Lumberjacks Prepare for Purple/White Scrimmage
4/24/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 24, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team prepares for its final scrimmage when it steps on the field Saturday evening for the annual Purple/White game. The game is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium. The format for the scrimmage will be two 15-minute quarters that will pit the first-team offense against the first-team defense, and the second-team offense against the second-team defense.
Junior quarterback Jeremy Moses looked strong in the first scrimmage last week completing 19-of-24 (.792) passes for 367 yards and four touchdowns. Moses also connected on his first five attempts of the day, one of which went for a 70-yard touchdown.
The Lumberjacks return quite a bit of talent from a very young 2008 squad. SFA returns 37 letterwinners, 22 starters (9 offense, 9 defense and 4 specialists) from the 2008 campaign. Among the list of returnees, are two of the team's three first-team All-SLC selections (DE Tim Knicky and LB Jabara Williams).
Despite the loss of two talented receivers, including All-American Dominique Edison, the Lumberjacks return the heart of its offense from last year as well. Moses returns after a record-setting sophomore season that saw him move into the school's all-time top five in passing yards, touchdown passes and completions. Moses returns 2008 conference newcomer of the year Duane Brooks, 2008 honorable mention All-America selection Contrevious Parks and 2007 honorable mention All-SLC selection Aaron Rhea at the receiver position. All three receivers bring big-play potential to the 'Jacks'. The Lumberjacks also return two of their top three running backs from last season.
Moses will have the confidence of knowing he will be protected by a veteran offense line that returns four of five starters from last year. One of the biggest question marks heading into the 2008 season, the SFA offensive front became a strength for the team as the year wore on.
Knicky and Williams were two of the most dominant players in the conference, and the nation, last season. Knicky earned third-team AP All-America honors after a season that saw him finish among the top 10 in the nation in sacks and tackles for losses, while Williams led the league in tackles. Both players have the potential to receive Buck Buchanan Award consideration this season.
-SFA-
