April 22, 2008

Cape Girardeau, Mo. - Spring football practice at Southeast Missouri State University will end on Saturday with a game type scrimmage that will pit the offense vs. the defense. The scrimmage at Houck Stadium will begin at 1 p.m.

The scoring system allows the defense to score and coach Tony Samuel expects a very competitive game. Last spring, the offense beat the defense 22-18 while the defense prevailed 60-24 during Samuel's first spring practice in 2006. "This year we have good experience on both sides of the ball which should make for a tight contest," Samuel said. "It will be good to see how our squad reacts to game-type situations and conditions."

Houston Lillard will get the starting call at quarterback. He ended last season as the starter and has solidified his spot this spring. Lillard completed 100-173 passes for 1,380 yards and six touchdowns last season.

"Houston has been very comfortable at the top spot this spring," Samuel said. "He is a very accurate passer when he has time and with what appears to be an improved offensive line, we are expecting him to have a great senior season."

Also seeing time at quarterback will be junior Steve Callanan, sophomore Jared Van Slyke and junior college transfer Dustin Powell.

The quarterbacks will throw to a veteran group of receivers led by returning starters Miles Edwards and Brad Stewart. Edwards had 34 catches for 480 yards and 7 TD's last season while Stewart had 16 catches for 181 yards and one TD. The tight end will be Bradley Brown who moves up after Ben Gugler was moved from tight end to defensive end. "Gugler was a defensive end in junior college and we wanted to take a look at him this spring," Samuel said. "He could move back to tight end in the fall or stay where he is."

Last year's leading scorer, kicker Doug Spada, will handle all kicking and punting on Saturday. Spada was an honorable mention All-American last season when he connected on 14-22 field goals and 21-23 extra points for 63 points scored. He also led the team in punting with an average of 42.5 yards per punt.

The Southeast defensive team will be led by linebacker Jared Goodson who had 98 tackles including 5.5 tackles for losses of 23 yards. The Anderson twins, Vincent and Victor, will probably not play on Saturday due to nagging injuries. Vincent who moved to defense from wide receiver last season is playing at free safety, while Victor who moved from quarterback to defensive back, is playing at the rover position.

At 6 p.m. on Saturday, the football coaching staff will hold a spring party at Kimbeland Country Club in Jackson. There will be free food and drink for adults, courtesy of area restaurants. The event is open to the general public.