Aug. 18, 2010
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RUSTON, La. - Louisiana Tech held a shortened practice Wednesday evening with a 45-minute full-tackle scrimmage as the Bulldogs have almost hit the halfway point through fall camp. The team ran around 80 plays during the 45 minute scrimmage.
The team's first scrimmage of the fall yielded predominately disciplined play on both sides of the ball with very few offsides and illegal procedure penalties and the offense only committing one turnover on a fumble.
The team's high octane, no-huddle offense got its first test in a full-tackle situation and averaged close to two plays per minute.
"This was the first time we went live," said head coach Sonny Dykes. "We went about 45 minutes and got in about 81 or 82 plays in that 45 minutes. The pace was fast and frantic. I thought we executed pretty well but you could tell we were tired in some spots. We missed some tackles, which you're going to do in your first scrimmage. WE have to finish blocks better and little things like that. Overall, though, I thought it was a good day. We had one turnover in over 80 plays; I thought the offense did a good job of taking care of the ball."
One of the surprise players in camp has been Colby Cameron, who has seen time at both quarterback and wide receiver. Cameron caught a touchdown pass on a fade route in Wednesday's scrimmage.
"He's just a good athlete," Dykes said of Cameron. "He's one of those guys that is a really smart football player and has a knack for seeing things and understanding things and he runs well. He's a guy we're trying to get some reps at receiver and he's done some good things for us. The biggest part of it, because he understands the offense and he understands the timing at the receiver position because he has been quarterback, is there is a lot of carryover between the two positions in terms of how to get open and when to get open. He's a good player, he wants to play and he wants to help the football team. I think that's the best way for him to do it."
The 1s on offense had the ability to move the ball and players like Lennon Creer and especially Ray Holley managed to gain extra yardage after the initial hit with talented runs while the receivers took advantage of a banged up secondary. Part of the purpose of the short practice the last two days has been to allow the team to heal from some minor injuries as a fast-paced camp is bound to bring about.
"As far as effort, want to, passion, trying to fly around - I've been real pleased," said defensive coordinator Tommy Spangler. "I've been pleased the whole camp. Our attitude's better than it's ever been and I think we have a special group of guys. We just have to continue to try and build on it. They are tired - it has been a heckuva camp. You sit out here and watch us, our pace on offense is so fast. I'm not sure any other team goes that fast. So [as a defense] you have to be disciplined, you have to be in shape, and get the calls."
Other notable scoring plays during the scrimmage included a five-yard run by Creer and a touchdown reception by Jacarri Jackson who was falling into the end zone. Cruz Williams (55-yard reception), R.P. Stuart (25-yard reception) and Erick Thomas (25-yard reception) made big plays for the offense while Brandon Patterson recovered the lone fumble of the scrimmage. Several defenders almost had interceptions, including Chad Boyd, DeMarcion Evans and Michael Schrang.
Sonny Dykes will speak at the TAG luncheon in Bossier City on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and the team will hold their 14th practice of the fall Thursday at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets to the first ever meeting between Louisiana Tech and Grambling in the Port City Classic sponsored by Community Trust Bank set for Sept. 4 at 6 p.m. at Independence Stadium can be purchased at the Independence Stadium box office as well as all Super One Foods stores in the Shreveport/Bossier City area.
Louisiana Tech fans can also purchase season tickets for the Bulldogs great home slate this year featuring six home games including non-conference contests against Navy and Southern Miss by logging onto LATechSports.com, emailing techtickets@latech.edu or calling 318-257-3631.
For all the latest information on Louisiana Tech Athletics and Bulldog football including daily practice updates with video and photo galleries, log onto LATechSports.com.
