Lumberjacks Resume Spring Practice Schedule
3/24/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
NACOGDOCHES, Texas - Stephen F. Austin resumed spring football practices under the lights at Homer Bryce Stadium Tuesday night, kicking off the bulk of the 2015 spring schedule.
"We're excited to get back out on the field and build off the successes we had in 2014," said head coach Clint Conque. "It's going to be an interesting spring schedule as we have to fill some key positions, especially the running back and defensive secondary positions. All positions are open at this point so we're ready to see which guys step up and take ownership."
After dealing with inclement weather during the first week of spring practices, which altered SFA's spring schedule, and then taking a week off for spring break, the `Jacks were back on the turf at Homer Bryce donning shells and running through a 23-period practice.
As was coach Conque's philosophy heading into last spring's workouts, fundamentals were a key focus as the basics were preached again and again. An extra emphasis was placed on situational team drills as well as special teams, two of the hallmarks of Conque's philosophy.
One key as the bulk run of spring ball commenced was seeing all 10 of Conque's coaching staff back on the field, guiding their respective positions.
"Being able to have my entire staff back is huge," Conque said. "It is big from a continuity standpoint for both them and the players and it's key because it ensures everyone is on the same page. The more continuity you can build with your staff, the better."
A few of the highlights of the night on offense included a back shoulder one-handed catch by Aaron Thomas in the endzone for a touchdown, as well as an impressive one-handed snag by Braxton Bearden. Defensively, the night was highlighted by a pick-six from Alex Miller, looking to build on a strong junior season.
Tonight's practice was the first of four this week as the `Jacks will try to make up for lost time. SFA will be back at it Wednesday afternoon at 3:45 at Homer Bryce Stadium, then again at 3:45 Friday afternoon.
Those practices will lead into SFA's first scrimmage of the spring season as once again, Conque will take his crew on the road. The Lumberjacks will scrimmage at Longview High School Saturday at 4 p.m. as admission to the scrimmage is free, allowing Lumberjack fans from the Tyler-Longview area a sneak peek at the 2015 `Jacks.
2015 SFA Spring Football Schedule
| Date | Event | Time | Gear |
| Wed., March 25 | Practice #6 | 3:45 p.m. | Full pads |
| Fri., March 27 | Practice #7 | 3:45 p.m. | Shells |
| Sat., March 28 | Scrimmage #1 (Longview H.S.) | 4:00 p.m. | Full pads |
| Mon., March 30 | Practice #9 | 7:00 p.m. | Shells |
| Tues., March 31 | NFL Pro Day | TBA | Shorts |
| Wed., April 1 | Scrimmage #2 (Homer Bryce) | 7:00 p.m. | Full pads |
| Thurs., April 2 | Practice #11 | 11:00 a.m. | Helmets |
| Mon., April 6 | Practice #12 | 7:00 p.m. | Full pads |
| Wed., April 8 | Practice #13 | 3:45 p.m. | Shells |
| Fri., April 10 | Practice #14 | 3:45 p.m. | TBD |
| Sat., April 11 | 2015 Spring Game | 6:00 p.m. | Full pads |
-SFA-
