The Youngstown State defense had one of its best scrimmage efforts on Saturday afternoon at Stambaugh Stadium since Head Coach Eric Wolford took over the program. The defense allowed just one long drive for a touchdown and stopped the offense on five of seven red-zone opportunities during the workout.
The defense allowed just one scoring drive of longer than 25 yards during the day. Two of the offensive units scores came on red-zone play while another came from 25 yards out. Starting quarterback Kurt Hess moved the offense 70 yards in eight plays for its longest scoring drive of the contest. He connected with Pat White on a beautifully thrown 30-yard touchdown strike in the back corner of the end zone for a touchdown.
Hess completed 14-of-23 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. Patrick Angle was 6-of-12 for 67 yards, Marc Kanetsky was 4-of-12 for 51 yards and freshman Dante Nania was 3-of-4 for 12 yards. Hess connected with Jelani Berassa on a 54-yard bomb, which came out of the offense's end zone.
Leading the offense on the ground was Jordan Thompson who rushed for 24 yards on six carries. Demond Hymes had 11 carries for 20 yards while Torrian Pace had 25 on 11 rushes and Adaris Bellamy had 23 on 10.
The offense did not commit a turnover in 113 snaps of scrimmage action. Thirteen different players caught at least one pass. The quarterbacks wore black jerseys and cound not be tackled during the workout.
The defense proved to be stout on numerous occasions. Twice, the unit stopped the offense on fourth-and-one plays. The defense was credited with 10 pass breakups on 24 of the offense's misfires.
Leading the defense in tackles was Sir Aaron Taylor who finished with 11. Daniel Stewart and Nick DeKraker had two sacks each while Obinna Ekweremuba had 2.5 tackles for losses, including 1.5 sacks.
During the red-zone session, the defense had five stops while the offense scored twice. Hess connected with Berassa on a 19-yard score and Bellamy found paydirt from six yards out. On two possessions, the defense had sacks on third downs to end the series.
Late in the scrimmage, Thompson capped a 25-yard drive with a four-yard score.
Berassa led all wide receivers with seven catches for 113 yards and a score. Christian Bryan caught three passes while six players caught two each.
YSU opens the season on Friday, Sept. 2 at Michigan State. The contest will be televised on the Big Ten Network and carried on 570 WKBN AM.
Season and Individual Game Tickets for the 2011 season are now on sale through the YSU Athletic Ticket Office. For ticket information contact the YSU Athletic Ticket Office at (330) 941-1978.
The Penguins return to practice on Monday with two sessions, the first set for 9 a.m. while the other is at 5 p.m.
Upcoming Practice Schedule
Sunday, August 14 -- OFF
Monday, August 15 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Tuesday, August 16 – 10 a.m.
Wednesday, August 17 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Thursday, August 18 – 10 a.m.
Friday, August 19 – 9 p.m. and 5 p.m.