Aug. 19, 2005
News and Notes:
• The Redbirds took the field at 8:30 a.m. Friday for the first of two practices on the day, their last two-a-day practice of the fall.
• Unfortunately, the heat also returned and the `Birds worked through 24, five minute periods in full pads and 84-degree heat on the turf at Hancock Stadium.
• Senior center Stafford Davis broke down practice for the Redbirds, after running post-practice sprints from sideline to sideline with his teammates.
• Illinois State will have their final practice tonight at 7:30 p.m. before the annual Passages Scrimmage on Saturday at 6:30 p.m.
Success in the Redzone:
In their first team session of the day, the Redbirds worked through third and two goal line situations. The offense got the better end of the deal, scoring on eight of 12 possessions, twice on the legs of running back Pierre Rembert on back-to-back plays. On the defensive side of the ball, linebacker Cameron Siskowic stopped Brian Thompson at the goal line on the second play in the session while safety Alex Filin recorded a sack on quarterback Wally Cirafesi on the fifth play.
Caesar Conquers:
Sophomore defensive back Jesse Caesar recorded the only interception of the morning for the defense, after a shaky performance by the offense in the team 7-on-7 drill. Luke Drone's long pass was too strong for his receiver, and Caesar took the ball out of the air for the interception.
Getting Defensive:
After two first down runs by Brian Thompson in the second team session of the day, the Redbird defense needed to get some pressure on the offense and they did so with sacks. Cameron Siskowic was the first to get into the action, sacking Drone after he couldn't find an open receiver. Freshman defensive lineman Michael Osifalujo followed Siskowic with a sack of his own, this time taking down Cirafesi on an option play.
