Eagles Make Some Improvements in Scrimmage
4/11/2010 2:23:00 AM | Football
STATESBORO, Ga. - During the second scrimmage of the spring, Georgia Southern's defense made life even more difficult for the offense. While the offense is learning the ins and outs of the option offense, it also had to contend with a defense that has a little more confidence in the execution of its new scheme. The Eagles showed improvement in effort on both sides of the ball, but the offense couldn't get into rhythm and created problems for itself with fumbles and less-than-precise execution.
The encouraging news about the offensive struggles is that the Georgia Southern defense is creating some of the disruption by making plays and stifling the attack. The defense found its way into the backfield several times with sacks by George Osunde (2), Terico Agnew and Willie Burden in addition to Eagle defenders both causing fumbles and recovering them. The offense managed three touchdowns over the course of the scrimmage, including two off runs by Zeke Rozier and Jawaun Luckey and a passing TD from A.J. McCray to Robert Kilcrease.
"I thought our defense did a good job," said Eagles Head Coach Jeff Monken. "They were physical, they were excited when they made some plays. I thought we had some guys flying around (and) playing hard over there on that side of the ball which was great to see. They created some turnovers and just did some good things, promising things. I think that's something to build on for the defense."
With three practices left, which includes the third and final scrimmage next Saturday (April 17th), also known as the Blue-White Spring Game, presented by Franklin Toyota, Monken is convinced the offense needs to continue to work on the base plays and get those perfected. Those basics, and the fundamentals, will occupy much of the offense's time next week.
"We really just tried to run the same things over and over, our base plays, and we'll probably do that Tuesday and Thursday so we're ready to go on Saturday," said Monken. "There's no secret that the inside veer is our play and if we can't run that play it's going to be tough for us to be successful running this offense. We still have enough assignment busts just on that play that it's hard for us to move on to other things."
The major difference in today's scrimmage was the coaches staying on the sideline, putting the Eagles "live" in the series without on-field guidance.
"I thought we improved," Monken said. "I think overall we were better this week than we were a week ago, but we weren't very good last week either. (We're taking) baby steps. I am disappointed we haven't advanced more, in terms of having a fuller menu of plays (on offense), but we have to keep it basic. We're better than we were on day one."
Over the course of the spring drills, Monken and the Georgia Southern coaching staff have preached the message of "taking care of the ball." While the offense had to adjust to changes by the defense on the fly, there were still issues with the exchange and fumbles.
"I was disappointed with how much the ball was on the ground," Monken said. "There were some good things, we, at times, ran the option well, gained some positive yards and got the ball pitched on the perimeter. There were other times with misreads and missed blocks inside, just not enough consistency. We've got to have some sustained drives. I'm not pleased yet, we got a long way to go."
The Eagles will not have practice on Monday and return to the practice fields on Tuesday, April 13 for their last day in full pads. On Thursday, the team will practice in jerseys and shorts for its last day of preparation before Saturday's spring game. Kickoff for the spring game is scheduled for 1 p.m. at Paulson Stadium. The Blue-White Spring Game, presented by Franklin Toyota, is one of several events planned during the April 16-18 weekend.
LITTLE EAGLES FOOTBALL CAMP
Prior to the Georgia Southern Eagle players taking the field for spring game, the "Little Eagles" will have their chance to learn what it takes to wear the blue and white. Children ages 4-12 will spend from 11 a.m. until noon at Paulson Stadium on Saturday, April 17th with coaches and players. A series of "combine drills" will be set up on the field and the "Little Eagles" can also learn how to run and throw the football, punt, and make a field goal. Admission is free, but all parents must register their children at Bishop Field House beginning at 10:30 a.m. For more information, call (912) 478-5377.
THIRD ANNUAL EFAA REVERSE RAFFLE
The Eagle Football Alumni Association (EFAA) sponsors the third annual $10,000 Reverse Raffle which will be held the night of the Blue-White Spring Game, Saturday, April 17th, from 7-11 p.m., at the Gene Bishop Field House. Reverse Raffle tickets can be purchased from the Georgia Southern Athletic Foundation for $100 each and each ticket covers food, beverages for the ticket purchaser and a guest. Live entertainment will be provided by the "Positions," a Savannah-area band with a playlist that includes mix of music from the 1960s through the 1990s and everything from Calypso and classic rock to Motown and R & B.
One of the highlights of the evening is the live auction featuring sports memorabilia, game day experience packages, hunting and fishing trips with former players, and many more unique items. A silent auction held during the first part of the event includes a variety of Georgia Southern and collegiate football items.
For more information about the event or to purchase tickets for the Reverse Raffle, contact the Georgia Southern University Athletic Foundation at (912) 478-5520.
