NORMAL, Alabama -- The Bulldogs offense scored three times in its first four possessions in the first scrimmage of the fall season Saturday.
However, the maroon defense picked off three passes later in the action and also forced the offense to punt four times.
"I could not be more pleased than the way we came out here and competed," Head Coach James Spady said. "When you get a chance to go full speed - run, hit, tackle ... they're ready to compete."
In assessing the scrimmage, Spady called it "a draw."
"It'd be my druthers if we fight to a draw," he said. "So, we fought to a draw today so I'm happy."
PHOTO GALLERY
Senior De'Angelo Ballard led all three early scoring drives, which included a 73-yard catch and run touchdown pass to Jonathan Dorsey, a 69-yard run by Jordan Bentley and a 49-yard field goal from Nick Carden.
"Right now, Tuttie (Ballard) is our leader in the clubhouse," Spady said. "We're looking for him to be the coach on the field ... we've still got some work to do for him.
"The race is for No. 2 ... we've got a bunch of guys to choose from, which is a good problem to have."
One of the backups, freshman Dylan Smith hit Tevin McKenzie for a 23-yard touchdown pass late in the scrimmage.
A couple of freshman running backs also caught Spady's eye.
"Joseph Burke and Jordan Bentley stepped up," he said. Burke had several carries where he broke tackles at the line of scrimmage while Bentley also caught a couple passes out of the backfield to go with his 69-yard run off tackle.
On the defensive side, several outstanding plays were made, including a pair of interceptions by freshman Reginald Paige and a pick by junior Dexter Reese.
Spady also cited linebacker Bryan Brower and defensive lineman Ryan Ducksworth for their play Saturday.
"Bryan Brower just continues to play hard," he said. "Ryan Ducksworth played really well ... he was impressive."
The Bulldogs have their final two-a-day practice of the season Monday with classes starting Thursday.
The season opener is Sept. 3 at Middle Tennessee State and the home opener is Sept. 17 when Prairie View A&M visits for the Louis Crews Classic.
For ticket information, visit aamutix.com or call 256-372-4700.
ALABAMA A&M UNIVERSITY ATHLETIC MEDIA RELATIONS
No comments:
Post a Comment