WEST LONG BRANCH,
N.J.- Monmouth University's football
team wrapped up the 2011 preseason camp with a 80 play scrimmage on Friday,
with the defense controlling much of the action.
"We had a very productive camp leading up to today's scrimmage," said head
coach Kevin Callahan." The team was focused at each and every one of those
practices, which is not always the case during preseason camp. Sometimes there is a lull but we never
experienced that this year. The guys
will have a couple of days off and then we'll get back to work to focus on
Lehigh."
One week after the offense exploded for a number of passing TDs, the defense
scored two defensive touchdowns and forced five interceptions in the scrimmage. Quarterback Kyle Frazier's (Gaithersburg,
Md./Damascus) first pass of the day was deflected to linebacker Bill Lauch (Wall,
N.J./Wall/Erie CC) who intercepted the ball for the blue squad.
Sophomore defensive lineman Jimmy Lawson (Manchester, N.J./Manchester) led an
impressive group up front, coming up with a tackle and a loss and a sack on the
first two series. On the fourth series
of the day sophomore Steve Barroso (Toms River, N.J./Toms River North)
intercepted a Craig Peterson (Manalapan, N.J./Manalapan) pass and returned it
15 yards for the first of two defensive touchdowns on the day. The other came from junior Reggie Hildebrandt
Jr. (Seat Pleasant, Md./Eleanor Roosevelt/Morgan State), who caught an errant
Frazier pass and brought it back for a 48 yard score. Junior Mike Upham (Clifton, Va./Centreville)
caught a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage for a pick while safety Pat Gray
(Westfield, N.J./Westflied/Hargrave Military Academy) came up with an
interception for the second straight week.
The offence picked up later in the day, with Mike Mordaga (Paramus,
N.J./Paramus) grinding out a touchdown run and tight end Tyler George (Berkeley
Heights, N.J./Gov. Livingston) catching an 11 yard touchdown pass.
Kicker Eric Spillane (Howell, N.J./Colts Neck) converted a number of field
goals in the scrimmage while he and freshman Ryan Mohr (West Orange, N.J./Seton
Hall Prep) handled the punting duties.
Monmouth is preparing for its opening game next Saturday, when the defending
Patriot League Champion Lehigh Mountain Hawks visit Kessler field.
