The Troup High starters overcame a rough start to stand toe-to-toe with the homestanding Auburn High Tigers during Thursday’s preseason scrimmage.

Although Troup went on to lose 36-7, when the starters were in the game in the first half, Auburn’s lead was just seven points.

Some early turnovers helped Auburn build a 14-0 lead, but Troup answered with a long touchdown pass from sophomore quarterback Will Smith to Ricky Frazier, and it was a 14-7 game at the half.

In the second half with the reserve players and freshmen in the game, Auburn had a big edge, and the score reflected that.

“I thought there were some good things we did, and there were also some things we’re going to look at and see where we can improve,” Kendall said.

Kendall added “there’s room to improve, and that’s why we do these games. Overall, I’m real pleased with the effort.”

Auburn returned a fumble for its first touchdown, and another turnover led to a second Auburn touchdown.

Troup’s starters stood firm from there.

Auburn had the ball near midfield later in the half when Troup made a big defensive play.

Reuben Foster, who played at Troup for three seasons before transferring to Auburn High, was lined up in the backfield for Auburn on a fourth-and-short play.

Foster took the handoff, but he was stuffed by Troup’s defense, and Auburn had to turn it over on downs.

Troup didn’t do much on the first three plays of the ensuing possession, but on fourth down, Frazier got behind the defense and caught a 45-yard touchdown pass from Smith.

Smith, a sophomore, got the start and played the entire first half at quarterback.

In addition to the touchdown pass to Frazier, Smith completed a handful of passes to senior receiver Malcolm Tatum.

Kendall liked the way Smith and everyone hung in there after the difficult start.

After Auburn’s two early touchdowns, Kendall said “our guys didn’t roll off the field with their heads down. We just came back and battled back and had some opportunities and scored, and we also had an opportunity down here with a fourth-and-short situation.”

Troup now turns its attention to next week’s season opener against Redan on Aug. 31.

“I thought there were some good things we did, and there were also some things we’re going to look at and see where we can improve,” Kendall said.