With 13 practices previously conducted and the Annual Red/White Game less than 24 hours away, the Illinois State football team occupied the Hancock Stadium turf for only an hour, Friday. The Redbirds went without pads, but ran through some offensive and defensive sets in the final non-scrimmage practice of the spring.
At the end of the session, head coach Denver Johnson reflected on the spring workouts.
I was really pleased with (Kevin) Zouzounis, Johnson said. I thought he came along and had a very good spring. That quarterback group, as a bunch, really did some good things. Yance Vaughn was showing some real promise, as well, before he pulled his hamstring. On the offensive line, I thought some of the young guys started to show up.
Johnson also saw some promise in his defense.
On defense, Boomer (Grigsby) just continues to get better, Johnson added. Also on the inside, Greg Helle continues to grow and he will do some things to help us out. At defensive end, (Jonathan) Friend and Ray (Robinson) continue to develop nicely. Cerone Colvin came on and did some nice things for us and (Andrew) Papoccia looks like hes going to be able to help us at rover and free safety.
We are not as deep as we need to be and not as talented as we need to be in a couple of spots, but we have some guys who are coming in the fall that will integrate into our team and hopefully have a positive effect. Im really pleased with our team right now. I think we had a great spring.
The intrasquad scrimmage is free to the public. The game will pit the offense against the defense in a unique format with special scoring situations for the defense. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m., at Hancock Stadium.
Tomorrow is a significant day, Johnson said. We are going to film it and like I told the guys, this is the last opportunity they have in the spring to demonstrate to the coaching staff what they can do for this football team. We have a lot of guys out here fighting for starting jobs and a lot of guys fighting to make the team. It is a significant day, but it is a little bit of a reward for our players too. Theyve gone through a great off-season conditioning program and had a good spring practice. We hope to end it on a fun day, but there is some significance there as well.
The point system for the offense is pretty consistent to a typical game with six points for a touchdown, three points for a field goal and one or two points for PATs. Where it gets different, is that the first downs are worth one point and gains of 25 yards or more count for two points. The defense will receive six points for each turnover and an additional seven points on a turnover returned for a touchdown. Three and outs are worth three points, while stops to offensive drives are worth one and quarterbacks sacks are two.
Surrounding the scrimmage there will be other activities. Prior to the game, at noon, in the south end of Horton Field House, the Redbird Athletics garage sale will take place. The sale includes a limited amount of Redbird apparel and is also free to the public.
The north end of Horton Field House will open at 12:45 p.m. for the tailgate party, which is open to the public. Fans will need a Redbird Raffle ticket for admission into the tailgate party, which includes lunch and beverages. Raffle tickets, which are $5 each, will also be available at the door for patrons that havent purchased tickets in advance.
Johnson will address the gathering and the team will be available for autographs and photos from 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Door prizes from the athletics department will also be available during the party.
