knows that and I feel confident that he will work to make those things better.”

Williams had three rushes for 26 yards for the Panthers.

While there were plenty of positives, Watts also saw plenty that needs to be addressed before the Panthers open their 2012 season.

“We need to do a better job blocking both on the offensive line and outside at receiver,” he said. “The biggest thing for us will be to develop some depth. With the very limited number of guys that we have that will mean some guys learning to play corner and outside linebacker or running back and receiver.”

The Georgiana junior varsity tied Flomaton’s junior varsity 6-6.

Payton scored the Panthers’ touchdown.