RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 24) – Offense, defense and special teams all had their moments in the Saint Augustine’s University intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday at the George Williams Athletic Complex.
The offense, led by quarterback D’Ontre Gilliard (Fr./Holly Hill, SC), scored four touchdowns. The defense, sparked by defensive ends E’Kwon White (So./Frankinton, NC) and Desmond Quinerly(Jr./Raleigh, NC), recorded five sacks and one interception.
Special teams also stood out, going 2-for-2 on field goal attempts.
“Offense and special teams did really well,” SAU Head Coach Tim Chavous said. “Defense is going to be fine. We are going to be pretty good, definitely better than last year.”
Chavous was impressed with Gilliard, who is projected to be the season opening starter at quarterback. Gilliard threw all four scoring strikes, including touchdown scores of 38 and nine yards to Anthony Berry (So./Kinston, NC). He found Kam Pugh (Jr./Birmingham, AL) for a 12-yard score and Demetrius Johnson (Jr./Baltimore, MD) for a 35-yard touchdown.
“Gilliard proved today that he can lead the offense,” Chavous said.
White and Quinerly led the defense with three sacks and two sacks, respectively. Defensive back Booker Peake (Fr./Columbia, SC) picked off a pass and kickers Andre Labat (Fr./Miami, FL) and Jesse Neri Vallecillo-Lopez (Fr./Raleigh, NC) booted field goals from 47 and 35 yards, respectively.
Chavous praised an active defensive front featuring Quinerly, White and defensive tackle Brandon Jackson (So./Washington, NC), a 2018 All-CIAA second team pick. He also raved about Preseason All-CIAA linebacker Joseph Harris (So./Jacksonville, FL) and defensive back Darrius Casey (Fr./Glen Burnie, MD). Harris was a 2018 All-CIAA first team selection.
“The defensive line was stellar,” Chavous said. “They did not jump offside one time. Harris and Casey both stood out as well as our kickers.”
The Falcons, who finished 2-7 overall last season, have two more weeks to prepare for their season opener against Lenoir-Rhyne University on Sept. 7. Kickoff is 6 p.m. in Hickory, N.C.
Article via Saint Augustine Web-site: http://saintaugfalcons.com/news/2019/8/24/sau-makes-plays-in-all-three-phases-in-football-scrimmage.aspx