Two things from the Plains High School pre-season football scrimmage this past Saturday: The Horsemen are going to be a factor this year, and watch out for mama!

The first thing is based on a new vibe, or feel, among the players on the field. Winning three games last year has definitely boosted enthusiasm and interest among the players, fans and coaches. 

And the second thing stems from a fun activity at the end of the scrimmage where player moms were given a helmet, a running start and a shot at tackling their son onto a large, cushioned pad. 

Both were good. 

Senior quarterback Darren Standeford showed he has a strong throwing arm and is fleet of foot during the approximately hour-long scrimmage at Plains High.  And he has some solid linemen to keep him upright and open holes for some large, fast running backs and quick receivers. 

“There is a different feel out here these days,” said Plains head coach, who last year guided the Horsemen to three victories after two seasons without a win. “These guys are having fun and working hard.”

A handful of fans attended the scrimmage, including some player moms like Shawna Tatum, wife of coach Mike and mother of Plains multi-position player Greg. 

Shawna donned a Horsemen helmet and tackled her son, who was standing in front of high jump pit foam mat, gently knocking him backward onto the cushion. 

“We thought this might be a fun thing to do,” coach Tatum said.  

One fan was heard saying, “I’ll bet he cleans his room next time he’s told.”

The Horsemen open their 2024 season this Saturday afternoon at 1 p.m. on their home field against Victor.  

The Pirates are coming off an 0-8 season last year, including a 58-0 loss to Plains in Victor. 

Plains finished the season 3-6 after winless seasons in 2022 and 2021.  Tatum hired at the start of last season, his second stint as head coach of the Horsemen. 

    Plains High senior quarterback Darren Standeford drops back to pass during the Horsemen's scrimmage Saturday morning. (Chuck Bandel/VP-MI)
  

    Shawna Tatum, wife of Plains football coach Mike Tatum tackles her son Greg during an after-scrimmage activity Saturday morning at Plains High. (Courtesy photo)