ARLEE - Arlee head coach Scott Palmer got a thorough look at his team as they scrimmaged last Friday in preparation for the beginning of the season. It's a good thing, too, as their first opponent, Phillipsburg, is riding high after a 26-24 nail-biting victory against Sheridan last weekend.

"Last year Phillipsburg was a competitive team," Palmer said. "They're returning a lot of talented players."

The scrimmage allowed Palmer to test out the fresh faces on the team and see where best they would fit into the system.

"We were able to see some of our young guys play and see what role that they will be playing for us," Palmer said.

The scrimmage was a scripted match up of the No. 1's and 2's on the depth chart.

Palmer said that the defense looked probably the best out of the two units.

"They were really flying around and they were hustling to the ball," he said.

The offense was no slouch either. Palmer said they had great command of the play book.

"I've had this group of kids for four years," he said. "They're something of an extension of me out on the field."

Arlee will open their season against Phillipsburg at 7 p.m. on the road.