CCU

Football Goes At It In Second Scrimmage of the Preseason

       

Football Goes At It In Second Scrimmage of the Preseason

CONWAY, S.C. -- Coastal Carolina's football team continued its preparation for the 2007 season with an hour-and-a-half scrimmage at Brooks Stadium, Wednesday morning (Aug. 15). The Chanticleers worked through various scenarios during the scrimmage and eventually wrapped up with the kicking game.

The offense improved in the second scrimmage of three this preseason, going more than 90 yards on the second drive for a touchdown, scored on a 14-yard run by freshman Eric O'Neal. A key play of the drive was a 45-yard pass from quarterback Ren McKinnon to wide receiver Trent Usher. Coastal also scored on several field goal attempts by freshman kicker Justin Durham, but the defense got in its share of plays as well. Overall, Head Coach David Bennett saw progress but believes his team has much work to do before hitting the field this season.

"The offense did a great job on that drive getting it out of trouble and scoring, but the defense shouldn't have allowed it," Bennett commented following the practice. "Then we get the ball deep on the defensive end and can't punch it in, a credit to the defense standing up and doing a great job there. Sometimes it is hard to figure out. The offense got tired towards the end, especially the offensive linemen, and jumped offsides a little bit. As we told them, we have a lot of work to do. But there were some highlights. Eric O'Neal had some great runs and Trent Usher did a nice job at wideout. But after practice, Coach (Kevin) Brown and I were talking and we have to pick the best two at quarterback and start giving them more reps in practice instead of spreading it out among the four or five to improve our consistency. So we have to hurry and make that decision because Sept. 1 is getting close."

CCU goes back to a two-practice day on Thursday, Aug. 16, working out at 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. The final preseason scrimmage will be held at Brooks Stadium, Sat., Aug. 18 at 10 a.m.

Coastal opens the 2007 campaign at Delaware State, Sat., Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. The Chants start the home portion of the schedule, Sat., Sept. 8 at 7 p.m., hosting Winston-Salem State. Single-game tickets for Coastal Carolina's 2007 football season are now on sale. Reserved seats can be purchased for $15, with groups of 20 or more $8 (Sections 131 & 130 for 9/8, 10/20, 10/27 & 11/10 games only). Please call the Athletic Ticket Office to order tickets using Discover, MasterCard and Visa -- Local 347-TIXX (347-8499) ---- Toll Free 1-877-4CHANTS (1.877.424.2687).