Players say Kats are right on track
8/18/2013 7:59:00 AM | Football
At the midway point of the 2013 Sam Houston preseason football camp, the Bearkat players sense that the squad is right on schedule as they prepare for the season opener Aug. 31.
“We're right on track as far as our progression during camp,” Kat senior wide receiver Torrance Williams said Saturday after the team's second preseason scrimmage. “Basically, the spring is getting guys who have been here on the same page, but the fall is working with the new guys and get them on track with the veteran guys.”
Throughout the 90-minute workout, the first- and second-team offense and defense ran through a variety of scenarios, such as the two-minute drill, plays at the goal line and overtime situations.
For the most part, the defense held the upper hand early and made several big plays, including swatted passes and stuffed running plays on the goal line.
“We know what we have to do based on the down and distance. If it's third-and-5 or third-and-7, we've got to rush the passer. We've got to get back there. Batting balls, that's good in our book. Especially in a two-minute situation, a sack is always good and a batted pass is always good,” Bearkats defensive end Jarrett Brown said.
Later in the workout, the offense started to find its rhythm. The Bearkats moved the ball and also found the end zone a few times on the ground and through the air.
“There's a lot of carryover,” Williams said. “We've got the same scheme, throwing the ball a good amount and running it well. It's getting good. We're just advancing what we started in the spring and moving forward.”
As the scrimmage was drawing to a close, freshman receiver Shyon Motlagh made a nifty grab in traffic down the middle of the field.
Toward the end of the workout, Williams, who was sidelined for much of the 2012 season, caught a pass in the slot and put a few moves on some defenders down the field.
“I had to show a little bit to give the fans some confidence for whoever came out and watched. We appreciate the support,” Williams said of his footwork. “Last season I wanted me to be out there and the team wanted me to be out there and people wanted to see me out there. God willing, I'll have a full season this year. It's going to be exciting.”
The Bearkats return to work this week for their last few days of camp before preparation begins for the Aug. 31 regular-season opener against Houston Baptist.
The Kats will hold their final intrasquad scrimmage on Wednesday during a practice session that will begin at 7 p.m.
Reserved bench season ticket packages plus individual seats for selected home games are available online now at www.gobearkats.com or by calling the SHSU athletic ticket office.
Located in the Ron Mafrige Field House in the south end zone of Elliott T. Bowers Stadium, the ticket office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The ticket office telephone number is (936) 294-1729.
Season ticket packages include all seven home games at Bowers Stadium plus the 88th “Battle of the Piney Woods” at Reliant Stadium in Houston Saturday, Nov. 2.
