RALEIGH, North Carolina -- The goal-line defense stood out during the Saint Augustine's University second preseason intra-squad football scrimmage at SAU Stadium on Saturday, August 24, 2013.The defense allowed no points and forced one turnover during simulated red zone situations. Linebacker Keyon Elam (Fr./Miami, Fla.) intercepted a deflected pass in the end zone for the defense.
"The defense did quite well," St. Aug Head Coach Michael Costa said. "If we can continue that during the year then we will have a pretty good season. As they say, offense wins games but defense wins championships, and we are trying to win a championship."
Elam's interception was one of several highlights by the defense. Defensive back Dominique Marsh (Jr./Norfolk, Va.) rocked a wide receiver with a nice, clean hit on a short pass and stopped two running plays for negative yards. Defensive back Brandon Taylor (Fr./Opelika, Ala.) intercepted a pass and defensive back Anthony Tucker recovered a fumble.
On offense, speedy wide receiver Jermaine Jones (Redshirt Sr./Wilmington, N.C.) turned two short passes into long gains including one for a 70-yard touchdown. Jones is the 2013 NCAA Division II Men's Outdoor Track Athlete of the Year. Wideout Brian Richards (Redshirt Sr./Waldorf, Md.) made a leaping catch over the middle and wide receiver Herman Reaves (Redshirt Jr./Miami, Fla.) held on to several passes despite taking tough hits after the reception. Running back JJShawn Pinkston (Redshirt Jr./Mooresville, N.C.) showcased his elusiveness while LeQuinton Williams (So./Cairo, Ga.) displayed his power.
The scrimmage featured game situations in which the ball was placed at the offense 20-yard line, the defense 20-yard line and midfield. The officials refereed the scrimmage which gave the players an idea of how games will be called under the new NCAA rules. Players will be automatically ejected for hitting defenseless players above the shoulders.
Costa says the scrimmage helps him and the assistant coaches prepare for the regular season. The Falcons visit Division I North Carolina Central University in Durham, N.C., on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 2 p.m.
"We were able to evaluate a lot of people," Costa said. "We took a good look at the players to see who can help us on offense, defense and special teams."
The Falcons are predicted to finish second in the CIAA Southern Division and third overall in the conference. They are shooting for their third winning season in four years.
COURTESY SAINTAUGUSTINE'S UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION
No comments:
Post a Comment