SFA Defense Impressive in Final Scrimmage
4/25/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
April 25, 2009
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - In a complete reversal of fortune from the first scrimmage just over a week ago, the Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack defense dominated the offense, surrendering only 14 points, while the first teamers pitched a shutout.
The defense also neutralized the offense's big-play threats allowing only two plays of more than 20 yards, and only one of more than 45 yards, including no rush longer than 14 yards. The defense also forced two turnovers for good measure, including an interception by freshman linebacker Ryan Epperson.
"This was the defense's day," said SFA head coach J.C. Harper. "It was great to see the defense come out and stop our offense. Offensively, I'm happy with the fact that we are cutting down on our turnovers. We had a fumble, and an interception - the first of the spring - but that was it. We have made that an emphasis in practice and its good see us holding onto the ball better."
The defense recorded four sacks on the night each by different players. Junior defensive tackle Sean Warren led the way with seven tackles, including a sack, while senior Tim Knicky added six tackles, including a three for losses.
Sophomore Dalton Williams was the most effective signal-caller Saturday, completing 17-of-24 (.708) passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. Williams' TD pass was a 14-yard strike to junior Marcus Taylor to cap the second offensive series. It would also be the only points scored by the offense until the latter stages of the scrimmage.
Junior Jeremy Moses was unable to find as many receivers open Saturday as he did last week, and when he did they were usually surrounded shortly after completing the pass. Moses was 12-of-21 for 106 yards, and one interception. Freshman Brady Attaway looked more comfortable running the offense. The Whitehouse native completed 9-of-14 (.643) passes for 66 yards.
Sophomore Garret Williams led the Lumberjack receivers hauling in four passes for 41 yards, while senior Duane Brooks caught four passes for 37 yards. Senior Aaron Rhea made 3 catches for 54 yards. Junior Vincent Pervis finished the night with eight carries for 32 yards, and a score, and also caught a pass for eight yards.
"I'm real pleased with the improvement of our defense," said Harper. "You can see a big difference in them from this point last year until now. They went out tonight and made it very hard on our offense to move the ball."
-SFA-
