August 19, 1999
Release: Upon Receipt

"USUAL" EXECUTION PROBLEMS REVEALED
IN FURMAN'S FIRST SCRIMMAGE OF PRE-SEASON

GREENVILLE -- The Furman Paladins' first day in full pads produced few surprises and much of what head coach Bobby Johnson expected to see: good physical effort but poor execution.

"In the first scrimmage we had the usual execution problems," said Johnson following his squad's hour long afternoon contact work. "Sometimes they get out here and get so excited that they forget almost every technique we've taught them. Some of it's understandable, but some of it's not. We need to eliminate mistakes. The good thing is we got a number of plays on film that we can evaluate tonight and try to get things corrected tomorrow.

"I thought (linebacker) Will Bouton had a good scrimmage, and I was really pleased with some of our defensive linemen. That group as a whole has gotten a lot better this year. They've been working especially hard, and I credit coach Allen Edwards and coach George Harrelson for bringing them along and helping them develop some pride."

Among the big plays produced in the Paladins' Thursday afternoon scrimmage were a 55-yard touchdown pass from junior quarterback Justin Hill to senior flanker Desmond Kitchings; a 60-yard touchdown run by freshman tailback Lamar Rembert; and a 25-yard interception return by freshman free safety Paul Billingsly.

Furman practiced twice in pads on Thursday and moved back onto its practice fields in the afternoon following the departure of the Atlanta Falcons, who concluded their pre-season camp Thursday morning.

"We're very happy to be back on our fields and back in our routine," Johnson added.

The Paladins continue pre-season workouts with two practices on Friday at 6:20 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. prior to Saturday's scrimmage in Paladin Stadium. Preceding to the scrimmage, Furman will host Fan Day beginning at 1:30 p.m. Posters and t-shirts will be given away, and players will be available for autographs on the field.

Paladin Pointers: Junior defensive end Peter Kamm is out indefinitely with a sprained foot, and junior flanker Bryant Huguley is listed as day-to-day after sustaining a bruised hand in Thursday morning's practice. Sophomore nose guard Jarrod Holmes has yet to participate in pre-season drills due to a hamstring strain.