April 14, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - The running game was Saturday afternoon's highlight, making use of five backs in Florida Atlantic University's second football scrimmage of the spring. A game that saw the offense prove victorious 31-12.

"We had some good plays but, not near enough by the quarterbacks and receivers. It wasn't our finest hour," said Howard Schnellenberger, FAU's head coach. "The offense did score a lot of points but, it was by the individual efforts made by the runningbacks. There was also better hitting on both sides of the ball."

The game played under a modified scoring system awards the offensive points in the traditional manner. On Saturday, the offense was awarded a point for a first down when the drive started at their 20. Between the offensive 40 and the defensive 20 the offense has three downs to earn a first down. The defense was awarded a point any time they stop the offense in three. They could also earn three points for a stop inside the redzone and seven points for a turnover inside the 20.

The day began with the defense stopping the offense on the 14 for three points. Rusty Smith then began his second drive of the day and marched the length of the field connecting with William Rose for a one yard score. The opening two drives saw the no. 1 offense versus the no. 2 defense.

Sean Clayton then began his first drive leading the no. 2 offense versus the no. 1 defense. The defense gathered two points for stopping the drives and then forced a fumble after a 20-yard reception by Philip McDonald. Frantz Joseph scooped up the ball and mounted a return for an additional three points.

Eli Cranor then received his scripted drive only to fall victim to a penalty followed by a sack and one more point for the defense. Cranor then began at the offensive 40 once more prior to the half. He connected with Willie Floyd for a 40 yard reception, saw Kyle Watkins pick up three yards and then handed off to Floyd for the 12 yard score. The touchdown gave the offense an 18-9 advantage heading into the break.

Jeff VanCamp opened the second half with a drive that ended eight plays in following a penalty and a sack. VanCamp gave way to Clayton who lead a 12-play drive that's highlight was a broken pass play by defensive back Tavious Polo.

FAU then moved into redzone offense and defense. Clayton began the drill under center which ended on a two-yard reception to Grant Glover. Smith then followed with a redzone score to Chris Bonner from 15 yards out and the game's final 31-21, offense.

The Owls will hold their final scrimmage of the spring season 2 p.m. April 21 on the new track complex. A kids' zone, food, entertainment as well as the game are free and open to the public.

FAU Scrimmage #2

Offense 31, Defense 12

Passing
Rusty Smith: 11-22-0 , 94 yards 2 TD
Sean Clayton: 5-13-0, 43 yards, 1 TD
Eli Cranor: 1-3-0, 40 yards
Jeff VanCamp: 2-4-0, 23 yards

Total 19-42-0, 200 yards, 3 TD

Receiving
Frantz Simeon: 3-42
Chris Bonner: 5-28
William Rose: 3-12, 1 TD
Jamari Grant: 3-51
Philip McDonald 1-20
Willie Floyd: 1-40
Wilfred Rivera: 1- -3
B.J. Manley: 1-8
Grant Glover: 1-2 1TD

Total: 19-200

Rushing
B.J. Manley: 11-6
William Rose: 1-3
Willie Floyd: 7-27, 1 TD
DiIvory Edgecomb: 6-73
Kyle Watkins: 1-3
Rusty Smith: 2- - 4 1 TD
Eli Cranor: 2- -15
Jeff VanCamp: 3-2
Sean Clayton: 1- -15

Total:
33-95

Touchdowns:
William Rose 1 yard pass from Rusty Smith 6-3
Rusty Smith, 1 yard run 12-8
Willie Floyd, 12 yard run 18-9
Offense 1 point for fist down starting from their 20
Grant Glover two yard pass from Sean Clayton
Chris Bonner 15 yard pass from Rusty Smith