Akron Football Has Final Scrimmage

August 22 | Football

AKRON – The University of Akron football team had its final scrimmage of the 2007 preseason Wednesday morning in the Stile Field House. Other than a light workout Wednesday afternoon, focusing mainly on special teams, the Zips will no longer have two-a-day session and will now turn their full attention to the season opener Sept. 1 versus Army in the inaugural FirstMerit Patriot Bowl at Browns Stadium.

Part of that preparation for the 7 pm kickoff versus the Black Knights, could come as early as Wednesday night as head coach J.D. Brookhart indicated they would name either Carlton Jackson or Chris Jacquemain the starting quarterback. The two have posted similar statistics throughout camp but Brookhart said a determining factor for naming a starter will be, "who we feel can best manage the game and limit bad decisions." He added, "after we name a starter, we have the right to change our mind as well. Both Chris and Carlton are far ahead of where we expected them to be. The competition between the two has really elevated their performance."

In the scrimmage Wednesday, the two experienced their struggles, combining to complete just 9-of-17 passes for 74 yards with no touchdowns and an interception.

A number of players sat out during the scrimmage due to injury, most of whom were inactive for precautionary purposes. However, Coach Brookhart announced Jared Cecchetti, Akron's lone returning starter on the defensive front, will be out approximately four weeks after having surgery on his foot.

"Today's scrimmage was a complete reversal of the first," Brookhart said. "Today, our defense really showed up, ran to the ball, made plays and did what it has to do for us to be a good football team. I was disappointed with the offense, especially with some of the breakdowns. For instance, a high snap throws off the timing of a play and, instead of gaining eight yards, you loose one or two. However, I am not going to let today be a cause for concern. Again, our defense played like the veteran group they are and the offense has made too much progress to let one session be a negative."

The defense set the tone early. On the first play, Brion Stokes grabbed a tipped pass and returned it 22 yards for a score. While the play was called back due to a penalty, the defense kept the momentum as John Mackey caused a fumble two plays later, which Stokes recovered. The first units stayed on the field for two more series of downs. The offense did manage three first downs, but ultimately, both series would have ended in punts.

When the second units took the field for their set of plays, the defense came up big again early. Facing third and long, Jacquemain's bomb down field was picked off by Dante Barnes. Over the next 10 plays, the defense would record three sacks (Viktor Rajek, Parris McNeal and Cowles Stewart) and a fumble recovery on a high snap (Shawn Lemon). Also, on a blitz, Jacquemain was forced to throw the ball away to avoid another sack. Despite the troubles, Jacquemain was able to provide a highlight for the offense as he connected with Alphonso Owen for a 32-yard pass.

The next set of downs had the offense facing the length of the field and only four minutes on the clock. Dennis Kennedy started things with impressive back-to-back runs for a first down. The defense stiffened and forced a three-and-out afterward. The second defense was also effective, forcing a three-and-out thanks to a tackle for loss by Mitchell Magloire and sack by Ryan Bain.

The first and second units had a final series in a two-minute situation. With actually 1:35 on the clock, the first offensive unit lost the ball on downs. The second offensive unit began to move the ball, getting two first downs. However, consecutive sacks by Amin Kabir and Blake Smith ended the drive.

During the scrimmage, the team came together on two occasions to work on field goals. Both Igor Iveljic and Matt Domonkos missed attempts from 38 and 47 yards. Later Iveljic made a 37 yarder.

The scrimmage drew to a close with the third units getting work. Matt Rodgers had an 11-yard completion for a first down. The next series began with Deni Odofin registering a TFL. KC Patterson responded with a pair of completions and the session ended after a Jalil Carter interception.

RUSHING:

Dennis Kennedy 7-21; Bryan Williams 2-11; Carlton Jackson 2-11; Joe Tuzze 1-1; Chris Jacquemain 3-10; Bryant McMillon 4-12; Andre Walker 1-1; Phillip Morris 1-0; Matt Harmon 2-6.

PASSING:

Carlton Jackson 4-7, 18 yds.; Chris Jacquemain 5-10, 56 yds, 1 INT; Matt Rodgers 1-2, 11 yds.; KC Patterson 2-3, 11 yds.

RECEIVING:

Brandon Williams 1-2; Bryan Williams 2-13; Richard Sandilands 1-3; Alphonso Owen 2-48; Marcus Patterson 1-0; Andre Walker 1-3; Matt Harmon 1-5; Jerome Royal 1-11; Matthew Smith 1-9;