UTC scrimmage article

Last Saturday, with dark clouds everywhere and a brisk wind, the 2009 UTC football team held there first scrimmage under the watchful eye of new Head Coach Russ Huesman. This would mark the first opportunity the new boss would see how his players would react when the pads started popping.

After last year’s disappointing season which just managed one win. Huesman’s arrival in Chattanooga has created a buzz that has been lacking. Coach Huesman is a former UTC defensive back himself and hopes to revive a football program that has been dormant for far too long. Most recently, Huesman was the defensive coordinator for the Richmond Spiders, who played for the Division II title game here in December.

Huesman is easy to locate on the field. He looked over drills before the start of the scrimmage while looping his whistle anxiously, awaiting a chance to correct a mistake. The Mocs imitated their leader’s intensity by hustling from station to station.

According to the new boss, the first scrimmage was a success. “I was a cheerleader for most of the day, it was a lot of fun,” said Huesman. “Overall, I am pleased with the effort.” Huesman also commented on the progress so far during spring practices. “We are probably where we should be right now.”

Senior quarterback Jare Gault led the way by completing 10 of 16 for 150 yards and three touchdowns. For the first time this season, Gault was playing in real game situations. Gault was efficient and remarkably accurate throwing the ball downfield. In the shotgun most of the time, Gault was confident with his throws and seemed comfortable with the new system.

On the receiving end of four of those passes was junior Chris Pitchford, who totaled 85 yards and two touchdowns. Pitchford got behind the secondary several times and made two acrobatic catches in which he totally extended to snare the ball.

The Mocs running game didn’t shine as bright. UTC running backs were unable to find their way.. Behind an offensive line learning the nuances of a new system the rushing attack was often just a big pile up at the line of scrimmage. J.J Jackson was the best of the bunch, with 19 yards on 12 carries.

With winds howling, the UTC kicking game struggled at times. Placekicker Craig Camay had an adventurous day to say the least. After clanking a field goal try off the right upright, the strong legged Camay just shook his head. Special teams were limited to just placekicking and punting. Each offensive attempt would start at the opposing team’s 35-yard line.

Coach Huesman summed up the performance. “If we stop working, and don’t get better, we’ll have issues.” The football team will continue practice while leading up the annual Spring Game. The intrasquad contest will be held at Finley Stadium on April 18th. Kickoff is set for 7:00 pm.