Central Michigan University Athletics
Football Has Off Weekend
10/9/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
Oct. 9, 2000
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Central Michigan University's football team has a much-needed week off where the main concern will be getting healthy.
The Chippewas, 1-5 for the season after a 24-21 double overtime loss to Kent State University on Homecoming this past Saturday, doesn't play again until a Saturday, Oct. 21, battle at Ohio University.
"We are banged up and we will give our players some time off to heal, both mentally and physically," said first-year CMU head coach Mike DeBord. "Plus, we simply have to get better. We'll use the practice time to work on the fundamentals like blocking and tackling."
DeBord will give his Chippewas Monday and Tuesday off before holding full practices on Wednesday and Thursday, and a short one on Friday. CMU will then take the weekend off before preparing for the Bobcats.
Central Michigan battled back from a 14-0 deficit against Kent to force overtime. A 49-yard field goal by Dave Pavich provided the Golden Flashes with the win in the second session.
"It's hard because our kids gave such great effort," DeBord said, following the game. "There's a lot of emotion that goes into a game by the staff and our players.
"I feel for our players. You ask them to battle the whole way and they do and still lose. It's tough."
Despite the loss, the Chippewas may have gotten a lot into the future with excellent offensive play from a trio of freshmen from Florida.
Redshirt frosh quarterback Derrick Vickers (Miami, Fla./Pace) had the best game of his career when he replaced the injured Pete Shepherd (Mount Pleasant). He completed 19-of-32 passes for 261 yards and three touchdowns. The elusive Vickers also rushed seven times for 34 yards.
True freshman tailback Kenan Lawhorne (Miami, Fla./Coral Park) saw his first action when injuries sidelined the top four tailbacks. He responded with 86 yards rushing in 24 carries and 87 yards receiving in three catches - one an 83-yard TD from Vickers.
True frosh wide receiver Steve Messam (South Bay, Fla./Glades Central) was on the receiving end of six passes for 78 yards, one a 21-yard scoring strike from Vickers.
"They're three talented young players," DeBord said. "I was pleased with Vickers because he didn't know he was going to play. We spread the offense a little more with four wide receivers and he did a great job running and passing the ball."
Senior safety Brian Leigeb had 14 tackles against Kent and now has 417 for his career - the school mark of 443 is held by former NFL standout, Ray Bentley (1979-82).
