Spring Football Practice #11
3/27/2009 4:02:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. ? Georgia Southern Football battled the wind and a steady rain during Friday afternoon's (March 27) scrimmage. This was the first afternoon practice the Eagles went through, and is the only scheduled one until the Blue-White game.
Nearly 100 fans braved the elements and watched the scrimmage. According to head coach Chris Hatcher, he was a little concerned about the weather heading in, and overall liked what he saw on both sides of the ball.
“I was concerned with the weather. I thought we were going to come out for 30 minutes of good work and then have to call it a day and waste a day of practice. We got about the number of plays we wanted, I think we ran close to 100. Overall it was a good day. We saw some bright spots and also many areas that need improvement,” said the third-year head coach. “I thought we had some good plays on both sides of the ball. I think our first team defense really came out strong and our second team offense really looked good. We looked a little bit better offensively in the red zone than the last time we were down there. That's a positive for the offense and a negative for the defense. I think we are coming along nicely. We'll have a few more good practices before the spring game.”
During the scrimmage, quarterback Lee Chapple completed nearly 67 percent of his passes and threw two touchdowns inside the red zone. Kyle Collins completed his first seven pass attempts, and 60 percent overall. The junior threw four scoring strikes, including an impressive 31-yard strike to Jonathan Bryant and two redzone scores to Garryon Taylor. Billy Lowe completed 5-of-7 passes and ran for a four-yard touchdown.
Taylor would catch five passes as did running back Lamar Brown, who also added a 1-yard scoring plunge. Tobi Akinniranye caught eight passes out of the backfield, including a 4-yard TD. Chapple found Tyler Sumner on a 1-yard TD pass on 4th-and-goal. Freshman Darreion Robinson ran for a score and caught a Chapple pass for a touchdown.
Defensively, Carson Hill and Derek Heyden recorded an interception and the unit came up with a fumble recovery.
Tackles (unofficial totals): A.J. McCray, 4; Darrel Pasco, 4; Larry Murphy, 3; Calvin West, 3; J.B. Shippy, 3; Tavaris Williams, 3. Interceptions: Carson Hill, Derek Heyden. Sacks: Brent Gordon, David Lewis, Brad Chahoy, Cornelius Barham, Markeith Wylie, Charwel Brown.
When doing a quick evaluation of the scrimmage, Hatcher pointed out some positives.
“I thought the defensive line played really well. I saw some good plays out of Kyle Collins. (Lee) Chapple played well down in the red zone area and (Nick) Kyles made some good catches so that was good to see,” said Hatcher. “Normally in the spring the offense early on in the first week has its way. As spring goes on the defense really clamps down. I think it was a little of that and it was a little bit of poor execution. We got to get better at the wide receiver position no doubt about that. We've got to find the right combination.”
The team will take the next three days off and return for the final week of spring drills on Tuesday (March 31).
BLUE-WHITE GAME ON THE RADIO: The Georgia Southern Radio Network announced that the 2009 Blue-White Game will be broadcast live on Eagle 102.9 FM, WPMX-FM in Statesboro, and online at www.GeorgiaSouthernEagles.com.
The crew of Chris Blair, Terry Harvin and Ryan Chambers will call the game. The broadcast will begin at 12:30 p.m. with ?Countdown to Kickoff with Head Coach Chris Hatcher'. During this year's broadcast, the crew will talk with Coach Hatcher throughout the game with his comments and the normal post-game interview.
“We are excited to carry the Blue-White game again. I know our fans are looking forward to the 2009 season and we're looking forward to the opportunity to help build that excitement. I want to thank head coach Chris Hatcher for his cooperation and our sponsors that help make these broadcasts happen,” said Blair.
EFAA REVERSE RAFFLE SET FOR APRIL 4th: The Eagle Football Assistance Association (EFAA) will sponsor a $10,000 Reverse Raffle, to be held on Saturday, April 4th at the Gene Bishop Field House. Tickets cost $100 each, and allow the purchaser and a guest to attend.
The ticket price includes: food, drink, live entertainment and chance to socialize with the Georgia Southern Football coaching staff (head coach Chris Hatcher and his assistants) and former players.
There will also be a live and silent auction of great memorabilia, game day experience packages, hunting and fishing trips with former players, and much more. You need not be present to win the grand prize.
For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation at (912) 478-5520.
2009 SPRING PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
Tuesday, March 31
Thursday, April 2
Friday, April 3
Saturday, April 4 ? Annual Blue-White Game, 1 p.m.
