April 12, 2008

Football: Defense Corrals Offense To Earn Red Jerseys For Fall Camp

    Youngstown – The Youngstown State defense surrendered an initial scoring drive by the offense, but after that allowed just two field goals and earned a 41-28 victory in the jersey scrimmage between the two units on Saturday morning at Stambaugh Stadium. With the victory, the defense will wear the Red Jerseys when fall practice begins in August.

    The offense had worn the Red jerseys since August 2006 and won the previous three jersey scrimmages since that time. The defense's last jersey scrimmage victory came in April 2006.

    Saturday's scrimmage looked to be the fourth straight win for the offense early. On their initial drive, the offense moved 80 yards in 14 plays to score what turned out to be their lone touchdown of the workout. Quarterback Todd Rowan connected with Ferlando Williams on a 10-yard scoring strike to cap the opening position. Ten of the 14 plays on the drive were runs by senior tailback Kevin Smith.

    The defense regrouped and although allowing the offense to reach the red zone on their next drive, blocked a field goal to change the momentum. On a fourth-and-one at the 19, Stephen Blose's 36-yard attempt was blocked by defensive tackle Bruce Palmer.

    The defense stiffened the rest of the workout allowing a 37-yard Brian Palmer field goals and a 43-yarder by Blose. Both came on drives that gained just four yards.

    Rowan completed 9-of-12 passes for 97 yards and a score to lead the quarterbacks. Junior Brandon Summers completed 4-of-6 attempts for 67 yards and redshirt freshman Paul Corsaro was 2-of-5 for 35 yards and two interceptions.

    Senior cornerback Tyler Griffin picked up the first interception on a Corsaro overthrow. The second interception was by defensive lineman Bobby Lykes-Knight who caught the aerial after Andre Elliott deflected it on a blitz.

    Smith finished with 76 yards on 18 attempts to lead all rushers. Jabari Scott had 32 yards on 10 carries and Summers had 34 on six runs. Quarterbacks wore black jerseys and were not tackled during the scrimmage.

    Junior Aaron Pitts caught a scrimmage-high three passes for 25 yards. Sophomore Dominique Barnes had two receptions for 47 yards, including a 41-yarder from Summers, in a connection between former Southfield (Mich.) High School quarterbacks.

    Redshirt freshman Josh Lee had two grabs for 34 yards , Williams caught two passes for 24 and redshirt freshman Dionte Snow had two catches for 17 yards.

    The Penguins return to practice on Sunday night at 7:30 at Stambaugh Stadium. The YSU seniors and coaching staff will have their annual Red-White Game Draft Luncheon on Tuesday with the Spring Game set for Friday at 7:30 p.m.