Lehigh holds final scrimmage.

[ngineer]

Lehigh held it's final scrimmage tonight under the lights at the John Whitehead Practice Fields. Both offense and defense showed good speed. This may be one of the quickest Lehigh teams in years. The O-line while not as big in prior years, on average, continues to gel, but work still needs to be done. Borda had some beautiful deep throws, but just missed connecting on two bombs by inches. Kaloma Cardwell and Royce Morgan--both key defensive stars who went down last year looked very good and quick. Paul Fabre continues to impress with his work at DE. Soph. Rich Forman showed great quickness giving the team good depth at running back, behind Rath and Thompson. Josh Mann continued to boom 40+yard punts
Lembo spent more than half the time looking at the two and three deep teams, as the staff continues evaluation of the backups. Some freshman continue to make impressions. Jason Leo showed a very strong leg, though Jr. Musiek appears to have the starting position as he connected on a nice 42 yarder. DL Jon Warren had the hit of night, and local product Pete Donchez of Bethlehem Catholic had several nice catches.
A few players got 'dinged' during the game and it is unknown how serious the injuries were, but one of the big pluses of this camp has been the lack of serious injuries...so far.

[Lehigh Football Nation]

I've noticed Donchez as well. Think he's in the mix at wideout? Trouble is it's such a deep, crowded position right now. His height really helps him though - isn't he 6'4?

Think there is a chance that Leo could be the kickoff specialist this year, and Musiek will be kicking on FG/XP? Watching that battle, that's what I keep thinking.

Hope that line does gel. I'm hoping that that's more of a reflection of our tough defensive front than a weak "O" line.

[Go Lehigh TU owl]

It seems weird to have gone through an entire offseason with no controversy or even real concerns after the last 3 years. The OL i believe will be fine. They return a number of guys who have played in real game situations and know what they they'll face next Saturday. As long as they're better than the '03 group, remember the inept rushing attack in key games, the skill players are good enough to take care of the rest. I'm soo pumped for next Saturday.

Here's a good link to what some of the Monmouth fans think about the game. One seems to think it would be an upset of Lehigh wins.

Mid major board (http://www.donhansen.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=1)

[ngineer]

Donchez has shown good ability. Your're right interms of depth that it is unlikely he'll see much action this year. Hopefully we get a couple blowouts where he does get to play some.
I expect to see Musiek for all fg's from 40-45 on in. Should we need to try a real long one, then they'd give Leo a shot. It's Musiek's job to lose at this pt. plus, Leo seemed to pull a muscle in the scrimmage so they're not going to rush him.
Observations on the o-line having some difficulty because of our good d-line is valid. but then, we'll be facing some good d-lines.
I'll check in later today with the Morning Call's view of things. The big Football Supplement came with today's paper. Playing the political fence, one writer picks Lehigh, the other Lafayette.

[ngineer]

I forgot to add that Lehigh has found some needed depth at TB. While Rath is the #1, and Thompson the 'change up' #2, a fierce battle has occured for #3 between McGowan (the Richmond transfer) and Capacia from Rochester, Michigan. Capacia ripped off several nice gallops during Saturday night's scrimmage. Very quick acceleration with good leg drive. With Rath and Thompson on the 'smallish' side and a history of injuries, this new depth bodes well.