ELON, N.C. – The Elon Phoenix returned to the Hunt and Tucker Fields under clear skies and cool temperatures for the 10th session, and first of two practices Monday, of the 2008 preseason practice schedule.
“This was one our most well-balanced practices so far this season,” head coach Pete Lembo said. “As a head coach you like to see the offense and defense both have some success throughout the course of a practice session.”
Monday morning’s session consisted of three team periods. The first period emphasized the blitz, while the second focused on third and long situations. The team period featured the two-minute drill. The team also conducted two pass skeletons, with the special teams worked on PAT field goals and punt and kickoff coverage.
The session also featured excellent competition at kicker, backup quarterback, back up tight end, and some wide receiver spots.
“Guys really have to come out and be prepared to compete everyday because its back and forth in terms of who is the best guy and who is going to be ready to play come August 30,” added Lembo.
Despite some receiving unit woes with dropped passes, sophomore Lance Camp turned in a productive practice. Freshman tailback Jamal Shuman caught two screen passes and turned them into big plays during the team periods.
“For us to be effective as an offense, we have to be able to throw and catch consistently to keep the chains moving,” continued Lembo.
Defensively for the Phoenix Tim Happer. Andre Campbell, and Brandon Ward all generated excellent pass rush, while Terrell Wilson continued to be steady at the cornerback position.
The Phoenix will return to the Hunt and Tucker Fields at 7:30 p.m. Monday for the 11th session of the 2008 Elon preseason football practice schedule. All sessions are open to the public and fans are encouraged to attend.
Tickets for individual games went on sale on August 1. Individuals wishing to purchase tickets and inquire about a parking pass are encouraged to do so at www.elonphoenix.com or by calling (336) 278-6750.
Season tickets for priority bleacher back seats are being sold for $100 each, faculty/staff priority bleacher back seats are $50, reserved bleacher seats are $70 and faculty/staff reserved bleacher seats are $35. Individual tickets for reserved bleacher and grass seats are $15.
Elon ended up 17th in the NCAA Division I Football Championship Subdivision according to College Sporting News’ 2007 Gridiron Power Index. The Phoenix finished 2007 ranked 23rd nationally in both the FCS Coaches' poll and The Sports Network's poll.
Recently picked second in the Southern Conference preseason polls by both the league’s coaches and media, Elon has also been ranked among the country’s top FCS teams in the preseason polls announced this summer by USA Today Sports Weekly (No. 8), The Sporting News (No. 12), Any Given Saturday (No. 15), SME Network Broadcasters (No. 15), Lindy’s (No. 17) and Phil Steele (No. 17).
The 2008 campaign begins at 7 p.m. Saturday, August 30 when Richmond visits Rhodes Stadium. The Spiders finished the 2007 season ranked No. 4 in the FCS Coaches’ poll and No. 5 in The Sports Network’s poll after fashioning an 11-3 record on their way to claiming a Colonial Athletic Association championship and a semifinal appearance in the FCS playoffs.
2008 Elon Phoenix Preseason Practice Schedule
1.) 2:45 p.m. Sunday, August 3 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
2.) 2:15 p.m. Monday, August 4 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
3.) 2:15 p.m. Tuesday, August 5 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
4.) 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 6 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
5.) 2:15 p.m. Thursday, August 7 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
6.) 2:15 p.m. Friday, August 8 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
7.) 8:00 a.m. Saturday, August 9 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
8.) 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 9 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
9.) 2:15 p.m. Sunday, August 10 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
10.) 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 11 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
11.) 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 11 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
12.) 8:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 13 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
13.) 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 13 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
14.) 2:15 p.m. Thursday, August 14 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
15.) 8:00 a.m. Friday, August 15 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
16.) 7:30 p.m. Friday, August 15 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
17.) 7:30 p.m. Saturday, August 16 – Rhodes Stadium
18.) 2:15 p.m. Sunday, August 17 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
19.) 8:00 a.m. Monday, August 18 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
20.) 7:30 p.m. Monday, August 18 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
21.) 2:15 p.m. Wednesday, August 20 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
22.) 7:30 p.m. Thursday, August 21 – Rhodes Stadium
23.) 2:15 p.m. Friday, August 22 – Hunt Field/Tucker Field
24.) 7:00 p.m. Saturday, August 23 – Rhodes Stadium
–ELON–
