STATESBORO - Highlighted by four rushing touchdowns from the offense, the Georgia Southern football team completed its first scrimmage of the 2019 fall camp Saturday morning at Allen E. Paulson Stadium in an 80-play live practice, playing out a variety of game-type situations. 

The Eagles went through 11 phases of the scrimmage that included live offense and defense, as well as a more relaxed simulation of special teams ahead of their Aug. 31 opener at LSU.  

Quarterback Shai Werts was a heavy point of interest after having his misdemeanor cocaine possession charge dropped by Saluda County, South Carolina Thursday. The junior from Clinton, South Carolina, says he is just happy to move forward.    

"The whole situation has been more frustrating than anything because I knew I didn't do anything wrong other than speeding," said Werts. "I stayed quiet and trusted my teammates because I knew that the truth would eventually come out. I really appreciate all the support I had from Eagle Nation and I'm glad it's finally over." 

Werts didn't see tons of action on the day due to a heavy rotation of athletes but did find the end zone once on a six-yard run.   

"It felt good to get back out there today and scrimmage," Werts said. "Even though, as a quarterback, I didn't go full contact, it was still good to see some of those young backs do their thing. I'm excited for what we've got here."

Head coach Chad Lunsford also said he is glad that the team has one less distraction to worry about and that he's impressed at the support of everyone involved. 

"I'm very proud of the way Shai handled this situation. I'm also very proud of our team and the administration," said Lunsford. "It was a team effort, and everybody was on the same page. Adversity is always about how you react and respond, and in my opinion, he came out with flying colors." 

A very notable athlete on display during the scrimmage was the efforts of freshman slot receiver Khaleb Hood. The McDonough product pulled in three receptions for 55 of the team's 95 total yards through the air.

"I'm very thankful for the opportunity to be here and be in a position to contribute," said Hood. "This team is a family and without them, I wouldn't be able to do anything. I didn't know what to expect when I first got here but when I did, it just felt like home. Everybody welcomed me with open arms and I'm very happy to be here." 

Coach Lunsford also said he admired the professionalism and work ethic of his team. 

"I was very happy with our first scrimmage. I like how they came out and treated it almost like a game day and were very locked-in," said Lunsford. "They really came out and worked on all levels."

The Eagles take Sunday off, enjoying church service and a team movie outing before going back to work on Monday at 8:30 a.m. on the banks of Beautiful Eagle Creek. 

Other Notable Stats:
Shai Werts: 8 carries, 15 yards, TD (6-yd run)
Gerald Green: 15 carries, 48 yards, 2 TD (19 and 2 yds)
J.D. King: 4 carries, 42 yards
AJ Brown: 5 carries, 34 yards

Justin Tomlin: 5-6 passing, 62 yards

Khaleb Hood: 32 yards rushing, 55 yards receiving

Tyler Bass: 4-4 on FGs, long of 48 on last play of scrimmage

Anthony Beck II: 40.5 avg on four punts

Total Offense:
219 rushing, 95 passing
314 total

Scoring Plays
Gerald Green - 19-yard run
Shai Werts - 6-yard run
Jaalon Frazier - 6-yard run
Gerald Green - 2-yard run

Sacks: Raymond Johnson III
Forced Fumble: C.J. Wright
Fumble Recovery: Tra Cofield