Summer is time for lessons

No score is kept, no records recorded, but what is happening on the field during summer football will have a bearing on Laguna Beach this fall.

In a five-day span beginning July 7, the Breakers took part in two passing scrimmages. On July 7, they went up against Huntington Beach and University at Huntington Beach High. On Tuesday, they traveled to El Toro for a 7-on-7 passing scrimmage against the Chargers.

Both outings left first-year Coach Mike Churchill pleased with his team. He said without a score being kept, players are taught throughout each scrimmage.

“I feel that we are getting a grasp of what we can and cannot do,” he said. “The good thing about these passing games is that the players acquire a familiarity with each other that you can’t teach on a whiteboard.”

Junior-to-be Larry Stewart quarterbacked the Breakers both days.

“He is getting his football arm back,” said Churchill of Stewart, who in the spring started on the baseball team. “He continues to improve each time out.”

Stewart said he is beginning to get back into the football groove.

“At first, I was a little off with my throws, but I’m starting to get my timing down again,” the left-handed signal-caller said. “Against El Toro, I didn’t throw too well in my first 10 (passes), but in the second round I was much better and I went nine for 10 in last round.

“We’re also in the middle of learning a new offense, but we have some really good receivers who can catch the ball really well. It should be a fun season.”

Laguna resumes 7-on-7 scrimmage play Thursday against Patriot of Riverside. The scrimmage starts at 5 p.m. at Guyer Field.

Laguna, which closes out its summer scrimmage schedule at home July 26 (5 p.m.) against Woodbridge, opens its 2011 season Sept. 9 at Guyer Field against Webb of Claremont.

“If we get a little better each time out and don’t back slide, we are going to do OK,” Churchill said. “The important time is the first game on Sept. 9.”