March 22, 2003

OFFENSE SHINES IN FURMAN
SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE

GREENVILLE, S.C. -- After watching the Furman defensive unit have the upperhand for much of spring practice, head football coach Bobby Lamb said it was refreshing to see his offense come to life Saturday in the Paladins' two-hour scrimmage in Paladin Stadium.

"Offensively we had our best day of the spring thus far," said Lamb. "With a new quarterback and three new offensive linemen in there, itís taken some time for them to come together, but today I think we saw the kind of offense we feel like we can have this season."

Rising junior quarterback Bo Moore from Madison, Ga., the heir apparent to All-Southern Conference performer Billy Napier, completed all four of his pass attempts for 50 yards to lead the first team offense on a 10-play, 75-yard touchdown drive on the scrimmageís first possession. He later connected with Isaac West on a four-yard scoring strike in a goal line series.

"Bo did a good job when he was in there. We didnít play him that much because heís had a banged up shoulder, but I think he performed well," added Lamb.

In addition to Moore, the Paladins got solid work from backup quarterback Jeremiah Van Dora, who completed 8-of-111 passes for 108 yards and two touchdowns, including a 21-yard strike to Justin Stepp on the scrimmageís final play.

Reserve signal caller Matt Cain, meanwhile, went 3-for-4 for 30 yards, and redshirt freshman Josh Stepp connected on 2-of-3 attempts for 36 yards in addition to scoring on a 20-yard run.

Furman's thin running back corps also shined despite the absence of rising senior Hindley Brigham and a trio of fullbacks -- Al Means, Brandon Berry, and David Latimer -- to injuries.

Rising senior tailback Lamar Rembert led all rushers with eight carries for 97 yards and two touchdowns, including a 24-yard scamper and 67-yard run off an option pitch, and reserve Corky Howell added 73 yards on 15 carries and a touchdown.

The recent rash of injuries at fullback forced the move of reserve tight end Justin Perdue to fullback, but Lamb spoke glowingly of the work turned in by the sophomore from Arden, N.C.

"Justin played nearly every snap at fullback today and did a excellent job. He's really learned on the job as has (tight end) Brad Bell, who has also played the position in some sets."

Justin Stepp, a redshirt freshman flanker from Pelion, S.C., paced all receivers with seven catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, and Isaac West added three catches for 36 yards and a score. Brian Stone, a sophomore transfer from the University of Florida, added three catches for 34 yards.

In the face of the offensive exploits, highlights for the defense were limited, but included sacks by redshirt freshman safety Shelton Riley and linebacker Andrew Carson.

"We were pretty vanilla on defense today. They've had a great spring, but today it was the offenseís turn," added Lamb.

Saturday's scrimmage also included significant work for placekickers Danny Marshall, John Mark Shiflet, and Walker Simmons. Marshall connected on 6-of-10 attempts, including a 51-yarder, but missed on efforts from 37, 47, 56, and 55 yards. Shiflet went 5-for-9, as did Simmons.

Furman has four practice dates remaining in its spring season and will return to the field on Monday at 3:30. The Paladins open the 2003 season on Aug. 31 against new conference member Elon at Paladin Stadium.