April 12, 2008

ATHENS, Ohio-The Ohio football squad participated in its first scrimmage of the spring season Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium.

Quarterbacks Theo Scott (Long Beach, Ca.) and Boo Jackson (Gardena, Ca.) both had superb efforts, with Scott completing six of seven passes for 51 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson completed four of five passes for 38 yards and a score. Brandon Jones (Marietta, Ga.) also went 5-8 for 86 yards. In all, the Ohio offense completed 20 of 26 passes for 199 yards.

The Ohio passing game completed passes to 15 different receivers on the afternoon. Tight end David Carter (Waynesboro, Pa.) hauled in a pair of passes for 22 yards and a 17-yard touchdown from Scott, and wide receiver Brandon Peterson (Gaithersburg, Md.) had a pair of catches for 17 yards, including a 12-yard score from Jackson.

The Bobcats' rushing attack was powered by Vince Davidson (Dayton, N.J.) who had six carries for 58 yards and a two-yard touchdown. Chris Garrett (Bristow, Va.) posted six carries for 33 yards, while L.J. Flintall (Burlington, N.C.) had eight carries for 16 yards and Donte Harden (Erie, Pa.) checked in with five carries for 14 yards and a one-yard scoring scamper.

Linebacker Chad Clemens (Dayton, Ohio) and safety Patrick Tafua (Midway City, Ca.) led the defensive effort with six tackles, to go with five stops by linebacker Kyle Robbins (North Canton, Ohio). Linebacker Anton Robinson (Gahanna, Ohio) recorded the only interception of the day off a tipped pass, while Billy Gonzalez-Santos (Bonney Lake, Wash.) forced a fumble. In all, the Ohio defense had three sacks and four tackles for loss. Two of those sacks came from defensive end Stafford Gatling (Burlington, N.C.).

Ohio will continue its spring practice Monday at Peden Stadium.

Head Coach Frank Solich

On the scrimmage:

I thought we threw the ball well and made some excellent catches. We were able to keep drives alive and did a good job, I thought, of not taking ourselves out of drives.

Running back Donte Harden

On his progress this spring:

I'm never satisfied with my performance. I always try to strive for better each and every time I get on the field. We're looking good as a team right now and that's one of the things I'm most proud of. It's not about me, it's about Ohio University. As long as we come together and win as a team, I'm satisfied.

Running back Vince Davidson

On the scrimmage:

What we did out here was good. I think that's just going to continue as we go along with the spring season. I think our offensive linemen did a very good job today and opened up a lot of holes for us.

On his "big play" ability:

I think I could be that playmaker, that big play guy that can take it to the house.

Quarterback Theo Scott

On the scrimmage:

There's always room for improvement and I think we still have a lot of work to do. There are some little things we need to tune up and just try to get more comfortable with one another.

On his progress compared to last year:

I'm just looking to fill more of a leadership role this year. As far as the competition goes, everyone wants to start and I certainly want to be that guy. I just try to keep an optimistic attitude every day.