Defense Dominates In Shaw Scrimmage

RALEIGH, North Carolina — The defense dominated in Shaw's final preseason scrimmage held Saturday afternoon at Chavis Park.  The offense managed only one touchdown, while the defense had two key interceptions, a fumble recovery in the end zone, and numerous sacks.

 

The performance today shows marked improvement from last week's scrimmage - when the offense ran over the defense.

 

"We got more guys back on defense," head coach Robert Massey said of the change.  "We had some guys back (from injury) that didn't play last week.  We got the beef back, so we were able to shut down the run.  We're competitive on the back end against the pass."

 

The defense set the tone early, when Chris Ellerbe intercepted a pass in the red zone.  On the next play, after the offense had reset, Terrance Evans recovered a fumble in the end zone.

 

Massey was not overly concerned about the offensive performance.  "We know the offense is potent.  We had some guys who weren't here or were limited today."

 

Quinshon Odom started the scrimmage under center, but Massey says that the battle to replace Shaw passing record holder James Stallons isn't over.  "If we were to play tomorrow, Quinshon Odom would be our starter, but we don't play tomorrow.  We have two weeks to figure this quarterback situation out."

 

Trevious Folston, who was injured in a car accident on his way to camp and only started practicing this week, is the top challenger for the spot, according to Massey.

 

But it was William Joyner who led the Bear offense to their only score of the afternoon, connecting with Raheem Richardson for a pass of over 30 yards and the score.

 

Early in the contest, the Bears seemed to favor the passing game - with last year's leading rusher Marquise Grizzle playing only a few snaps because of lingering injuries.  As the afternoon progressed, the offense turned more to the running game.

 

" We're not going to throw the ball 50 times like we did last year," said Massey.  "We've got a veteran offensive line and a good running back corps, so we're going to mix it up."

 

Massey, who also serves as the team's defensive coordinator, said the contest showed the strength of the Bears.  "We're strongest in the defensive backfield.  That showed today.  We're going to cause a lot of problems for people."

 

Shaw opens the 2013 football season with a home contest against Charleston (WV) on Saturday, September 7 at 1:00 p.m. at the Durham County Memorial Stadium.  Both single game and season tickets are on sale now.

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