August 22, 2002

FIRST SCRIMMAGE OF PRESEASON EARNS
MIXED REVIEWS FROM FURMAN'S LAMB

GREENVILLE -- Furman's first full-scale scrimmage of the preseason on Thursday yielded mixed reviews from Paladin head coach Bobby Lamb, who singled out a couple of players for solid work while also indicating that his youthful defense needs more consistency.

"Overall we had a good day, but we had some mental mistakes while going full speed," said Lamb, whose team scrimmaged for an hour and a half Thursday morning before coming back for an afternoon session in shorts, shoulder pads, and helmets.

"Defensively we had guys flying around and making some big plays, but when we gave up a couple of 8-10 yard plays some of the younger players kinda got down a bit. We've got to stress what¹s important is to get back in the huddle and start thinking about the next play and not worry about what just happened."

Lamb pointed to the play of sophomore tight end Willis Sudderth and senior offensive guard Justin Price of Mauldin as among Thursday's individual highlights. "The most impressive player on offense today was Willis Sudderth. He had three catches, including one for 20 yards and touchdown. And Justin Price has been very strong for us up front this week. We¹ve always known he could do it, but he hasn't had much playing time in his career because he played behind (two-time All-American) Marty Priore."

The Paladins' afternoon practice included scale and team pass, and concluded with the squad¹s first work of the preseason on its two-minute offense.

Senior split end James Thomas was the only significant player to exit Thursday¹s scrimmage with an injury ‹ an ankle sprain, which will sideline him a few days according to head athletic trainer Phil Hedrick. Senior defensive end Eddie Overdyke (back strain) and senior flanker Bear Rinehart (hamstring strain) did not participate in Thursday's practices but both are expected to be available by Saturday.

Furman returns to the practice field on Friday with two practices, including more scrimmage work in the morning.

"We'll go 11-on-11 thud tomorrow morning with no tackling and try and get a few folks ready for Saturday, when we will go all out," added Lamb.

Note: Furman will hold its annual Football Fan Day Saturday, August 24 prior to the Paladins¹ scrimmage in Paladin Stadium. An autogragh/photo session featuring Furman players, coaches, and the team mascot "Sir Paladin", is scheduled to begin at 1:00 p.m. in Timmons Arena, where "Pump Up The Purple" t-shirts will be given away to children in attendance. In addition, fans can pick up Furman "Purple Reign" posters. A limited number of media guides will be sold for $12 each. Furman's scrimmage is scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m.