White Rallies to Defeat Purple
3/2/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 2, 2007
NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team held its second scrimmage of the spring Friday night at Homer Bryce Stadium. The scrimmage had the 'Jacks' first-team players (white team) face-off against the rest of the team. The purple team was spotted a 21-0 lead, and tacked on two touchdowns, before the white squad rallied for a 41-35 victory.
The purple squad stole the momentum early picking off senior quarterback Danny Southall's second pass of the game. In fact, the purple squad shut down the white team on its first two drives. But Southall, and the rest of the white squad, would have the last laugh on this night.
Southall completed 18-of-30 passes for 355 yards and three touchdowns, and was only picked off the one time. Southall seemed to warm up as the night got cooler. After coming up empty on his first five attempts, Southall completed his next six passes. Southall completed touchdown passes of 28, 41 and 70 yards. Senior Tyrell Williams hauled in the 70-yard TD reception, and looked strong breaking four tackles on his way to paydirt.
Williams led the receivers with five catches for 123 yards and the score. Speedy sophomore Contrevious Parks added three receptions for 73 yards and a touchdown. Junior Dominique Edison recorded the other touchdown reception.
The white team carried the ball for 145 yards on the night, led by senior Louie Runnels. The 2006 first-team All-SLC back finished the night with 12 carries for 48 yards and a touchdown.
Junior Robert Castillo sparked a strong ground game for the purple squad. Castillo finished the night with 16 carries for 91 yards. Freshman Jeremy Moses started at quarterback for the purple squad and was solid in leading the offense down the field. He finished the night completing 8-of-19 passes for 119 yards and one touchdown.
The white defense was finally able to stop Moses and the purple squad picking off two passes. Junior Damian Perkins and sophomore Jonathan Patke each recorded interceptions in the contest. Patke returned his pick 26 yards for a score.
The purple defense recorded some defensive gems of its own in the scrimmage. It recorded one interception, forced two fumbles, deflected a couple of passes at the line of scrimmage and recorded two sacks on Southall.
The white finished the game with six penalties for 50 yards, while the purple team was flagged only three times for 25 yards.
"I felt the scrimmage was very productive," said head coach J.C. Harper. "Our kids had a great time and competed at a high level. I think tonight was a fun night for the team and the fans. Our goal is to get better every practice, and I think we are accomplishing that."
The 'Jacks will take Saturday off before returning to the practice field Sunday for a light workout. Practice begins at 3:15 p.m., and is free to the public.
-SFA-
