Aug. 21, 2011
NORFOLK, Va. - It was a mix of old and new during Saturday evening's scrimmage for the Football Monarchs at Foreman Field at S.B. Ballard Stadium.
Head coach Bobby Wilder and staff used a combination of No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3 offenses and defenses in various drills utilizing both the veterans and newcomers in looking to solidify the two-deep for the season.
On the offense, a pair of freshmen were on the receiving end of a number of passes from each of the quarterbacks. Jakwail Bailey had some early catches from Thomas DeMarco, which included helping move the chains down field on a pair of occasions along with a 63-yard touchdown reception. Classmate Kirk Spellman also got a number of looks including a touchdown catch from the hands of Tyler Clark during Saturday's scrimmage.
During the goal line drill, redshirt junior Reid Evans, who had a team-leading six touchdowns for the Monarchs last season, made a catch right at the edge of the end zone line.
Kicker Jarod Brown was also successful in giving the offense points. In addition to hitting all his PAT attempts, Brown connected on field goals form distances of 32 and 37 yards. Brown went 39-of-41 in extra points last season and made 12 of his 16 field goals attempts, including a season-high 48 yards kick in the season finale at N.C. Central.
Defensively, several Monarchs made outstanding players.
Devon Simmons picked off a pass intended for Antonio Vaughan. Last season, Simmons had one interception, a 37-yarder at Hampton in the Monarchs' 28-14 win.
Break-ups were recorded by corner newcomers Brandon Bacchus and A.J. Bordley, while fellow freshman Darrius Jennings, a safety, registered a fumble recovery.
The Football Monarchs will lift and have meeting on Saturday before hitting the field again for Monday for the final week of preseason camp.