Spring Practice Report #10
The Eagles started the day with offensive and defensive team drills and moved on to field goals and punt returns. Geared up in full pads, the Blue and White later held a full out scrimmage that saw big plays on both sides of the field.
“I think we came out and fought hard,” said head coach Chris Hatcher. “I was really pleased with our defense. It was by far their best performance of the spring. They ran to the ball, they tackled much better and they forced a lot of turnovers. So I was really pleased with the way they performed this morning.”
The defense showed their intensity in all positions forcing turnovers and making big stops. Interceptions by juniors Darrel Pasco (Clearwater/GMC, Countryside), Harland Bower (Edison, N.J./East Ridge) and Kemuel Spivey (Hawkinsville/Hawkinsville) were some of the highlights in the defensive the effort.
Hatcher was impressed with how the defense made big plays in key situations, transitioning into offensive attack.
“We stress forcing turnovers, getting the ball back in the offense’s hand,” said Hatcher. “We are starting to come on defense. We were very vanilla early on and we’re starting to add and add to what we’re doing. Offensively we still have a long ways to go. That group came out on fire early on in camp. We just have to continue to get better at our fundamentals and that is something that we are going to harp on next week.”
The Eagles showed some highlights on offense, attacking both in the air and on foot. Junior Ricky Ponton (Tampa, Fla./Hillsborough) rushed 50 yards for a touchdown. Redshirt Freshman Lee Chapple (Norcross/Greater Atlanta Christian) completed a pass to senior Michael McIntosh (Jacksonville, Fla./First Coast) for a 35-yard reception that set up Chapple’s one-yard score the following play.
The Eagles were able to muster a pair of touchdowns in red zone action, including a five-yard run up the left side by junior Craig Norman (Lincolnton/Lincoln County).
Coach Hatcher talked about the experience of the defensive unit and the strengths of this year’s squad.
“They know now what’s expected of them,” said Hatcher. “They’re starting to play more physical football and that’s something we didn’t do last season. We were not as physical as we needed to be and each day we’re making strives in the right direction as far as being physical is concerned.”
BLUE-WHITE GAME TO BE SPONSORED: This year's annual Blue-White game will be presented by the Georgia Neighborhood Ford Dealers. The game is scheduled for Saturday, April 12th at Paulson Stadium. Play-by-play voice Chris Blair and color analyst Terry Harvin will broadcast the game on Eagle 102.9 FM and via the internet at www.GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com. The radio show will begin 30 minutes before the 1 p.m. kickoff. Check with the Athletics Department website for all the latest details.
SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE
(dates/times subject to change... all times at 8 a.m. unless otherwise noted)
Monday, April 7 (shells)
Tuesday, April 8 (full)
Thursday, April 10 (full)
Friday, April 11 (shorts)
Saturday, April 12: Blue-White game presented by the Georgia Neighborhood Ford Dealers (1 p.m.)
..::: www.GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com :::..
- Category: Football
- Published on Friday, 04 April 2008 00:05
