Tech football wraps up scrimmage work with Gathering of Eagles
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech football wrapped up the annual Gathering of Eagles event, the last official scrimmage of fall camp, the countdown to August 31 is now officially on. Saturday wasn't the greatest showcase of the Golden Eagles' ability as the fatigue of camp, the sweltering summer heat and a busy day of events played their roles, but it wasn't the worst effort either as there were plenty of highlights. That said, there were several procedural penalties that cropped up and stalled drives as the Tech offense was handcuffed a few times from putting more points on the board. The Golden Eagle defense also played its part, creating a goal-line stop and forcing a couple of big turnovers to keep the offense at bay.
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – As Tennessee Tech football wrapped up the annual Gathering of Eagles event, the last official scrimmage of fall camp, the countdown to August 31 is now officially on.
Saturday wasn't the greatest showcase of the Golden Eagles' ability as the fatigue of camp, the sweltering summer heat and a busy day of events played their roles, but it wasn't the worst effort either as there were plenty of highlights.
That said, there were several procedural penalties that cropped up and stalled drives as the Tech offense was handcuffed a few times from putting more points on the board. The Golden Eagle defense also played its part, creating a goal-line stop and forcing a couple of big turnovers to keep the offense at bay.
Eight offensive series passed before anyone found pay dirt and the first unofficial score of the scrimmage came as freshman Jamaal Singleton made a big return on a punt and was clear from any obstacles as the referees whistled the play dead.
The first-line offense came through on the next drive as Bailey Fisher hit Metrius Fleming on a short route and the freshman receiver worked his way away from the defense to collect a 60-yard touchdown.
Tech worked its way down to the goal line as Luke Ward completed a pair of long passes to Adam Browner and Justin Oden to get down to the defense's one-yard line. But a bad snap saw the ball escape with Aderick Moore coming up with the ball and forcing the turnover.
The offense came through on the next drive as Fisher, David Gist III, Austin Hicks, Browner and John Jones chipped in to get Tech inside the defense's four-yard line. Fisher scrambled to wrap up the drive with a touchdown run.
The next drive went sour quickly for the offense as an intentional grounding call and an unsportsmanlike conduct call put them in a 3rd-and-30 on the offense's 20-yard line, then Marcus McMeans came up with his second interception of the scrimmages, in addition to his pick last week. Cole Huner also picked off a pass in the final moments of the scrimmage.
The Golden Eagles close out camp this upcoming week, then will enter game week preparations for the season opener against Samford.
Season tickets for Tennessee Tech football are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order.
Photo by Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
