University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Football Enjoys First Scrimmage Under the Lights
8/15/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
HATTIESBURG, Miss. - The Southern Miss football team completed a busy Saturday with a scrimmage under the lights here at Carlisle-Faulkner Field at M.M. Roberts Stadium.
Earlier in the day, the Golden Eagles played host to their annual media day festivities before attending the 20th annual Eagle Fanfare later in the afternoon at the Lake Terrace Convention center.
The team then completed its long day with a 110-play scrimmage. Drives were started at various yard lines and series were allowed to play out until the offensive team scored or had to punt.
Golden Eagle quarterbacks, juniors Nick Mullens and Tyler Matthews, both enjoyed solid evenings as the duo each registered a touchdown pass while not tossing an interception. Mullens converted his score on a 15-yard pass to Jay'Shawn Washington, while Matthews hit a wide open Mike Thomas on a 39-yard strike.
The senior wide receiver led the Golden Eagles with three catches for 64 yards.
Another senior, running back Jalen Richard, enjoyed a strong season debut with a few punishing rushes that included one for a scrimmage-high 34 yards. Senior transfer Justice Hayes tallied a rushing score on a goal line drive from three-yards away on one of his six rushes.
On defense, Xavier Thigpen compiled a pair of sacks while Jeremy Sangster collected one as well.
Redshirt freshman Parker Shaunfield, who looks to replace three-year starter Corey Acosta at place kicker, enjoyed a solid evening in the field goal department, by converting all four of his tries from 24, 32, 42 and 51 yards. Stephen Brauchle also notched one of two tried, hitting a 32-yard attempt.
The Golden Eagles will take Sunday off, before returning to the practice fields Monday morning at 9:30 a.m.
