ngineer
August 24th, 2006, 11:21 PM
Following is report on Lehigh's website with photos. HC Coen cites a number of players who have caught his eye so far in camp. A number of Sophs and Frosh who have made good impressions. See www.lehighsports.com
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With the season opener just over a week away, Lehigh held its final preseason scrimmage earlier this week on the John C. Whitehead practice fields. The day was filled with a lot of evaluation from the coaching staff, hard hits from the players, and much excitement as the 2006 season nears closer. At the conclusion, first year head coach Andy Coen pointed out a few players that have caught his eye throughout preseason camp.
Lehigh worked on its kick off and punt coverage, along with both its pass offense and pass defense. Coen commented on the scrimmage. “You always have mixed emotions in events like this. On one hand, you’re excited if one side of the ball makes a nice play, but you’re torn because you know the other side could have done something better.” He continued, “We saw some good hitting today, as well as a few nice catches by our wide receivers. We’re progressing, but definitely have work to do before September 2.”
One of those wide receivers Coen was speaking of is sophomore Mike Fitzgerald, who caught three touchdown passes in the scrimmage. “Mike is really ready to take off. He had been out a few days with an injury (prior) to the scrimmage, but he came back in a big way. He’s very shifty with his moves and we’re looking forward to what he can do for us this season.”
On the other side of the ball, Coen has praised the defensive line throughout camp. Following the scrimmage, he singled out sophomore Brian Jackson as a player to watch. “Brian has been making plays; it’s as simple as that. He’s been given an opportunity here in the preseason and I think he’s made the most of it.”
Another defensive player Coen spoke of is freshman linebacker Matt Cohen, who has quickly made a name for himself. “Matt’s another guy that due to injuries has been given a chance to play here in camp and has just gotten a ton of reps. He’s hung in there and really done a nice job. He’s had a nice first few weeks of practice.”
The backfield figures to be one of Lehigh’s strengths in 2006, and Coen was quick to point out that that group of seniors Marques Thompson and Greg Fay, junior John Piacisk, and sophomores Matt McGowan, Josh Pastore and Adam Watson has been the most impressive of camp thus far. “We knew going in that this position would be strong, and these guys have lived up to that. With so much quality there, it makes for strong competition and should only help us during the season.”
The Mountain Hawks will now turn their attention towards Albany as they are in full “game week” mode. “Absolutely,” Coen said when asked if it is game week. “We’ll continue to go against one another, but the focus has shifted and we need to be getting better each day from this point forward.”
NOTES … Lehigh will hold its annual Alumni Steak Fry on Sunday at the conclusion of camp … as usual, the team will be off on Monday when classes start up to give the student-athletes a chance to get acclimated with school, as well as rest up for the week’s coming game … The weather continues to play in Lehigh’s favor as temperatures remained mild, but comfortable, and the rain stayed away … Sophomore Jason Leo looked strong in kick off duty, blasting the ball several yards out of the end zone on one attempt … Junior quarterback Sedale Threatt continues to settle into the new offense being installed by Coen and his staff. Threatt had several nice runs and a handful of touchdown passes on the afternoon
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BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With the season opener just over a week away, Lehigh held its final preseason scrimmage earlier this week on the John C. Whitehead practice fields. The day was filled with a lot of evaluation from the coaching staff, hard hits from the players, and much excitement as the 2006 season nears closer. At the conclusion, first year head coach Andy Coen pointed out a few players that have caught his eye throughout preseason camp.
Lehigh worked on its kick off and punt coverage, along with both its pass offense and pass defense. Coen commented on the scrimmage. “You always have mixed emotions in events like this. On one hand, you’re excited if one side of the ball makes a nice play, but you’re torn because you know the other side could have done something better.” He continued, “We saw some good hitting today, as well as a few nice catches by our wide receivers. We’re progressing, but definitely have work to do before September 2.”
One of those wide receivers Coen was speaking of is sophomore Mike Fitzgerald, who caught three touchdown passes in the scrimmage. “Mike is really ready to take off. He had been out a few days with an injury (prior) to the scrimmage, but he came back in a big way. He’s very shifty with his moves and we’re looking forward to what he can do for us this season.”
On the other side of the ball, Coen has praised the defensive line throughout camp. Following the scrimmage, he singled out sophomore Brian Jackson as a player to watch. “Brian has been making plays; it’s as simple as that. He’s been given an opportunity here in the preseason and I think he’s made the most of it.”
Another defensive player Coen spoke of is freshman linebacker Matt Cohen, who has quickly made a name for himself. “Matt’s another guy that due to injuries has been given a chance to play here in camp and has just gotten a ton of reps. He’s hung in there and really done a nice job. He’s had a nice first few weeks of practice.”
The backfield figures to be one of Lehigh’s strengths in 2006, and Coen was quick to point out that that group of seniors Marques Thompson and Greg Fay, junior John Piacisk, and sophomores Matt McGowan, Josh Pastore and Adam Watson has been the most impressive of camp thus far. “We knew going in that this position would be strong, and these guys have lived up to that. With so much quality there, it makes for strong competition and should only help us during the season.”
The Mountain Hawks will now turn their attention towards Albany as they are in full “game week” mode. “Absolutely,” Coen said when asked if it is game week. “We’ll continue to go against one another, but the focus has shifted and we need to be getting better each day from this point forward.”
NOTES … Lehigh will hold its annual Alumni Steak Fry on Sunday at the conclusion of camp … as usual, the team will be off on Monday when classes start up to give the student-athletes a chance to get acclimated with school, as well as rest up for the week’s coming game … The weather continues to play in Lehigh’s favor as temperatures remained mild, but comfortable, and the rain stayed away … Sophomore Jason Leo looked strong in kick off duty, blasting the ball several yards out of the end zone on one attempt … Junior quarterback Sedale Threatt continues to settle into the new offense being installed by Coen and his staff. Threatt had several nice runs and a handful of touchdown passes on the afternoon
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