Defense Dominates in SFA's Second Scrimmage
4/1/2015 12:00:00 AM | Football
NACOGDOCHES, Texas -- Defense was the name of the game for Stephen F. Austin's second scrimmage of the spring practice season as a familiar group stepped up to lead the way for the Lumberjacks under the lights at Homer Bryce Stadium.
"Our defensive line was the star of the night, and that's how its been the entire spring practice," said head coach Clint Conque. "They're our most experienced group, they've got size, they've got speed and they've got a knowledge of what they need to do, and it shows. They created havoc all night."
"Our defensive line did a fantastic job," said defensive coordinator Matt Williamson. "They controlled the line of scrimmage on the run and got after the quarterback on the pass, and when you can do that, it's a win-win situation for the entire defensive unit."
It was a unit that coming into spring practice the defensive coaching staff knew it would rely heavily on, and the defensive line hasn't disappointed. Led by seniors Donald Bryant and Shayvion Hatten and returning veterans Kedrick Harrison and Mitchell Zimmerle, it has helped provide stability to the defensive unit.
That has been a key component as SFA is looking to rebuild at both the linebacker and defensive secondary positions, losing a number of key seniors at both positions. A number of transfers have looked strong in spring drills, including Zack Starnes at linebacker and Tre Rosser at defensive back, adding a nice complement to returning seniors Justin Owens, AlexMiller and Demundre Freeman. But with the majority of the roster comprised of newcomers and underclassmen, there continue to be some growing pains.
"We've been making some mental errors at both of those positions, but we'll get that corrected," Williamson said. "We've got some young guys still trying to learn what we expect of them, and once they figure it out, we'll be in good shape."
That young defense took a big step Wednesday night, making it difficult for the Lumberjack offense all night. The running game was unable to break off many long runs, being met almost immediately once reaching the line of scrimmage, and the pressure from the defensive line forced a number of "sacks" on the night, including back-to-back in the red zone to end the scrimmage.
SFA's offense did have a few highlights during the 70-play scrimmage, including a long touchdown strike from Zach Conque to Robert Sylvester down the far sideline and some key rushes from Cameron Washington out of the backfield.
But it was the Lumberjack defensive unit that controlled the tempo on the night, forcing a number of turnovers and keeping the offense in check with the intensity that coach Williamson began to establish in 2014. The hallmark of the SFA defense, Williamson knows this unit with struggle or strive depending on how well that intensity and experience meshes together.
"It's the number one thing we teach our players and the number one thing we try to instill in the new players in our system. We never want to lose a football game or get out performed on defense because the other team played harder. That's the type of enthusiasm we expect and these players know that if they aren't giving that intensity, they won't get on the field. It is something that we need to develop even more as we head to the fall."
SFA will hold one more practice this week on Thursday morning, getting underway at 11 a.m., then will have three days off for the Easter weekend before resuming practices Monday afternoon. The Lumberjacks will hold three more practices next week, leading up to the 2015 Spring Game on Saturday, April 11, getting underway at 6 p.m. at Homer Bryce Stadium.
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