Eagles Conclude Week Three of Practice
8/22/2009 1:29:00 AM | Football
Less than 20 minutes into practice lightning was spotted which forced the team to the Herring Pavilion. Following a 30-minute delay the Eagles returned to the field and ran through a controlled scrimmaged for nearly two hours, starting with the ball on the 40, then 25 and finally inside the redzone. The Eagles did not punt in the scrimmage or kick extra points.
The defense stifled the offense early, forcing a couple of 3-and-outs. Russell DeMasi drove the third team offense down the field and capped the drive with a 10-yard touchdown pass to Lamar Brown. Lee Chapple and Tyler Sumner connected on an impressive throw and catch on third down to move the chains.
Kyle Collins ran the second team and looked good throwing the ball. The junior connected with Mitchell Williford on a 17-yard TD and hit Nico Hickey on passes of 15 and 60 yards for a score. When starting on the defense's 25-yard line, Collins connected with Garryon Taylor and Jamere Valentine on 25-yard scoring strikes.
"Kyle played very well this camp. Actually today he was a little off on some plays he's normally on, but he's had a really good camp. (Lee) Chapple is our number one guy and Kyle is our number two but he's closing that gap quickly," said head coach Chris Hatcher.
Adam Urbano scored on a 6-yard run on fourth down, Darreion Robinson scored from seven yards out and Zeke Rozier recorded a 4-yard touchdown run on fourth down. However, the defense forced a couple of fumbles, one coming after a hit by defensive back John Stevenson and another when Hudson Presume recovered a loose ball. Hatcher is still trying to find the right combination out of the backfield.
"Right now we need to find some running backs that will hang onto the football, step up and be able to pick up the blitz. Offensively that's probably right now the biggest question mark we have is who is going to line up in that running back position. I like to throw the football but it would be a long season if we have to go out there and throw it 70 times a game and not having a running game. We've got to have somebody step up there and that's probably the most disappointing thing from today."
Sophomore linebacker Tavaris Williams recorded two sacks on the day, one a third down stop and another was in the endzone for a safety. Fellow sophomore Dion DuBose also made two big sacks helping the defense record 11 3-and-outs on the day, five coming off a pass break-up, sack or fumble. Safety Derek Heyden nearly came up with an interception at the goal line.
MORA NAMED PRESEASON ALL-AMERICA: Sophomore kicker Adrian Mora earned another accolade Friday when he was named Preseason Honorable Mention All-America by College Sporting News. Mora finished with a team-leading 61 points last year in just eight games, converting 31-of-31 extra points and 10-of-12 field goals. He kicked at least one field goal in every game played. Last month he was named Preseason First Team All-Southern Conference.
LITTLE EAGLES CAMP ON SATURDAY: Georgia Southern is also preparing for the annual Little Eagles Camp, followed by Meet the Eagles on Saturday (Aug. 22). Kids can sign up from 9-9:45 a.m. with the camp running until 11. Fans can get pictures and autographs with the players and coaches, starting at 11.
STUDENT TICKETS FOR UNC, APP STATE ON SALE: A limited number of tickets for two Georgia Southern road football games are currently available for purchase by Georgia Southern students. Tickets for the October 10th game at North Carolina and October 24th game at Appalachian State are on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office on Lanier Drive weekdays 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Students may purchase up to two UNC tickets per Georgia Southern student ID card at $50 per ticket. Only one ticket per Georgia Southern student ID card is allowed for the Appalachian State game. Each ticket for the game against the Mountaineers is $27.
Tickets will be sold until the inventory is depleted or through Monday, August 31st. VISA and Mastercard, as well as cash, are accepted as payment for ticket purchases. Personal checks will not be accepted. For more information, call (912) 478-9467 or 1-800-GSU-WINS.
