Greenville Middle School first-year head coach Daniel Ingram has high expectations for his squad’s upcoming season.

That’s because at the team’s intra-squad scrimmage May 19, Ingram saw plenty to be excited about.

“The scrimmage went really well,” Ingram said. “I was really happy with what I saw. We haven’t scrimmaged in the last three or four years, and I went ahead and made the decision to do it this year so we could see what we had and I was really pleased with what I saw. I think we have a shot at having a really good team this year.”

What Ingram saw were playmakers on both sides of the ball.

The former GMS defensive coordinator was especially pleased with his defense.

“They really got after it,” Ingram said. “Coach (Eric) Burkett is handling the defense this season and he’s really done a great job of coaching these kids up and getting them ready to play.”

Ingram was particularly impressed with the play of linebackers Shawn Thompson and Skylar Moore.

“Those two guys really stood out,” Ingram said. “They were all over the field making plays.”

While the defense stole the show at the scrimmage, Ingram said he also saw good things from his offensive unit.

“We normally have a good offense, and I believe we’re going to have another good offense this year,” Ingram said. “We’re blessed with athletes in this area and we have guys that have good speed. At this level, if you can get to the corner you have a good chance to score, and it looks like we’ll be able to do that again this year.”

Ingram, who will be running the offense this season after previous head coach and offensive coordinator Josh McLendon moved to the varsity staff, said the team will also be able to throw the ball this season thanks to Fort Dale Academy transfer Barrett Bush.

“He can throw it,” Ingram said. “I’m excited about that. We’re going to put the ball in the air, but Barrett can also run it, which will make us even tougher to defend.”

Bush will also get plenty of help from running back Dequarious Peterson.

“He played a lot last year and did a really good job for us, and we’re looking for big things from him,” Ingram said.

GMS will take part in a 7-on-7 passing camp at Trinity on June 17.

“We’re looking forward to that,” Ingram said. “It’ll give us the chance to get out there and throw it around some and see how we stack up with some of these other teams.”

The Tigers will open their season at a jamboree in Wetumpka on Aug. 20.