The dominance that the Illinois State defense showed in Fridays first practice shifted to the offense in the evening doubleheader at Hancock Stadium in the teams final double-practice day of training camp.
The Redbird defense clicked on all cylinders in the morning workout. Sophomore James Temple snagged a pair of interceptions and Darius Givens also chipped in with a pick. The front six also reaped havoc in the Redbird backfield with 10 quarterback sacks.
Under the lights it was a different story, as Yance Vaughan and Avery Massengale connected on three plays of 35 yards or more. Vaughan continued his hot hand with a 40-yard strike to Mike Larson over the middle and a 25-yard pass to Marcus Hayden on a post pattern. Hayden also hauled in a 70-yard bomb from Wally Cirafesi.
Head coach Denver Johnson remains pleased with the intensity the Redbirds have shown through camp, which ends Saturday night at 7 p.m. with the final scrimmage. The intrasquad match-up is part of Illinois States Passages program, which introduces the incoming students to campus life. Johnson and his staff are looking forward to showcasing the 2004 Redbirds.
We do want to do some situational stuff with our first units, Johnson said. Well probably do a little two-minute stuff at the end of the break and maybe do some situational stuff before hand. Weve had a great training camp and we just want to wrap it up on a good note, have a little fun in front of the student body and get school started.
The scrimmage will focus on getting more field time for the reserves and a little rest for the starters.
Were going to take a long look at some young guys tomorrow night, Johnson said. We pretty much know whos going to be the main actors in this thing and we want to take a look at some more young guys. Well probably let everybody participate, but well limit some of their reps.
Camp Notes:
Junior quarterback B.J. McCaslin left the team voluntarily.
In Thursdays release, Saturdays scrimmage start time was incorrectly listed as 6 p.m. It should be 7 p.m.
