University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Holds First Big Scrimmage
8/14/2006 12:00:00 AM | Football
Aug. 14, 2006
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team held its first big preseason scrimmage tonight, with a two-hour, controlled game in M.M. Roberts Stadium.
"We were sloppy on offense," Head Coach Jeff Bower said. "It wasn't good and I didn't like what I saw. We were without two starters on the offensive line and it showed. We had no communication. We had some mental errors. Our inexperience really showed. I don't think we were sharp doing much of anything. We were inconsistent throwing the ball and catching the ball. We did have some big plays. I thought Ed Morgan made a few big plays and Damion Carter had a big play. A few of our running backs did some good things, including Damion Fletcher again. C.J. Barrows had a few nice plays, along with Conrad Chanove as always.
"Overall, it wasn't a good day. We did have a good day defensively, with the exception of giving up the big play. There were a lot of penalties, including way too many on offense."
But Bower said there's no reason for panic.
"I looked at my notes from last year and we're in about the same place," Bower said. "We've got to have continuity in personnel. We didn't know Chris Clark wouldn't be able to go, he injured an ankle. It wasn't a lack of effort. There will be a lot of good teaching from this tape."
Redshirt junior Jeremy Young led the quarterbacks, completing 6-11 passes for 88 yards, including three touchdowns and two interceptions. Young had a long pass of 38 yards, which went for a touchdown to senior Damion Carter. Redshirt junior Stephen Reaves finished 2-11 for 22 yards, including a long pass of 12 yards. Redshirt sophomore Todd Wilson completed 3-4 passes for 17 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown to Torris McGee.
Freshman Damion Fletcher finished with eight carries for 45 yards, including a long run of 12. Redshirt freshman Reggie Scott had eight carries for 56 yards, including a long run of 36. Redshirt junior Larry Thomas finished with eight rushing yards on seven carries, including a long run of five yards. Redshirt junior Conrad Chanove had four carries for 20 yards, including a long run of six yards. Young also had 21 rushing yards on seven carries, including a two-yard touchdown run.
Carter finished with two catches for 37 yards, including a 38-yard touchdown. Sophomore Ed Morgan also caught a 42-yard touchdown. Senior Anthony Perine caught two passes for 22 yards, including a long of 12 yards. McGee had two receptions for 12 yards, including a seven-yard touchdown. Redshirt sophomore Shawn Nelson also had a five-yard touchdown.
Defensively, 12 players combined to record 14 sacks.
Redshirt sophomore Lance Moore led the defense with five total tackles, including two tackles for loss. Redshirt freshman Mam Nyang finished with four tackles for loss, including two sacks. Redshirt sophomore Ladarius Webb finished with four tackles and an interception. Redshirt junior Marcus Raines finished with three tackles, including one and a half tackles for loss. Redshirt junior Jerome Lyons finished with four tackles, including a sack. Sophomore Tokumbo Abanikanda finished with three and a half tackles, including a tackle for loss. Redshirt freshman Eddie Hicks finished with three tackles and an interception, while redshirt junior Ryan Watson finished with three tackles. Redshirt junior Robert Henderson finished with three total tackles, including a sack, while redshirt senior Matthew Chatelain also added a sack. Senior Caleb Hendrix finished with three total tackles, including one for a loss, and an interception.
Senior Darren McCaleb connected on a 48-yard field goal, while redshirt sophomore Britt Barefoot finished with two punts for 99 yards, including a long of 52 yards. Junior Brett Hicks also punted twice for 91 yards, including a long of 47 yards.
The team returns to the practice field at 3:30 Tuesday afternoon.
Fans that were unable to attend Saturday's FanFare at the Payne Center will have an opportunity to 'Meet The Eagles' on Saturday, August 19 from Noon until 1 p.m., following the team's practice in M.M. Roberts Stadium. This event is free of charge and players and the coaching staff will be available for autographs and pictures. Fans are asked to enter the stadium through Gate 8 or Gate 6 (north east & south east corners of M.M. Roberts Stadium).
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.
Southern Miss opens the season on Sept. 2, with a 5 p.m., contest at Florida.
