South Alabama Football Wraps Situational Scrimmage With Opener Against West Alabama Days Away
South Alabama ran about 80 game-like plays in a situational scrimmage Thursday, with interceptions by Charles Harris and Gabe Loper and a 41-yard touchdown run by Ellis Hill, days before the opener against West Alabama.
MOBILE, Ala. — South Alabama football held a situational scrimmage Thursday at the Jaguar Practice Facility, running roughly 80 plays designed to mirror game conditions less than a week before the Jaguars open the 2011 season against West Alabama on Sept. 1.
The coaching staff structured the session to expose players to as many game-like situations as possible. The first- and second-team offenses and defenses worked against the scout teams, and every special teams unit took part.
Defense Sets the Tone Early
The scrimmage opened with a kickoff by Jordan Means. The first-team defense took the field against the scout team offense, which started at its own 20-yard line, and forced a three-and-out.
The first-team offense then took over at midfield and ran six plays. Kendall Houston carried three times, and quarterback C.J. Bennett connected with Corey Waldon for a 7-yard gain. The drive reached the 35-yard line, but the ensuing field goal attempt sailed wide left.
The first-team defense produced a second three-and-out before returning to the field after a simulated turnover gave the offense the ball at the defense’s 45-yard line. Charles Harris ended that possession with an interception in the back of the end zone.
Scoring Plays
In the first half, Lawson McGlon made a 37-yard field goal, and Demetre Baker scored on a 2-yard run, with Means adding the extra point.
In the second half, Ellis Hill broke a 41-yard touchdown run. During the two-minute drill, Gabe Loper intercepted a pass in the back of the end zone. McGlon and Means each converted extra points.
Jones: Team Is Ready
Head coach Joey Jones said the session was clean.
“It was a pretty crisp practice. We didn’t have a lot of mental errors out there,” Jones said. “The kids came focused and ready to go. I think they are ready for the game next week – there’s no doubt about it.”
Jones said the players have put in the work since the start of fall camp three weeks ago. “We keep talking about working hard, and they have done that. They have paid their dues,” he said.
He noted that the team is now in game week, with three or four days of practice remaining before the opener, and that the players have been working toward it since January.
“That’s one thing about football; you work a long time just to have a few chances to get out in the spotlight, so our kids are looking forward to it,” Jones said.
Up Next
The Jaguars, preparing for their third season of football under Jones, were scheduled to return to the practice field at 7:15 a.m. Friday to continue preparations for West Alabama. The season opener is set for Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile.
