August 13, 2022
Golden Eagle depth shines through in first scrimmage
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech’s first football scrimmage was a positive one on Saturday night as the Golden Eagles’ depth proved fruitful in fans’ first look at the team. Both sides of the ball saw plenty of highlights as Tech players from all class levels were able to showcase their skills in front of the fans. Tech’s offense picked up its first score as Jeremiah Oatsvall fired to the end zone to a leaping Hunter Barnhart for the 18-yard connection between a pair of defenders. Oatsvall later scored on a two-yard quarterback keeper to end a 42-yard drive.
By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee Tech's first football scrimmage was a positive one on Saturday night as the Golden Eagles' depth proved fruitful in fans' first look at the team. Both sides of the ball saw plenty of highlights as Tech players from all class levels were able to showcase their skills in front of the fans.
Tech's offense picked up its first score as Jeremiah Oatsvall fired to the end zone to a leaping Hunter Barnhart for the 18-yard connection between a pair of defenders. Oatsvall later scored on a two-yard quarterback keeper to end a 42-yard drive.
It wasn't all offense as Xavier Washington, Jake Huner, Theron Gaines and Kanstin Brooks picked up sacks as they were able to break through and put pressure on the Tech quarterbacks. Nine drives ended with the defense holding, including two turnovers-on-down.
On the next offensive drive after Oatsvall's scamper, Lem Wash picked up first down on a keeper, but recovered from a snap over his head as he found Jalal Dean in the middle of the field near the 30 and the South Carolina sophomore weaved to the left and up the sideline to find the end zone for the score.
Ethan Roberts had a solid drive, completing passes to Dean, Ashton Maples and D.J. Moyers before Jayvian Allen pushed in from three yards out for the score.
Devin Parker and Hayden Olsen collected field goals on the next two drives.
As the scrimmage wore down to its final five drives, four of those ended in scores. David Gist scored from two yards out, then Roberts completed a 15-yard touchdown strike to Wyatt Watson. Following a deep 28-yard touchdown pass from Oatsvall to Metrius Fleming in the end zone, they simulated a potential 51-yard field goal with one second remaining on the clock. Devin Parker lofted the ball through the uprights with room to spare.
On the final play of the scrimmage, Wash reared back and fired on a deep ball to Maples for a 48-yard touchdown, prompting a huge roar from the gathered fans as well as the freshmen students gathered for the university's movie night as part of the Week of Welcome.
The Golden Eagles close out camp workouts this week before classes start on Thursday. Tech will host its annual Gathering of Eagles next Saturday. The team will host a women's clinic followed by an autograph session and free food. The scrimmage itself will begin at 7 p.m.
Season tickets are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order today.
Photo | Jim Dillon
