Saturday, August 25, 2007

Defense shines in MSU Bears final scrimmage


MSU Sports Information

Bears defense looked solid in final preseason tune-up.

BALTIMORE, Md. -- The Morgan State Bears football team held their final scrimmage of the preseason Thursday evening at Hughes Stadium. The team worked for a little under two hours and the offense ran a total of 72 plays.

Junior quarterback Mario Melton connected with sophomore wideout Edwin Baptiste in the back corner of the end zone for the Bears only score on the night. Melton completed 14-of-18 passes for 84 yards, while sophomore running back Devan James recorded 10 carries for 25 yards. All-MEAC running back Chad Simpson was relegated to watching the scrimmage from the sideline as a result of the coaching staff wanting him fresh for the Bears season-opener next Thursday night.

Senior linebacker Lamar West finished the night with a game-high six tackles, a sack and forced a fumble. Dakota Bracey recorded the only interception of the night and the defense came away with four sacks to help dominate the offense in the controlled scrimmage.

Morgan State will open the 2007 season when it takes to the gridiron to host non-conference opponent Savannah State. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at Hughes Stadium.


NOTES

• The Bears held their last scrimmage of the preseason Thursday evening, working for a little under two hours; the offense ran a total of 72 plays

• There was no tackling of the quarterback in the controlled scrimmage

• Redshirt sophomore Gary Albury continues to impress the coaching staff from his safety position

• Defensive back Chris Williams had a solid showing and finished with five tackles

• Roderick Wolfe recorded two receptions for 11 yards in limited minutes; Edwin Baptiste led all receivers with four catches for 29 yards and a TD, while Terrell White finished with three catches for 29 yards

• Mario Melton finished 14-for-18 for 84 yards including a 15 yard TD pass to Baptiste, while Byron Selby completed 5-for-12 passes for 22 yards

• Junior Johnathan Skeete connected on 1-of-2 field goals, he nailed a 26 yarder and was wide on a kick from 37 yards out

• Senior cornerback Dakota Bracey collected an interception off of an errant throw by Melton

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