Stephen F. Austin

Aug. 11, 2007

NACOGDOCHES - The Stephen F. Austin Lumberjack football team competed in its first of three scheduled scrimmages Saturday afternoon at Homer Bryce Stadium. The scrimmage pitted the first-team offense against the first-team defense and the second-team offense against the second-team defense. The offense scored five touchdowns on the day and connected on a 49-yard field goal.

"It looked like the Danny Southall and Louie Runnels show at times," said SFA head coach J.C. Harper of Saturday afternoon's scrimmage. "They came ready to play. I was also pleased with the offensive line. I thought they did a heck of a job. There was a nice flow with the first-team offense.

"I also thought Aaron Rhea really stepped up today. He made a couple of really fine catches, and was able to pick up some valuable yards after the catch," added Harper.

With that being said, the defense was not overshadowed by the offense. In its' first five possessions, the Lumberjack defense forced two fumbles, picked off a pass and recorded a three-and-out. The defensive unit was led by freshman Chad Haynes who recorded a team-high six tackles and junior Brian Ford who added four tackles.

"The defense gave a great effort," said Harper. "It was really hot out here today, but they fought through it and they are getting tougher every day."

The Lumberjack quarterbacks struggled early completing only one of its first seven passes, including one interception. But as the day got hotter, so did the SFA signal callers, connecting on eight of their final 11 attempts. The Lumberjacks' QBs went 11-of-22 for 183 yards and one touchdown. Freshman Jeremy Moses led the way completing 5-of-11 passes for 122 yards, including a 60-yard scoring strike to Rhea. Moses also showed his mobility carrying the ball six times for 27 yards.

Southall completed 1-of-2 passes on the afternoon, which included a 20-yard strike to Rhea, but Southall was still able to inflict some damage. He carried the ball six times for a game-high 80 yards, including a 44-yard scamper.

Runnels carried the ball nine times for 37 yards and also recorded the offenses first two touchdowns. He crossed the goal line with runs of one and five yards. Sophomore Vincent Pervis was also productive coming out of the backfield. He recorded seven carries for 31 yards, including a touchdown run of four yards.

Other members of the Lumberjack defense that had a strong showing Saturday afternoon were freshmen Chris Elliott and Bry Roby. Elliott recorded 3.5 stops, while Roby was credited for three tackles. Sophomore defensive lineman Robert Mayes recorded 2.5 tackles, including one for a loss, and recovered a fumble. Senior linebacker Bug Aymond recorded 2.5 tackles and was credited with a forced fumble that sophomore Tim Knicky recovered. Classmate Daimyeon Hoskin posted two stops, including a sack, and also recovered a fumble.

The defense also picked off two passes during the scrimmage. Senior Stephon Rhea picked off a Moses pass, while the other interception was recorded by freshman defensive lineman Brant Scott, off a pass that was deflected by Hoskin.

Preseason All-American linebacker Damian Perkins was only credited with two stops, but he was very active on both sides of the ball. Perkins, who began his SFA career as the teams starting tailback, got a look at running back during the scrimmage. Doing his best Louie Runnels impersonation, Perkins was tough to bring to the ground. Breaking tackle after tackle, he finished the day with six carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. He also recorded a long run of 23 yards.

But Perkins most impressive play may have come when he lost three yards. After a fumble, Perkins kept his footing to get back to the ball. He absorbed three vicious hit, but maintained his footing to recover the ball and almost got back to the line of scrimmage before being dropped out of bounds.

Both junior Cory Long and Lufkin freshman Jaime Fernandez got a look at kicker. Long was impressive nailing a field goal from 49 yards out, but went 2-of-3 on extra point attempts. Fernandez connected on both his PATs.

Lufkin's Jeremy Claybon saw limited action Saturday, but was impressive when he got the chance. Claybon was 3-of-5 for 27 yards through the air, and carried the ball three times for 15 yards, including a couple of athletic moves to escape would-be tacklers.

The 'Jacks will take a break from their normal workout schedule Sunday. The team will attend morning worship service at Grace Bible Church before returning to campus for morning meetings.

-SFA-