Saturday, March 17, 2007

 

PIONEERS HOLD SECOND SCRIMMAGE, TUSCULUM PREPARES FOR SPRING GAME

 

                GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum College football team conducted its second spring scrimmage on Saturday afternoon.  With the cold and wet conditions, the scrimmage was held in the Tusculum Indoor Practice Facility as the Pioneers recorded over 100 plays.

 

                The defensive unit played very well, led by the efforts of Justin Scott, Scott Harris and Rynel Butler.  All-South Atlantic Conference defensive end Adrian Samples returned to the line-up after missing the early part of spring practice due to an injury.

 

                One of the biggest surprises on defense was the stellar play of newly converted defensive end Brandon Kelley.  Kelley started off the spring at tight end, but was moved to the defensive front and has made an immediate impact.

 

                The Tusculum defense recorded 12 sacks on the day, while Jeremy Thompson, Tagon Richard, Pharis Baldwin and Jovon Miller each had an interception, including three returned for touchdowns.  The TC defense also posted a safety in the scrimmage.

 

                "Our first 20 players on defense give us a great opportunity to be special on that side of the ball," said Tusuclum head coach Frankie DeBusk.  "The offense made some big plays, but was inconsistent.  We are making strides on the offensive side of the ball, but we are making to may turnovers.  We are now to a point where it is time to start eliminating mental mistakes and become a much more fundamentally sound football team if we expect to compete for a championship this fall."

 

                The quarterback trio of Garrett Sutphen, Kurt Napier and Brandon Behenna were inconsistent, but made some big plays as the scrimmage went on.  Sutphen went 12-for-27 for 134 yards and two touchdowns, while also rushing for a score.  Napier accounted for four completions for 76 yards, including two touchdowns, while Behenna posted a 5-for-10 performance for 57 yards and a TD.

 

                Running back Randy Williams made four receptions for 21 yards, while Jerrell NeSmith also made four grabs for 70 yards and a touchdown.  NeSmith has proven to be the most consistent and biggest playmaker this spring on offense for Tusculum.

 

                All-SAC receiver Jamichael Caldwell made two catches for 22 yards, but also returned a kickoff for a 75-yard touchdown.

 

                Tusculum will play its annual Spring Game this Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. at Pioneer Field.  Admission is free and the public is welcome to attend.

 

- TC -