Experience Has Eagles Well Positioned for Second Season

Receiver Frankie Padula makes a big catch in Saturday's scrimmage

August 16, 2008 

With camp officially ending today and classes starting on Monday, Coach Jim Nichols got one more chance to see his Eagles in action before the start of the season in just 21 days.

Fullback Matt Fleck looks for running room early in the scrimmage

     "The biggest thing we have this year is experience, that means a lot," commented Nichols. Nichols said that today’s practice really showed him how much progress the Eagles have made since this time last season. "We are a lot farther along now than we were last year. We are becoming a family and unity is so important to a team’s success."

Receiver Josh Cooper makes his way outside for a big gain

     Nichols had his Eagles participate in an offense-defense full-pad scrimmage in front of over 125 fans at Jefferson Davis High School.

     Nichols said that he really wanted to use the night to figure out where the team was and what needed more work. The team was led on offense by starting quarterback Philip Moore. Rotating in and out, Moore was able to pass for over a hundred yards; he also had a five-yard rushing touchdown.

Quarterback Philip Moore throws a bullet to Robert Britton

      Backing Moore up were David Jones and Nick Garrett. Both passed for over 30 yards while Jones also added over thirty yards on the ground and a passing touchdown.

      "Both backup quarterbacks came out tonight looking pretty good," commented Nichols. "They along with both our first and second team offense and defense looked good. "

Quarterback Nick Garrett rolls out looking for a receiver

Quarterback David Jones fires a pass across the middle

      The defense, which looked stellar against the run, recorded five sacks.

      With the opening game of the season nearing, Nichols said that he is preparing his team to look at next month’s game with Samford as any other game. "Being able to travel to and compete in Birmingham will be good for our recruiting efforts there and for Faulkner Football in general."

Strong legs: Running back Ryan Williams continues to dominate the running game

      Faulkner opens its season in Birmingham on Sept. 6, against Samford in Birmingham. The home opener is slated for September 13, at Cramton Bowl against cross-town rival Huntingdon College.

Frank and Frankie: Frank Chinoski tries to break up a pass to Frankie Padula in the end zone