SU defense shines

The skies over A.W. Mumford Stadium were gray, the field mangled with mud and water from a rain storm the day before, yet Southern’s spring football game went on as planned.
As Warren Matthews and company trotted out for the games first drive fans anxious to take in the annual blue vs. white game, which marks the end of spring practice, began to fill the stadium.
When it was all said and done the defensive unit emerged 38-14 over the offense. As expected SU’s offensive line struggled at times, as Ramon Chinyoung, Lee Almanza and Chris Browne all missed the game due to injury.
In all, the defense racked up seven sacks and two interceptions.
The positive: less experienced players such as Rodrell Stewart, who saw time at left guard and Allen Buckner got most of the reps. And as expected, the more seasoned defensive line often easily flew off the corners, hurrying Matthews and freshman quarterback Jeremiah McGinty.
“We wanted our defensive linemen to whip the man in from of them so that it would help us on the back end,” SU defensive coordinator Terrance Graves said. “Whenever we can get the pass rush up front, we’ll be better in the secondary.”
The defense was awarded three points for third down stops, interceptions and fumble recoveries, and two points per safety. In all, the defense came up with 12 stops and a safety.
The offense earned six points for touchdowns, three points for field goals and one point per PAT.
Matthews completed 12-of-24 attempts for 193 yards and the game’s only touchdown pass—a fade to Juamorris Stewart in the left corner of the end zone. Matthews also tossed two interceptions—both underthrown balls—desperately scrambling to avoid the defensive pressure of a collapsing pocket.
“Defensively we’re ahead of schedule, especially depth wise,” SU coach Pete Richardson said.
McGinty finished 10-of-11 for 13 yards, but showed good awareness checking the ball down and quick feet, eluding defenders while dashing for 58 yards on 11 carries. His longest scramble came on a 22-yard gain where he slipped out of the pocket avoiding a sack and turned up field.
“He’s a good athlete that’s very good running the football,” Richardson said. “Once he learns the system, he’s going to develop into a fine football player for us.”
Running backs Brian Threat (one carry for 35 yards), Silas Gibbs (seven carries for 28 yards) and Jerry Joseph (five carries for 22 yards) all saw action.
Stewart, who mainly had his way all game, led all receivers with 131 yards on four receptions. He was also involved in the games longest play from scrimmage, a 68-yard bomb from Matthews that Stewart took to the 2-yard line before being run out of bounds.
“He’s the go to guy,” Matthews said. “You want to get it (the ball) to him two or three times a series because he’s a go getter.”
Stewart had found his way behind the defensive coverage on two other occasions—both Matthews under throws— but Matthews was unable to connect due to pressure from Dexter James and Don Holloway.
“The inexperience and depth showed on the offensive line and we’re going to have to improve up there,” Richardson said.