Troy University Athletics
Trojans Run Through Second Scrimmage
8/20/2011 12:46:00 PM | Football
Final Stats
The Trojans completed their second and final scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday at Veterans Memorial Stadium. Troy got 86 plays out of their 75 minute session, focusing largely on the running game.
“We ran the ball down hill a lot better,” head coach Larry Blakeney said. “We also did some good things defensively, we're tackling a little better.”
The defense dominated the first half, as the offense found the end zone on one of their 10 drives.
The scoring march came on the second drive of the scrimmage as the Trojans, led by K.D. Edenfield at quarterback, used eight plays to go 70 yards and punch in a touchdown. Brian Exley capped off the drive with a five-yard TD rush.
The defense dominated the rest of the first half as they allowed just three drives of 10 yards or more. Michael Taylor capped off two of those drives with 33 and 47-yard field goals.
After the two sides took a short break from the 94-degree heat, the offense came out firing. The second half consisted of just three possessions as the Trojans completed 10, 11 and 12-play drives. The first two drives went for 65 yards each and both ended in touchdowns.
The first was capped off by D.J. Taylor who scampered in from seven yards out. The second scoring drive of the half ended when Liam Miller connected with Hollis Moore for a 19-yard touchdown completion.
However, the scrimmage ended with defense getting the last laugh. The offense was driving from their own five-yard line, and had moved to the defense's side of the field on 11 plays. However, on the 12th play, Edenfield threw the only interception of the day, with Jimmie Anderson pickig off the errant pass and returning it 35 yards to close out the scrimmage.
On the day, the Trojans rushed for 183 yards with a lot of running backs contributing to the total.
“I thought our back did a good job getting downhill today,” Blakeney added. “Chris Anderson, D.J. Taylor, (Shawn) Southward and even a couple of young guys figured out before it was over with.”
The following players didn't dress out: WR Brett Moncrief, QB Corey Robinson, QB Jamie Hampton, DB LaDarrius Madden, WR B.J. Chitty, WR Bryan Holmes, LB Brannon Bryan, OL Demarkus Underwood, OL Kyle Wilborn, DT Emanuel Dudley, DT Kyle Lucas and DE John Clark.
Anderson Stepping Up
Chris Anderson is a junior here at Troy University from Fort Lauderdale, Florida and in his second year on the field is looking to make a big impact.
Anderson has a history of competing for the Trojans. Last year alone, he totaled 94 carries for 388 yards.
Today in the Trojans' scrimmage, Anderson grabbed four carries for 27 yards and five receptions for 30 yards. The five catches were tops on the squad at Saturday's scrimmage.
Anderson knows that his experience on the field is going to be vital for the Trojans this year, more than ever.
“I've got to be a leader towards my team,” Anderson said. “And lead these guys in the right direction, so we can win some games.”
Anderson views the scrimmage as a time to step up and let the coaches see that he has been putting in the work.
“Today we just had to polish up to see what guys we are going to use during the next two weeks,” Anderson said. “What guys are ready and what guys are going to get the job done for the Troy Trojans.”
Anderson states that he is ready for the season the start. He is excited about playing Clemson on September 3, 2011.
With a great deal of confidence Anderson said, “I was born ready. Ready is just something in my heart.”
Anderson knows that practicing hard will pay off. He is continually working to polish his own game.
“We just came out here to try and get a mental preparation for the game,” Anderson said after the scrimmage. “I'm just happy that I caught the ball today. It was only 30 yards, but it was against my own team. It will get better during the game as we go along through practice. Everything will get better and will polish up the right way.”
Anderson looks to be one of many Trojans contributing out of the backfield this year, a position that the junior back isn't going to shy away from.
Football Appreciation Night/Fan Day
After the scrimmage, the 2011 Troy Football Appreciation Night is set. The annual fund-raising event for the Trojans Football program will begin at 6 p.m. A very limited number of tickets are still available for $125 per couple by calling 334-670-3683 or 334-670-3682.
On Sunday, the Troy football team will be joined by the players for the Trojans Soccer and Volleyball squads, as well as both Cross Country squads and the Trojans cheerleaders for Fan Day. The event will start at 2 p.m. at Sartain Hall. The student-athletes and coaches will be on hand to pose for pictures and sign autographs. Admission to Fan Day is free and free hot dogs and soft drinks will be available for all fans, while supplies last.
Thursday, May 28
Saturday, April 18
Saturday, April 18
Saturday, April 18