Benedict College's football program took a significant step in its preseason preparation this August, conducting its first full scrimmage as the Tigers work toward the final weeks before their conference schedule begins. The scrimmage represents a critical checkpoint in Head Coach Ron Dickerson Jr.'s preparation strategy, allowing the program to evaluate roster depth, execution, and readiness across all phases of the game.
The timing of the scrimmage places Benedict squarely in the final stretch of preseason training, a period when programs typically shift from foundational work to game-specific preparation and tactical refinement. For the Tigers, this scrimmage serves as a dress rehearsal of sorts—a chance to test schemes, identify weaknesses, and build confidence before stepping into conference play.
Several key contributors are leading the effort on both sides of the ball. Wide receiver CJ Favors represents the offensive skill position group, while defensive end Ryan Perry anchors the defensive line. Placekicker Zane Spires handles special teams duties, underscoring the comprehensive nature of preseason evaluation. These players, along with their teammates, are working under Dickerson's direction to establish the standard of execution expected when the Tigers take the field in meaningful competition.
Benedict's schedule points toward a significant early test. The Tigers will open their SIAC (Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference) slate against Fort Valley State on September 20, 2026. The SIAC, one of the nation's historically significant conferences for HBCUs, demands consistent preparation and execution. An early conference matchup means there is little margin for error in the preseason phase—every rep, every scrimmage, and every practice session carries weight.
The scrimmage format allows coaches to simulate game conditions without the stakes of an official contest. Players can work through assignments, test their conditioning, and develop the rhythm necessary for coordinated team performance. For a program in the final weeks before conference play, this kind of controlled evaluation is invaluable. It provides data points that inform depth chart decisions, rotation patterns, and overall game planning.
Head Coach Dickerson's emphasis on conducting a full scrimmage—rather than limiting it to individual position groups or controlled drills—suggests a program intent on building comprehensive readiness. The scrimmage touches every aspect of football: offensive execution, defensive assignments, special teams coordination, and the mental toughness required to sustain effort over a full game-length period.
Why this matters: For Benedict College and its athletic community, preseason preparation directly determines conference competitiveness and the trajectory of the season. A program that enters SIAC play with clear understanding of its strengths, weaknesses, and identity—forged through rigorous preseason work like this scrimmage—positions itself to compete effectively within a challenging conference. The Tigers' commitment to thorough evaluation now sets the tone for how they will represent the institution and the HBCU athletic tradition when conference play begins.