ngineer
April 22nd, 2006, 02:54 PM
The temperature was 45 degrees according to the message board in Goodman Stadium. The windchill, according to my computer was 37. The wind was averaging 10-15 mph and the rain began in earnest about a half hour into the scrimmage. The field, itself, looked remarkably good---the best I've seen it in a couple years. So in the midst of all this I braved the elements with about 150 other hardy souls to watch the White offense go up against the Brown defense.
Unfortunately, the elements did effect the play and a number of potential starters were held out due to some injuries that could have been aggravated on a day such as this.
The Captains for the team were announced at the beginning:Senior Safety Julian Austin, Senior Offensive Lineman John Reese, and Junior Quarterback Sedale Threatt.
In my middle age forgetfulness, I failed to take along gloves, so after an hour and a half and my fingers getting a nice pink I trundled back to the car. At that time, the defense was leading 28-24 using a modified scoring system wherein the D got 1 pt per drive stop;2 pts/sack; 2 pts for a '3 and out', 4pts for a turnover plus usual points for scoring. Offense got 1 pt for first down; 2 pts for a 'big play(20+yards);plus the usual scoring points.
As was expected, the defense was very mobile showing a new 3-4 alignment but with OLBs frequently on the line of scrimmage sometime rushing sometimes dropping. Matt Mohler, DE last year but OLB this year was impressive with a very athletic interception and Royce Morgan was his usual mobile self creating havoc in the backfield. AS happens at these games there was a couple players wearing numbers not contained in the program; however, #77 on the DL who some believed to be a rising Soph.Keith Johnson was very active.
On offense, Threatt appeared very in control, but there was no running by him for obvious reasons. The big questions were the wide outs. Most impressive was Bethlehem Catholic grad and local boy Pete Donchez making some nice catches including a beautiful grab over a defender for a touchdown. He has good size, 6'4", 210. Soph. Sekou Yansane started at the other wide out and had a couple catches including one in heavy traffic for a first down. He sort of reminds me of Pinkston of the Eagles in his build (6'1" 175) but seems to be able to take a hit and hold on. Mike Fitzgerald appears to be the current leader to take over punt return duties, though with the elements there were no real returns. Frank Travota, also of Bethlehem Catholic, did some catching of punts and also played some WR. Lee Thomas was held out with a sprained ankle.
IN the backfield, neither Greg Fay or Josh Pastore (hamstring) played due to injuries. Marques Thompson looked good and shifty at tailback as did backup Rich Forman. Most impressive, though, was Matt McGowan who transfered last year from Richmond. Very strong runner who showed some good drive on a couple third and fourth down short yardage runs getting first downs. The most impressive, though was a play where he appeared stopped for a loss in the backfield, yet somehow got out of the tackle--by of all people, Royce Morgan!
The secondary appeared to be cohesive and Austin came up with a couple knockdowns that should be been picks.
Coen said before the game he's been very pleased with the starters and the leadership they are showing. His main focus is determining what kind of depth he has.
Leo has both the PK an P duties. Had a couple shanks on punts, then followed them with some beauties. Also looked solid on the PK.
Interior Linebackers at the moment appear to be headed by Chris LaMont and Micah Greene. LaMont is very quick, but not very big at 215, so depending on the situation Greene,who goes 235 and is strong as an ox, will definitely be there against the run.
Current depth at QB behind Threat is Senior Mike Probst--who showed some decent mobility despite being considered a 'drop back' passer. It looked to me he's spent a lot of time on that aspect. Junior Kevin Marshall is #3 who has a strong arm and good size.
My wife thought I was insane for going over to the Valley today in this weather, but despite the rain, the wind and the chill, it felt 'good' to back in Goodman and hearing the hitting and yelling again. Less than four months til practice starts....:nod:
Unfortunately, the elements did effect the play and a number of potential starters were held out due to some injuries that could have been aggravated on a day such as this.
The Captains for the team were announced at the beginning:Senior Safety Julian Austin, Senior Offensive Lineman John Reese, and Junior Quarterback Sedale Threatt.
In my middle age forgetfulness, I failed to take along gloves, so after an hour and a half and my fingers getting a nice pink I trundled back to the car. At that time, the defense was leading 28-24 using a modified scoring system wherein the D got 1 pt per drive stop;2 pts/sack; 2 pts for a '3 and out', 4pts for a turnover plus usual points for scoring. Offense got 1 pt for first down; 2 pts for a 'big play(20+yards);plus the usual scoring points.
As was expected, the defense was very mobile showing a new 3-4 alignment but with OLBs frequently on the line of scrimmage sometime rushing sometimes dropping. Matt Mohler, DE last year but OLB this year was impressive with a very athletic interception and Royce Morgan was his usual mobile self creating havoc in the backfield. AS happens at these games there was a couple players wearing numbers not contained in the program; however, #77 on the DL who some believed to be a rising Soph.Keith Johnson was very active.
On offense, Threatt appeared very in control, but there was no running by him for obvious reasons. The big questions were the wide outs. Most impressive was Bethlehem Catholic grad and local boy Pete Donchez making some nice catches including a beautiful grab over a defender for a touchdown. He has good size, 6'4", 210. Soph. Sekou Yansane started at the other wide out and had a couple catches including one in heavy traffic for a first down. He sort of reminds me of Pinkston of the Eagles in his build (6'1" 175) but seems to be able to take a hit and hold on. Mike Fitzgerald appears to be the current leader to take over punt return duties, though with the elements there were no real returns. Frank Travota, also of Bethlehem Catholic, did some catching of punts and also played some WR. Lee Thomas was held out with a sprained ankle.
IN the backfield, neither Greg Fay or Josh Pastore (hamstring) played due to injuries. Marques Thompson looked good and shifty at tailback as did backup Rich Forman. Most impressive, though, was Matt McGowan who transfered last year from Richmond. Very strong runner who showed some good drive on a couple third and fourth down short yardage runs getting first downs. The most impressive, though was a play where he appeared stopped for a loss in the backfield, yet somehow got out of the tackle--by of all people, Royce Morgan!
The secondary appeared to be cohesive and Austin came up with a couple knockdowns that should be been picks.
Coen said before the game he's been very pleased with the starters and the leadership they are showing. His main focus is determining what kind of depth he has.
Leo has both the PK an P duties. Had a couple shanks on punts, then followed them with some beauties. Also looked solid on the PK.
Interior Linebackers at the moment appear to be headed by Chris LaMont and Micah Greene. LaMont is very quick, but not very big at 215, so depending on the situation Greene,who goes 235 and is strong as an ox, will definitely be there against the run.
Current depth at QB behind Threat is Senior Mike Probst--who showed some decent mobility despite being considered a 'drop back' passer. It looked to me he's spent a lot of time on that aspect. Junior Kevin Marshall is #3 who has a strong arm and good size.
My wife thought I was insane for going over to the Valley today in this weather, but despite the rain, the wind and the chill, it felt 'good' to back in Goodman and hearing the hitting and yelling again. Less than four months til practice starts....:nod: