University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Light Scrimmage Highlights Today's Practice
8/11/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 11, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Golden Eagle football team concluded the eighth preseason practice with a 45-minute scrimmage in M.M. Roberts Stadium today.
"We had it planned," Head Coach Jeff Bower said. "We didn't go a long time. Our first-stringers went 25 snaps, but everyone got about the same number. We needed to do this. For the first time, there was some good and some bad. There's a long way to go."
Bower said the scrimmage was typical of a first-time, game-like situation.
"We were sloppy in our execution and communication," Bower said. "We were fighting the 25 second clock every single time. That's why you do these things."
Redshirt junior Stephen Reaves led all quarterbacks, completing 5-7 passes for 57 yards, including a long pass of 24 yards. Redshirt junior Jeremy Young completed 1-3 passes for 14 yards, while redshirt sophomore Todd Wilson completed 3-4 passes for 44 yards.
"Stephen had a good day," Bower said. "We had some errors there. I'll have a better feel after I watch the tape."
Freshman tight end Thomas Webb led all receivers with five catches for 66 yards, including a 19-yard catch. Webb also had 18 and 15-yard receptions. Redshirt sophomore tight end Shawn Nelson had two catches for 38.
"Webb had a big day," Bower said. "He was another bright spot."
Freshman Damion Fletcher had a running back best 11 carries for 53 yards. Redshirt junior Larry Thomas had four carries for 29 yards, while redshirt junior Conrad Chanove had five carries for 26 yards. Redshirt junior Cody Hull finished with seven carries for 25 yards, while Young had two runs for 17 yards.
"I thought Larry Thomas and Damion Fletcher ran the ball well," Bower said. "We had some good plays out of those guys. We've got to play Damion a lot these next two scrimmages."
Defensively, redshirt senior Howard Overby had three tackles, while redshirt junior Ken Griffith had three tackles and forced a fumble. Redshirt junior Jerome Lyons and redshirt junior James Denley each had two and a half tackles, while redshirt sophomore Ladarius Webb and redshirt senior Jasper Faulk each had two tackles.
Redshirt freshman Mam Nyang added a sack, while redshirt freshman Ty Ford and freshman James McDevitt also had sacks. Redshirt senior Matthew Chatelain and redshirt sophomore Eric Phillips each had tackles for loss.
Senior kicker Darren McCaleb had a 41-yard field goal.
The team returns to the practice field with a two-a-day practice on Saturday, with sessions at 7:30 a.m., and 3:55 p.m. On Monday, the team will hold its first big scrimmage, which will be closed to the public.
"Monday's scrimmage is a big one," Bower said. "We've got to make some decisions on who is going to play and who's not. There are a lot of decisions to be made on the defensive line, running back, wide receiver and linebacker. You could go down the line and say every position. We've got to figure out who wants to play and who will perform well. It will be a major scrimmage for us."
Season tickets are still now on sale. Additional information on tickets or Eagle Club membership is available by contacting the Southern Miss Ticket Office at 1-800-844-TICK, 601-266-5418, or online at www.SouthernMiss.com.
Fans are reminded that Hattiesburg Fanfare is set for Saturday at 6 p.m., at the Payne Center on campus. Fans will have the chance to meet all players and coaches.
Southern Miss opens the season on Sept. 2, with a 5 p.m., contest at Florida.
