Troy University Athletics
Chemistry Key For Trojans In 2007
8/11/2007 5:00:00 AM | Football
TROY, Ala. ? The Troy University Trojans had their first taste of full contact scrimmage on Saturday morning at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium, but with temperatures on the field pushing 130 degrees, head coach Larry Blakeney wanted to talk about chemistry more than blocking and tackling.
"This is a very talented team, but we talk a lot about chemistry because that is very important," Blakeney said during media day activities. "I look at our defense and what I see are the three holes left by three walk-ons ? Brannon Condren, Frankie Lloyd and Ryan Babb ? three heart and soul guys who made chemistry happen.
"I hope that all of the guys we have been talking about, and we do have some talent on defense, can find that chemistry again. We have to find those guys who never say die. We need guys with ?whatever-it-takes' desire and tenacity on defense."
It was the defense that had a strong day on Saturday as the Trojans stayed on the field for almost two hours, running about 125 plays, despite the extreme heat. Two of the top plays in the scrimmage were turned in by the defense, one on an Elbert Mack interception with a 47-yard return, and the other on a fumble recovery by junior college linebacker David McDowell, who rambled 54-yards for a score.
But there were highlights for the offense on the day as well. Senior quarterback Omar Haugabook was the picture of efficiency, completing 17-of-22 attempts for 167 yards and one score, a long pass to junior Mykeal Terry who got past Mack on the play.
Redshirt freshman Tanner Jones also took a step toward earning the backup job by completing 12-of-17 passes for 82 yards.
The passes went to a large number of receivers, none of who caught more than a pair of running backs ? Kenny Cattouse (4-36) and walk-on Anthony Johnson (4-27).
It was also Johnson, a product of Winter Garden, Fla., who piled up the most rushing yards with 38 on five carries.
In the kicking game, senior Greg Whibbs was perfect on three field goal attempts ? from 23, 46 and 29 yards ? while also hitting both of his PAT tries. Senior Adrian Vera averaged 44 yards while freshman Will Goggans averaged 40 in the battle to win the punting job.
Defensively, sophomore Chris Bowens led the way with six total tackles while fellow sophomore Boris Lee and junior Carvel Jones had five each. The defense recorded five sacks in the scrimmage ? one each from freshman Lennie Richardson, juniors Kenny Mainor and Dion Gales, and seniors Shawn Todd and Junior Tagovailoa.
"It is a three-phase game, and on a day like today, anything that is good for one phase is bad for another, and, as the head coach, I have to stand there and qualify it all," Blakeney said. "In playing this game, you talk about leadership, coaches, heart-and-soul players, you talk about character and you talk about chemistry. We are trying to stir the soup right now. All of the ingredients in, all of the seasoning, and right now we are stirring and simmering.
"This football team is different, there is no way it can be like last years'. But, this team can be even more successful if we get all the chemistry right."
The Trojans will return to the practice field on Monday evening to continue preparations for their season-opening game at Arkansas on Sept. 1. Tickets for that game, and the second game of the season at defending national champion Florida, are still available in limited numbers through the Troy University Athletics Ticket Office. Season tickets for all five Trojan games at Movie Gallery Veterans Stadium are also available.
Troy fans can be a part of history by purchasing tickets for the 2007 season. Contact the Troy Athletics Ticket Office at 1-877-878-WINS or 334-670-3680. The ticket office is open from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
