CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois defense looked solid yet again as the Panther football team completed its final scrimmage of the 2008 fall camp on Saturday afternoon at O'Brien Stadium.
The Panthers defensive unit was able to hold the EIU offensive in check in the early stages of the scrimmage with the secondary breaking up several passes that would have kept offensive drive alive.
“Our first string guys on defense looked good today,” said senior safety Ke'Andre Sams. “We were able to make tackles and finish off plays, something we have been working on improving throughout camp.”
EIU's offense was effective when inside the red zone as freshman Desmin Ward scored a couple of 3-yard touchdowns and Chip Keys hauled in a scoring pass from 13 yards out.
Ward was one of three running backs that earned a lot of reps during the scrimmage as seniors Travorus Bess, Norris Smith and sophomore Chevon Walker all missed action due to injury. Ward was joined in the backfield by fellow freshman Bobby Earnest and junior Ron Jordan. All three injured backs are listed as day-to-day for camp action.
“We worked really hard in today's scrimmage and came away without any additional injuries,” said head coach Bob Spoo. “Our guys were playing hard and had great determination. We were finishing on both sides of the ball. I was pleased with the effort.”
EIU will run through a mock-game on Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. as the Panthers now turn their focus to preparing for the Aug. 28 opener at Central Michigan.
“They have a fine ball club at CMU,” added Spoo. “I was reading in the Chicago Tribune the other day about their quarterback (Dan) LeFevour and it said he is only one of two NCAA quarterbacks to throw for 3,000 yards and rush for a 1,000. The other was Vince Young, so that's some pretty good company.”
CAMP NOTES
The Panthers only true position battle is currently taking place among the kickers. EIU has three kickers that will most likely make the trip to CMU as seniors Tyler Wilke and Zach Yates battle with University of Iowa transfer Austin Signor for the No. 1 spot. All three bring different assets to the team.
EIU had one late arrival at fall camp on Monday as Jake Mitchell, a scholarship player from Springfield (Ill.) Lanphier High School joined the team after being cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse.
Kick off for the 2008 season is now just 12 days away as EIU will play Central Michigan at Kelly/Shorts Stadium with a 6 p.m. (Central) game time.
Season tickets and single tickets are currently on sale for the 2008 EIU football season. Tickets can be purchased by calling (217) 581-2106, Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Online orders can be placed at www.EIUpanthers.com
