Billy Smith found out in a hurry what varsity game day is all about when he arrived for work Friday at Vintage High School.

The Crushers’ first-year head football coach was on the run the entire day, handling everything from equipment duties to passing out uniforms to taping players. He was also processing last-minute medical eligibility forms.

“It’s been very nerve-racking,” Smith said. “But it’s a good anxiety, a good nervousness. It lets me know that I love to compete. I think it helps you and I think it helps the kids see that we’re just as excited as they are.

“We’re going to go through some learning curves, ups and downs with these kids. We’re learning just as much as they are.”

Smith finally got to see his players in a game-like situation, as Vintage scrimmaged Washington-Fremont and Justin-Siena under the lights at Napa Memorial Stadium last night.

The Crushers didn’t let their coach down, as Derek Long caught a touchdown pass from Sean Ryan and Levi Pruett scored on a short run to lead the team’s offense against Washington.

Ryan was very impressive, whether it was standing in the pocket and being pressured or throwing on the run in the 15-minute session with the first offense. Offensive coordinator Justin Nunley called the plays and had a number of skill position players involved in the attack. Besides Ryan, Long and Pruett, the Crushers got big plays from Taylor Simone and Trevor McLaughlin.

“We had a couple of breakdowns, and that’s going to happen,” said Smith. “We made some plays. A lot of these kids are getting their first taste of varsity football. They’re handling themselves well. I’m very proud of them right now. They did fine, they held their own.”

Ryan ran the spread offense well and displayed solid leadership.

“Sean took a few hits, and that was on a couple of our breakdowns,” said Smith. “The good thing is he got back up. We’ve protected him all through the practices and he bounced up. That’s how he is.

“He has good command of the offense. He knows his reads. A lot of people are putting pressure on him and he’s handling himself well.”

The Crushers’ defense gave up two touchdowns.

“I thought we played pretty well,” said Dylan Leach, the team’s defensive coordinator. “We got to the ball well. We were getting off blocks.”