STATESBORO, Ga. - Sleepy gray clouds swept in during the afternoon and the Georgia Southern football team had a quick meeting, then started practice early to escape the advancing thunderstorms. With just minutes left in the final team session, the rain began to fall and Coach Monken called up the team and called it a day. Like the weather, the Eagles were a little sluggish on Thursday.

"We have had days where the offense, I thought, did a good job and days where the defense did a good job," said Georgia Southern coach Jeff Monken. "This is the first day we had where I really didn't think either side came out ready to practice and (they) kind of went through the motions. That was a little disappointing. Unfortunately, there are practices like that and you can't get them back. The greatest remorse is the missed opportunity to get better. So, it just forces us to turn the dial up and see if we can get more out of the next four practices that we've got."

Offense continued with the basics Thursday, with the coaches reinforcing the need for the Eagles to master the base plays before installing anything else new. On the defensive side, fundamentals were still emphasized, but a new front was added. Coach Monken acknowledged that there are still more question marks on offense than on the defense.

The Eagles will take to the field next on Saturday, April 10th at 9 a.m. at Paulson Stadium for the second scrimmage of the spring. Unlike last weekend's scrimmage, where the Eagle coaching staff stayed on the field during the plays and provided on-going and immediate feedback and instruction, this scrimmage will have more of a game-type format for the players. The scrimmage will have officials and chain gang personnel, and coaches will call the plays and the coverage from the sidelines. The offense and defense will rotate through the number-one, two and three groups and the team will run through the series without the benefit of the coaches behind them making on-field adjustments.

Saturday's scrimmage is open to the public.
 
CHEERLEADERS & PEP BAND FOR BLUE-WHITE GAME
Adding to the atmosphere of the spring game, the pep band, comprised of members of Southern Pride, the Georgia Southern marching band, will play some of its well-known and well-loved songs. The Eagle cheerleaders will also be at Paulson Stadium for the Blue-White Spring Game, presented by Franklin Toyota. The GSU Cheerleading teams will be greeting fans following the Little Eagles Football Camp. Kickoff for the spring game is set for 1 p.m.

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 17^th 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.

ROSTER UPDATE
Sophomores Dion DuBose and Christian Jordan traded positions with DuBose getting a tryout at defensive end and Jordan moving back to the linebacker position. K.R. Snipes moved to linebacker from defensive back. Offensive lineman Spencer Kelly decided to leave the team this week and defensive lineman Eric Grube was dismissed from the squad.