March 28, 2009
Norfolk, Va. - The Old Dominion University football team held its first scrimmage of the spring on Saturday and while it appeared to be a stalemate between the offensive and defensive units, a lasting impression was left by walk-on quarterback Dan Pitts.
Pitts, a former standout at Ocean Lakes High School in Virginia Beach, closed the scrimmage by going 5-for-5 for 50 yards and a touchdown as he led the offense on a seven-play scoring drive. He connected with receiver Chris Lovitt for gains of 11 and 14 yards, and scrambled to buy time before finding Jamar Parham out of the backfield for a crucial third down conversion. He capped things off by tossing a 12-yard touchdown pass to Marvin Bryant on a fade route in the back of the end zone. At 6-foot-1, Bryant was able to leap over the 5-foot-9 cornerback T.J. Cowart to make the grab.
"Dan played very well today," said Coach Bobby Wilder. "He converted on third down and was able to make plays when things broke down."
The Monarch offense started off slow as the defense forced 3-and-outs on the first three series. However, Bobby Cooper came in at quarterback and gave the offense a little spark with his feet. Cooper ran for a first down and plowed in from the 1-yard line for a score following a 29-yard run off left tackle by Desmond Williams who narrowly missed getting into the end zone.
During the first two Red Zone segments the offense was able to convert on both occasions. Quarterback Tommy Reamon broke three tackles on his way to a 15-yard touchdown run, and Jamar Parham ran in from two yards out to cap the following series.
The tables were turned in the next series with the offense pinned deep in its own territory at the 7-yard line and looking to change the field position. However, they had no such luck as the Monarch defensive line proved to be too much. Junior college transfer Ed McClam made a stop behind the line, combined with Andrew Turner on another and put constant pressure on the quarterback. Throw in a solid hit by Cowart on transfer quarterback Thomas DeMarco, and the offense couldn't manage a first down on two possessions.
Pitts' 50 yards led all passers, while Cooper finished 3-for-5 for 34 yards. Demarco was just 1-for-6 and Reamon only attempted one pass. The Monarchs had little success on the ground, with Williams turning in a game-high 33 yards on nine carries, 29 coming on one run.
The Monarchs will continue spring drills next week Monday, Wednesday and Friday and hold another public scrimmage next Saturday at 1 p.m.