Aug. 15, 2009
RUSTON, La. - The Louisiana Tech football team went through its first day of two-a-days practices Saturday and wrapped up the day with an abbreviated scrimmage at Joe Aillet Stadium as the Bulldogs concluded the first week of fall practice. The team will take a break from the physical action to meet with fans at Fan Fest Sunday afternoon at the Thomas Assembly Center at 4 p.m.
The abbreviated scrimmage put the team in several game-like situations with live action hitting. The scrimmage was held Saturday evening after the first practice of the day was held in the morning at the Jim Mize Track Facility.
The team will get a physical break from the rigors of preseason camp on Sunday for Fan Fest, where Tech fans can meet the players and coaches at the Thomas Assembly Center. Players will be signing autographs and there will be plenty of give-a-ways, including schedule cards, posters and more. The event is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. and admission is free to the public. Members of the LA Tech Kids Club will be able to pick up their Kids Club t-shirts at Fan Fest.
"We are seven practices in," said head coach Derek Dooley. "We have a lot of heavy legs; they have been hitting on each other. It has been very physical. Tonight we had a taste of a full scrimmage. It was a good first scrimmage and we had good execution on both sides of the ball. There was not a lot of sloppy play and that is a good thing.
Quarterback Ross Jenkins went 6-for-15 in the scripted scrimmage, throwing for 66 yards. Tyrone Deplessis carried the ball five times for 31 yards and Daniel Porter rushed five times for 23 yards. Myke Compton reached the end zone on one of his four carries as he totaled 18 yards rushing.
"I thought that Ross Jenkins did a good job throwing the ball and he is making progress," Dooley said. "We were close on a lot of long balls and we're going to try to push the ball down the field a little further and we're making progress towards doing that."
"I've been real encouraged," commented Dooley. "What was most encouraging was Matt Nelson went 3-for-3 on field goals and he did a good job on kickoffs. Cade Glassgow is showing a lot of progress punting."
The conclusion of the first week marks an evaluation point for the coaching staff.
"We have an opportunity for the coaches to sit down and do a good evaluation on who we are, what lies ahead and who we can start depending on personnel-wise," Dooley explained. "Then we get ready for the next week. Tomorrow will be a good physical day of recovery but a tough mental day in terms of watching film and going through walk-throughs, to get ready for the next week. This is the first big evaluation day of camp."
Season tickets are currently on sale as the Bulldogs play five home games at Joe Aillet Stadium, including Nicholls State (Sept. 19), Hawaii (Sept. 30), New Mexico State (Oct. 17), Boise State (Nov. 6) and San Jose State (Dec. 5).
Tech ticket manager Zach Williams also said season tickets will continue to be sold up to the Bulldogs first home game against Nicholls State.
One of the best deals is the Family Pack. For only $275, the Family Pack consists of two adult and three children tickets for all five home games.
Single game tickets and season tickets can both be ordered by logging onto www.LATechSports.com or www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000.
Williams also said group single game ticket rates for the east side of the stadium are being offered. Groups can purchase 20 to 49 tickets for $8 each, 50 to 99 tickets for $7 each and 100-plus tickets for $6 each.
Single game tickets for road games at Auburn ($40) and Navy ($32) are on sale to the general public as well while LSU ($45) tickets are available only to season ticket holders and LTAC members.
Tech fans with youngsters are encouraged to sign them up for the inaugural LA Tech Kids Club. For only a $30 fee for the year, LA Tech Kids Club members receive free admission to all Tech home regular season sporting events as well as additional benefits such as club t-shirt and more.
To sign up for the LA Tech Kids Club, contact Nicki Brostek at 318-257-2507 or e-mail nbrostek@latech.edu.
For complete coverage of Bulldog Football, please visit the official home of LA Tech Athletics at LATechSports.com.
