Both Sides of the Ball See Bright Spots in Second Georgia Southern Scrimmage
8/17/2019 12:15:00 PM | Football
Four touchdowns, four sacks highlight the day
STATESBORO - It was a day when both sides of the ball had bright spots as the Georgia Southern football squad held its second full scrimmage of the preseason Saturday at Allen E. Paulson Stadium. While the offense showed some explosiveness and big play ability in the red zone, it was the defense that was stout in the open field.
Justin Tomlin had a 65-yard run off the keeper that would have likely been a score in a real game, but a touch tackle was called well after the play ended. Shai Werts put the offense on the board officially a few drives later, running it in from 9 yards out to cap a drive that started at the +20. Later in the scrimmage, Matt LaRoche popped one up the middle for a 17-yard score and on the next play, Gerald Green went 20 yards for the score on drives that both started at the +20.
On a drive that started on the +6, Tomlin scored for 4 yards out to cap the scoring.
Tyler Bass added field goals of 35 and 39 yards and Bryce Christensen chipped a 21-yarder through.
Outside of the red zone, the Eagle defense was stout, picking up four sacks and a fumble. Justin Ellis, Traver Vliem, Chris Harris Jr. and Quin Williams each had a sack while C.J. Wright forced a fumble for the second straight scrimmage, this one recovered by Alvin Ward Jr.
Scoring:
Werts 9 run (Bass kick)
FG Bass 35
FG Bass 39
LaRoche 17 run (Christensen kick)
Green 20 run (Christensen kick)
FG Christensen 21
Tomlin 4 run (Christensen kick)
Key Stats
Werts: 5-9 passing, 33 yards; rushing TD
Green: 57 yards rushing; rushing TD
LaRoche: 28 yards rushing, rushing TD
Wright: 24 yards rushing
Kennedy III: 23 yards rushing; 12 yards receiving
Cunningham: 21 yards rushing
Tarver: 17 yards receiving
The team will have a light special teams practice on Sunday and will have the day off for the first day of classes on Monday before returning to full practice Tuesday afternoon. The Eagles open the season in two weeks, on Aug. 31, at LSU.
Following the scrimmage, new University President Dr. Kyle Marrero held his first President's Kick-Off with the Southern Pride Marching Band and the cheerleaders as he taught the new students on campus and fans the cheers and traditions of Georgia Southern. The players and head coach Lunsford then held an autograph session on the field for the hundreds in attendance as the Eagles help celebrate the start of a new season.
Date (Time, Location)
Sun., Aug. 18 closed practice
Mon., Aug. 19 No Practice (First Day of Classes)
Tues., Aug. 20 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 21 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Thurs., Aug. 22 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 23 (6-7:30 PM, Memorial Stadium - Savannah; Savannah Fan Fest)
Sat., Aug. 24 No Practice
Justin Tomlin had a 65-yard run off the keeper that would have likely been a score in a real game, but a touch tackle was called well after the play ended. Shai Werts put the offense on the board officially a few drives later, running it in from 9 yards out to cap a drive that started at the +20. Later in the scrimmage, Matt LaRoche popped one up the middle for a 17-yard score and on the next play, Gerald Green went 20 yards for the score on drives that both started at the +20.
On a drive that started on the +6, Tomlin scored for 4 yards out to cap the scoring.
Tyler Bass added field goals of 35 and 39 yards and Bryce Christensen chipped a 21-yarder through.
Outside of the red zone, the Eagle defense was stout, picking up four sacks and a fumble. Justin Ellis, Traver Vliem, Chris Harris Jr. and Quin Williams each had a sack while C.J. Wright forced a fumble for the second straight scrimmage, this one recovered by Alvin Ward Jr.
Scoring:
Werts 9 run (Bass kick)
FG Bass 35
FG Bass 39
LaRoche 17 run (Christensen kick)
Green 20 run (Christensen kick)
FG Christensen 21
Tomlin 4 run (Christensen kick)
Key Stats
Werts: 5-9 passing, 33 yards; rushing TD
Green: 57 yards rushing; rushing TD
LaRoche: 28 yards rushing, rushing TD
Wright: 24 yards rushing
Kennedy III: 23 yards rushing; 12 yards receiving
Cunningham: 21 yards rushing
Tarver: 17 yards receiving
The team will have a light special teams practice on Sunday and will have the day off for the first day of classes on Monday before returning to full practice Tuesday afternoon. The Eagles open the season in two weeks, on Aug. 31, at LSU.
Following the scrimmage, new University President Dr. Kyle Marrero held his first President's Kick-Off with the Southern Pride Marching Band and the cheerleaders as he taught the new students on campus and fans the cheers and traditions of Georgia Southern. The players and head coach Lunsford then held an autograph session on the field for the hundreds in attendance as the Eagles help celebrate the start of a new season.
SAVANNAH PRACTICE
Georgia Southern will take a practice on the road as it heads to Savannah for a preseason practice. The Eagles will head east on I-16 and will practice at Memorial Stadium on Friday, Aug. 23 from 6-7:30 PM. Following the completion of the practice, the team will hold a fan fest with autographs, inflatables, entertainment and much more.
CLEAR BAG POLICY
In order to expedite entry and provide a safe environment for all patrons and participants, Georgia Southern Athletics has implemented a Clear Bag Policy for all ticketed sporting events, effective Aug. 1, 2017. Fans can find the complete policy as well as an FAQ section at GSEagles.com/ClearBag.
Date (Time, Location)
Sun., Aug. 18 closed practice
Mon., Aug. 19 No Practice (First Day of Classes)
Tues., Aug. 20 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Wed., Aug. 21 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Thurs., Aug. 22 (4:50-6:30 PM; Paulson)
Fri., Aug. 23 (6-7:30 PM, Memorial Stadium - Savannah; Savannah Fan Fest)
Sat., Aug. 24 No Practice
Players Mentioned
PK
/ Football
P
/ Football
DE
/ Football
RB
/ Football
ILB
/ Football
RB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
DE
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
QB
/ Football
OLB
/ Football
NT
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