Stats
April 9, 2006
NORMAL, Ill. -
Linebacker Kye Stewart recovered three fumbles and added a pass break up to lead the Illinois State defensive effort on Sunday at Hancock Stadium, during the Redbirds' first scrimmage of the spring camp.
"The defense dominated the scrimmage," head coach Denver Johnson said. "The offense hit (the defense) on a couple of big plays, but were never really able to establish a rhythm and march the ball. The defense forced a lot of negative plays and some turnovers. They just played with great effort, great intensity and took advantage of a lot of mistakes by the offense."
During the 90-play simulated scrimmage, which was officiated, the ISU defense forced five turnovers, including Stewart's three fumble recoveries, which all occurred during the quarterback-center snap exchange. Alex Filin added another fumble recovery off a botched snap, while Chance Smith hauled in the only interception of the scrimmage. The Redbird defense also registered four sacks and eight tackles for loss, including three by Jarek Thomas.
Even though the defense disrupted the offensive flow, the Redbird offense still managed some big gains. Running back Pierre Rembert scampered 53 yards on a right side counter for the Redbirds' first touchdown. Later, Kevin Brockway connected with Dan Passarelli on a 60-yard scoring play, where Passarelli out jumped two defenders at the 5-yardline and broke loose for the touchdown.
Despite the big plays, the offense didn't consistently move the chains like Johnson had hoped.
"I don't think our offensive line play was ever really consistent, because we never could establish a running game to where we could hand it off and stay on the chains," Johnson said. "It seems like we were behind the chains most of the scrimmage, but there are other people involved in that too - tight ends, h-backs and others. It wasn't a disaster by any means, I just think our defense came out with the right attitude and our offense was a little flat and didn't execute."
Brockway finished the scrimmage with 396 yards passing after completing 29-of-38 attempts. Dave Mordis was Brockway's favorite target with five catches for 45 yards. Brockway had four pass plays over 40 yards, including the 60-yard touchdown pass to Passarelli.
Rembert led the Redbird running backs with 149 yards on 17 carries. Rafael Rice finished with 25 yards on 19 attempts. Rice's younger brother, Cortes Rice, missed the scrimmage with an ankle injury, while Brockway was the lone throwing quarterback.
"I was really disappointed on the offensive side of the ball today," Johnson said. "We are little watered down right now (in terms of offensive personnel), but overall I thought it was a good day - we got a little something done and lots of film to look at."
Prior to the scrimmage, the Redbirds worked out for four, five-minute periods primarily on special teams. During the extra point team, senior Jake Weber handled the long-snapping duties and both Wally Cirafesi and Tom Nelson worked as the holders. Kevin Mazur made all three of his PAT tries, while Bobby Kelsey pushed one of his three attempts to the left. Both kickers made their two field goal attempts from 32 yards and followed that effort up by splitting the uprights from 37 yards out.
The Redbirds will take a day off before returning to practice on Tuesday at 3 p.m.
