NSU Defense Starts Strong in Storm-Shortened First Scrimmage

NORFOLK, Virginia  --  The Norfolk State football team capped its first week of practices, and its first day of two-a-days, with a 50-play scrimmage Saturday night which was halted early due to inclement weather.

The Spartans' defense set the tone for the scrimmage early, registering two straight three-and-outs from the offense. The offense lost yards on four of its first six plays, including a trio of sacks from George Riddick, Kevin Williams, and a combined sack by Williams and Lamonte Clark. Marcus Center then thwarted the third possession of the scrimmage with an interception of Tyler Clark, one of four quarterbacks who saw action in the scrimmage.

The offense would get rolling, though, behind a couple of long completions by Omari Timmons. The offense reached the red zone for the first time as Timmons hit tight end James Lynch over the middle for a 35-yard gain, the longest play of the night. But the first-team defense stiffened, keeping the offense from the end zone.

Photo Gallery

 On the next drive, Aaron Daniels carried for nine yards on first down, and a personal foul penalty against the defense moved the ball past midfield. Timmons then hit Wilonte' Roscoe for 25 yards. But again, offense couldn't get another first down as the defense forced a change of possession.

Shortly thereafter, the scrimmage took a break for special teams practice. The second half of the scrimmage started with the offense putting together its longest drive of the night, highlighted by a 16-yard run by Rolandan Finch. The drive stalled inside the defense's 30-yard line with Darrin Marrow intercepting Clark on a third down play.

The offense finally broke through on the next series. Sophomore quarterback Kevin Green was 2-of-2 for 36 yards on the drive. He completed passes of 22 yards to Isaac White and 14 yards to Demetreus Ferebee. Daniels capped the march with a 1-yard TD run behind the left side of his line.

Eight plays later, the light rain that had been falling intensified and lightning could be seen in the sky, prompting head coach Pete Adrian to send his team to the locker room.

In all, the defense tallied three interceptions during the scrimmage, one each by Marrow, Center and Keenan Lambert. Finch (24 yards), Daniels (23) and Shakeem Copeland (20) all netted at least 20 yards rushing for the offense.

The Spartans have their first camp day with no practice on Sunday before resuming with two-a-days on Monday.

COURTESY NORFOLK STATE UNIVERSITY SPORTS INFORMATION