'Jacks Scrimmage For First Time In 2002
3/28/2002 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 28, 2002
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Good Things. Mike Santiago said he saw good things on both sides of the ball in the first scrimmage for the Lumberjacks of Stephen F. Austin, during spring workouts Thursday afternoon. The team will take the weekend off for the Easter holiday before resuming spring practice Monday at 3:30 p.m.
"I saw a lot of people flying around to the ball and saw guys trying to make plays. Obviously, there were a number of things we must work on, but overall I was pleased with the way things went this afternoon. The offense turned the ball over a couple of times down near the red zone, but those are the type of things coaches all across the country are fighting at this time of year," said Santiago.
Michael Williams looked impressive running with the first unit throughout the scrimmage and did a good job of moving the offense. Thomas Williams, a sophomore running back from Fort Worth, and Tony Tompkins, a redshirt freshman from Port Arthur also showed bursts out of the backfield during the 60-play scrimmage. Tompkins was especially impressive in the open field. Eric Chapman also showed signs that his continued ability to gain yardage will be a factor for the Lumberjacks in 2002. Chapman had several carries in which he made people miss at the line of scrimmage to pick up big yardage.
Defensively, linebacker Jeremy Davis made a number of plays for the 'Jacks and narrowly missed an interception that would have resulted in a touchdown. Defensive tackles Lee Sanders and Vernon Holman were also impressive along the defensive front as the 'Jacks continue to get more comfortable with defensive coordinator Kim Dameron's defensive schemes.
Several players were held out of the scrimmage nursing injuries including Michael Adams, one of the top defensive ends in the nation a year ago, who has been moved to linebacker for the coming year. Wide receiver Anthony Dingle was also held out of the workout nursing a slight knee injury.
Following the scrimmage, Santiago stressed to his players the need to focus on the little things in order to improve as a team. "Both teams in a game are going to make plays. We are going to make plays and the other guys are going to make plays, but it's the little things, the off-side penalties, the false starts that will add up and make a difference in a football game. Now is the time to begin eliminating those type of things from this football team."
The fourth year head coach went on to say that eliminating turnovers and limiting penalties will be a focus when the team resumes spring workouts Monday afternoon. SFA will scrimmage again next Friday night in conjunction with an official's clinic the school has hosted the past several years. The Friday night workout is set to get underway at 7:00 p.m. at Bryce Stadium.
Spring practice will conclude with the annual Spring Game, April 12.
