Defense makes big plays in scrimmage
4/19/2009 6:00:00 PM | Football
HUNTSVILLE ? With one week to go before 2009 spring football practice concludes at Sam Houston State, the Bearkats held an hour and 20 minute scrimmage Sunday afternoon that was dominated by defensive big plays.
The Kat defense intercepted two passes, blocked a punt, recovered a fumble and posted several sacks during the game condition practice.
“With only three starters back, we've got a young group that is learning a new scheme and they appear to be right on schedule,” Sam Houston head coach Todd Whitten said. “It's like learning a whole new language and it's going to takes some time. I like their aggression and they seem to be more comfortable with things each day.”
Sam Houston has four more practices remaining including the Orange-White spring game to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday morning at Bowers Stadium.
“After missing four days due to the weather, we looked a like ragged offensively,” Whitten said. “We're a little thin with only two running backs and two quarterbacks full speed right now. But the effort is there.”
Junior Bryan Randolph completed nine of 17 passes for 72 yards while senior running back James Aston carried 10 times for 68 yards.
A definite positive for the Bearkats is the return of 2007 All-Southland conference punter Michael Capparelli who sat out the 2008 season. Capparelli averaged 41.0 yards per punt two years ago.
“Michael not only was our punter but he handles our long kickoff duties,” Whitten said. “He has a strong leg and can kick it into the end zone. That was an area that hurt us last year. In fact, we lost a couple of games because of the field position opposing teams got on our kickoffs.”
Several young players have made an impression on Whitten including sophomore linebacker Kash David, redshirt freshman tight end T. J. Jones and sophomore offensive linemen Chris Crockett and Travis Watson.
“We've got some young players who are showing us they can make a difference,” Whitten said. “We're very pleased with the intensity and effort out here this spring.”
