Aug. 20, 2011

Photo Gallery

EASTON, Pa. - The Lafayette football team held an 87-play intrasquad scrimmage Saturday morning, on Fisher Field, which featured live action for most of the session. Offense, defense and special teams units worked on different game situations, including opening drives from their own goal line, 35-yard line and 50-yard line. Kickoffs, punting and overtime scenarios were worked on, as well, with the first team offense and defense squaring off, followed by the second team units working against one another.

"I was pleased we didn't have any serious injuries, said Head Coach Frank Tavani. "We accomplished all the situations we wanted to cover, and we got some conditioning in as well after the scrimmage. This afternoon the team will get some rest before lifting tonight."

Each of the first two drives ended with field goals by Ethan Swerdlow. The junior connected on a 23-yard field goal after the first team offense took the ball inside the ten-yard line, and then nailed a 29-yarder, following a strong drive by the second unit. Nathan Padia made a nice catch down the left sideline for 25 yards to set up the score.

The first and second team offense each found the end zone on the next set of plays, with the drives starting at midfield. The ones converted on third and one when Pat Mputu ran for 12 yards, and then again on fourth and eight, when Ryan O'Neil found Mark Ross to set up a first and goal from the five yard line. Greg Kessell capped off the drive when he took a handoff from O'Neil and went up the middle for the touchdown.

Ross Scheuerman carried the ball six times on the next drive, and scored on a handoff from inside the two yard line, on fourth and goal.

The overtime situations provided the most success for the offense, as Andrew Shoop threw for two touchdowns on three plays. Shoop threw a strike to Ross for 25 yards for the first score and then hit tight end Brandon Hall for 20 yards, in the front corner of the end zone.

With Patrick McCain at quarterback, the offense set up in the shotgun on first down and ran a draw play to Scheuerman. The tailback bounced a run outside and scampered down the far sideline for a touchdown.

Lafayette's next practice is scheduled for Monday afternoon at 2:30 p.m., on Fisher Field.