For the second time this week, Aveion Cason enjoyed an outstanding scrimmage for Illinois States football team. The senior running back rushed five times for 63 yards and two touchdowns and caught two passes for 49 yards and another score at Hancock Stadium Saturday night.
ISU head coach Denver Johnson had said earlier in the week that he might make a determination at starting quarterback after Saturdays workout, but did not announce his selection following the scrimmage.
Johnson said he was pleased his teams work, but admitted to some concern about his defensive unit.
Were a little banged up over there, he said. Weve shuffled some people around and they havent gotten use to their new positions yet. Were making some mistakes. I think those mistakes are more mental than physical right now. Weve got a few days to get those things ironed out.
Its funny, but yesterday, it was the defense that was outstanding. It seems like its been alternating days for offense and defense.
Senior Kevin Glenn competed 10-of-18 passes for 120 yards and two touchdowns. Sophomore Dusty Burk was 8-of-17 for 112 yards and a pair of interceptions.
Cason reeled off scoring runs of 18 and 40 yards and covered 41 yards on his TD reception. Willie Watts gained 80 yards, 72 on one play on eight carries. Walter James rushed 64 yards on five carries and Chidit Enyia gained 50 yards on seven tries. He ran 37 yards for a touchdown.
Justin Frierson topped the receivers with five catches for 96 yards. Jon Laurenti had four for 72 and Steve Kostro had three for 23. Wayne Riley caught one pass for a 60-yard touchdown.
Riley suffered a pulled hamstring on that play and his status will be evaluated in the coming days. Another, Randolph Waite, was diagnosed with a mild to moderate separation of the right shoulder. His status will also be evaluated over the next few days.
The scrimmage marked the end of two-a-day drills for the N0. 5-ranked Redbirds. Classes begin Monday on the Normal campus.
The first game is Thursday, Aug. 31, against West Virginia Tech. Kickoff is at 6:30 p.m.
Statistics
Passing -- Glenn 12-20, 120 yards, 2 TD; Burk 8-17, 112 yards, 2 Int.; Delaney 5-8, 28 yards.
Rushing -- Watts 8-80; Cason 5-63, 2 TD; James 5-64; Enyia 7-50, 1 TD; Whitehead 4-24; Davus 4-19.
Receiving -- Frierson 5-96; Laurenti 4-72; Kostro 3-23, Cason 2-49, 1 TD; Waite 2-12; Whitehead 2-9; Riley 1-60, 1 TD; -; Davis 1-5; Golson 1-2.
