Summary from Final Scrimmage

[Mike]

- On the QB's: Mossakowski started and was shut out early while Caleb Berry led the second team offensive on a couple decent drives. They swapped units and Mossakowski got into more a rhythm as the practice continued. I thought they both had decent nights but nothing spectacular. The new offense is very complex so the practices this week with no school will give them both time to get themselves ready to play vs UL-L. At this point I don't think I'm reaching by still thinking Mossakowski is the starter.

 

- On the RB's: DePauldrick Garrett started but Herschel Sims kick started the offense with a 46 yard TD run on 4th and 1 the first time he ran the football. He had a pretty good night carrying the football and DePauldrick had an efficient night as well. DPG also had a couple grabs out of the backfield. Darrell Harris continued to impress and had a couple big plays but also got his bell rung on a jarring hit by Marcus Malbrough that caused him to lose his helmet and the ball. He did spring right back up which was a good thing.

 

- On the WR's: an average night for the WR as I saw no one that really stood out in this group. They took a couple long shots to Kevin Johnson early but most of the passes tonight were short passes to the RB's or TE's. Reggie Begelton had a couple drops after having a spectacular practice Thursday night. BJ Oyefeso didnt play due to a leg injury and Kye Hildreth didnt play due to an injury (more on this later). The most effective WR was Peyton Ploch who I think caught a TD pass. The talent is there they just need to get it going.

 

- On the TE's: The TE's had a solid night and continue to be a strength of this offense. The pair of Jacob Hanna and Corey Soto were both all over the field tonight. When Peyton McVey gets back to 100% it'll just become even more of a strength.

 

- On the OL: The offensive line again had good and bad moments. They'd have a play that get a good push then they'd get blown up the next. At some point you just have to give some credit to the defense which is playing some good ball. As it was explained to me tonight by an old o-lineman it takes a new group awhile to get into a rhythm but when they do they'll be fine. He went on to tell me they lost three starters off last years team so the time it's taking to get into rhythm isn't that surprising.

 

-On the defense: The state of the Lamar defense feels so much better at this point than it did last season. The switch to the 3-4 should pay dividends as guys like Blake Chavis and Marcus Malbrough are now free on the ends to run around and raise havok. As mentioned earlier, Malbrough had a huge hit on Darrell Harris that caused a lost helmet and a fumble return for a TD by Branden Thomas. The loss of Anthony Beard hurts but Jestin White has stepped in and done well since taking over. Also with all the guys returning from injuries last season, specifically in the secondary this unit should be much much improved. Steven Murray-Sesay and Branden Thomas who were likely going to be the starting CB's last season were both injured and missed most of the season. Jordan Garrett was hurt for portions last season and now he's back healthy. I also love the enthusiasm they show. These guys are always encouraging each other and I don't see any 70 point games put on these guys this year.

 

Injury Notes:

 

- DL Adren Dorsey didn't play but was told he'll be back in pads on Monday

- WR BJ Oyefeso didn't play with a leg injury

- OL Ian Kelso didn't play but was told he could've played if it were a real game. They're just taking it easy on him with the injured knee

- DB Courtlin Thompson didn't play due to a stinger

- K Alex Ball didn't kick tonight due to a quad injury. Not considered serious just being careful with him

- TE Peyton McVey is still nursing an injured hamstring

- WR Kye Hildreth didn't play due to a concussion suffered at Friday's practice. Coach Woodard told us that his concussion was worse than the one they saw with Doug Prewitt last season and he will have to continue to be evaluated. He may or may not be ready for UL-L depending on how he improves. This is a hit to the WR group as Hildreth was having a pretty good camp.

 

Finishing notes:

 

- Coach Woodard was more vocal and on the guys butts tonight than I've seen him. OL Richard Alfonso had a 15 yard penalty due to a late hit and Coach was on him pretty good.

 

- Continuing with Coach Woodard, after the scrimmage he didn't feel the team was game ready yet. Said they'll get there but tonight they weren't quite there yet. he said next weeks practices are very important and the team should come along getting those eight practices in next week without having classes.

 

- I keep stating it but this freshmen class is a great group. As coach Woodard saysi in the video interview linked below he thinks this group has a chance to have up to 4-5 not redshirt and contribute this season. My opinion is that RB Darrell Harris, K Alex Ball, WR Michael Handy, LB Ronnie Jones and maybe WR Jayce Nelson will get snaps this season.

 

- I met Joe Pershon and Jayce Nelson's fathers tonight and both were very nice guys and proud of their sons. It was a pleasure to meet the two of you and I look forward to covering your sons and seeing you both again in the future. Thanks for reading the site and Mr. Persohn, it is like "synchronized swimming!" ;)

 

- I also met one of our members Mr. Rob Lietzke and his son Collin. It was great to meet them too and I hope you both enjoy the t-shirts!

 

- And last, don't forget about the football kickoff banquet on Sunday August 26th. Coach Woodard stated that they have sold more tables this year than at this point last year but there is still room.

 

 

Coach Woodard interview after the Scrimmage:

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Guest CardAmbassador]

Good details and notes. I'm worried about Kye Hildreth if his concussion is that bad. He was probably one of our best returning guys, he played last year when Hayes and Jackson were out and always showed well.

 

What are the different strengths of the two QBs?

[Mike t]

Just one little not, Ian Kelso did in fact play. He played as if he was 100%. Great post though!

[LAZEEK]

Football, we talking about football??? :D :D

 

For my first practice/ scrimmage of the year I was thoroughly impressed with the "D"!!! I think this will be a much better year for LU than some will predict. Was most impressed with Herschal Sims. Kid is gonna be a beast, if we can block for him.

 

Nice to meet everyone also.

 

Thanks for the t-shirts Mike!!! ;)

[lu cards]

thanks mike.feels like i was there.

[madams]

Ya saw Alfonso make a bad hit.. Coach took him out and let him have it. Asked around Kyle seems to have befriended him O line stick together. He is a hard player although he is third string. Maybe his adrenaline couldnt let him stop.

[coachacola]

I was at the scrimmage and Mike just about covered it all. Since this was the first and only practice or scrimmage I've been too I really didn't know who was who on the field. Here's what stood out in my mind:

 

When I saw the running back break it for a long run I knew that was Sims. Add in Garrett and Harris to the mix and Lamar should have a decent run game this year.

 

It's pretty easy to spot 6-8 Cory Soto on the field. The QBs should be able to find him among the defenders. He also moves well for someone his size and doesn't seem afraid to block.

 

I didn't know when Mossakowski was playing or Berry. Neither QB stood out to me and I didn't know their jersey numbers. They both looked solid and I'm assuming they are both learning the new offense.

 

I think freshman Ronnie Jones Jr. made a nice interception and long run back. I thought it was JUCO all-american Longino because both are about 5-10 and 220. Jones has very good speed for a guy his size. I looked at the roster and he's listed at 240.

 

I wish Ball would have played. The kicker missed a field goal or two at around 40 yards. Also, they weren't running back kickoffs so I couldn't tell if that part of the game has improved.

 

I'm no expert so these are my observations as a casual fan.

[Mr.KnowItAll]

I think whatever qb was Playing with the 2nd team offense looked good. When they played with the 1st team offense they looked much worse. It seemed they had less time to throw against the 1st team defense.

 

I think the offensive line will make or break this team. We have the talent at every other position to win games. If the o line can just hold it together and be average I like our chances in 8 of our 12 games.

 

Defense is much improved. Our secondary has to stay healthy though. The 2nd team secondary didn't looked like a major drop off compared to 1st team. Every other position is only a slight drop off compared to the db.

 

Overall not too bad! Can't wait for 12 days from now!