April 5, 2008

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack defense had plenty of reason to smile as they walked off the turf at Homer Bryce Stadium Saturday morning following the team's first spring scrimmage. The defense recorded a knockout punch posting a 40-point victory.

"I thought the effort was excellent on both sides of the ball," said head coach J.C. Harper. "The defense did some really good things, but I believe the defense is always going to be ahead of the offense early on. We were able to get in quite a few plays, now we can go evaluate everything on film and try to get better. We are in the process of looking for 11 starters offense and 11 on defense."

The defense did most of its damage by relying on forced turnovers, and stops behind the line of scrimmage. The defense finished the day forcing three fumbles, and picking off four passes. Defensive end Tim Knicky recorded the defense's fifth pick, before Harper stopped the play giving credit for a sack to Jonathan Patke and Jabara Williams.

The defense ended the day with 23 tackles for losses, and 18 sacks. Williams led the 'Jacks' defense with 11 tackles, including five sacks, two interceptions, which he returned 60 yards for the score, and a forced fumble. Patke added seven tackles and picked off a pass, while Knicky recorded seven stops, including two sacks, and forced a fumble.

Sophomore-to-be Jeremy Moses looked good in the pocket completing 21-of-31 passes (.667) for 219 yards. Moses connected on scoring strikes of 40 and 21 yards. He connected on his first eight attempts, including the 40-yard scoring strike to senior Tyrell Williams to cap the first drive of the morning.

Freshman Garrett Milton completed (.407) 11-of-27 passes for 101 yards and a touchdown. Central Michigan transfer Duane Brooks was 11-of-19 (.579) for 105 yards and a touchdown. Brooks also carried the ball five times for 43 yards.

Junior Aaron Rhea hauled in nine passes for 75 yards, and a touchdown. Williams finished the day with six catches for 72 yards, including the 40-yard scoring strike from Moses. Senior Dominique Edison added four catches for 37 yards.

The Lumberjacks rushed for 98 yards on 23 carries. Brooks led the team in rushing with his 43 yards. Junior Dominique Davis carried the ball nine times for 33 yards.

SFA will take Sunday off before returning to the practice field Monday for a 3:30 p.m. workout. The Lumberjacks will hold their second scrimmage Friday at 6 p.m. from Homer Bryce Stadium. The scrimmage is free and open to the public.

-SFA-