NORMAL, Ill. – It was a beautiful morning for football at Hancock Stadium on Saturday, as the Illinois State football team held its second scrimmage of 2023 spring training camp. This week's scrimmage had a much different vibe compared to the first last week, which saw the team battle extremely windy and cool conditions. However, this week the Redbirds had near perfect conditions to quickly get through a spirited and quick scrimmage that lasted just over an hour.
Scrimmage Notes:
• The scrimmage went 65 plays, with the first and second team units each getting time to take the field.
• Situations practiced included driving the field, red zone, coming off the goal line and overtime.
• The offense averaged 4.6 yards per play and nearly 10 yards per completion in stark contrast to the numbers from scrimmage 1 that were marred by the inclement weather conditions.
Scoring Summary:
• The first-team offense wasted little time, scoring a touchdown on its first drive of the game as Mason Blakemore weaved his way through the defense for a 17-yard rushing score to cap off the 8-play, 76-yard drive … that touchdown was set up by a pair of strong runs by Wenkers Wright that amounted to 36 yards in total.
• On their second drive of the day, this one during the red zone session, the first-team offense only needed one play to find the endzone at Zach Annexstad connected with Daniel Sobkowicz for a 17-yard touchdown pass.
• The defense also got into the action with a score of its own score, as cornerback Christian Kirenga forced a fumble and Connor Leyden scooped the ball and returned it 79 yards for the touchdown.
• The final score of the day came during the overtime period, when Tommy Rittenhouse found David Connors Jr. for a 7-yard touchdown pass.
Passing Leaders:
• Zack Annexstad: 11-for-15, 96 yards, 1 TD
• Tommy Rittenhouse: 6-for-9, 69 yards, 1 TD
Rushing Leaders:
• Wenkers Wright: 4 att., 50 yards, long 24
• Cal Martine: 14 att., 40 yards, long 10
• Mason Blakemore: 5 att., 32 yards, 1 TD, long 17
Receiving Leaders:
• Javon Charles: 2 rec., 31 yards
• Scotty Presson Jr.: 2 rec., 31 yards
• Camo Nelson: 2 rec., 18 yards
• Jalen Carr: 2 rec., 17 yards
• David Connors Jr.: 2 rec., 12 yards, 1 TD
Defensive Leaders:
• Cody Zugenbuehler: 5 tackles, 5 solo
• Greg Galloway: 5 tackles, 5 solo, 1 sack, 1 TFL
• Tye Niekamp: 5 tackles, 5 solo, 1 sack, 1 TFL
• Christian Kirenga: 5 tackles, 4 solo, 1 FF
• Jalan Gaines: 4 tackles, 3 solo, 2.0 TFL
Up Next:
The Redbirds return to the field Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. for practice No. 12. For updates, photos, and video from 2023 Redbird Football Fall Camp, follow the team's official Twitter (@RedbirdFB) and Instagram (isuredbirdfb) accounts and log onto GoRedbirds.com.
GoRedbirds.com and the Illinois State Redbirds App: Your sources for Illinois State tickets, Weisbecker Athletic Fund gifts, multimedia, Redbird merchandise, photos and more.
