Football Completes Saturday Scrimmage

8/12/2023 4:43:00 PM | Football

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Chippewas finish off preseason scrimmage; offense scores four touchdowns and three two-point conversions; defense registers three sacks, two interceptions, a variety of tackles for loss and three pass breakups.

By: Greg Hotchkiss

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—The Central Michigan Football program worked through its first scrimmage of 2023 fall training camp under sunny skies Saturday afternoon at Kramer/Deromedi Field at Kelly/Shorts Stadium.

The 11-on-11 scrimmage featured a variety of in-game situations on both offense and defense. CMU also practiced special teams under game-speed conditions. The defense made tackles but were instructed not to touch the quarterbacks. Referees were called in and a play clock was used.

Central Michigan's offense scored four touchdowns on the day. Marion Lukes scored on the first series on a run which was set up by a 35-yard pass from Jase Bauer to Chris Parker. Bert Emanuel, Jr. reached pay dirt on a 3-yard run in the sixth offensive series, Tyler Jefferson hit Evan Boyd in the end zone on a pass that was called back in the 10^th series, and Sam Hicks rambled 25 yards for a touchdown in the 12^th series. Two-point conversions were scored by Tyson Davis on a diving catch in the back of the end zone from Emanuel, Lukes on a run, and a pass from Tyler Pape to Mekhi Jenkins.

All three quarterbacks—Bauer, Emanuel, Jr, and Tyler Pape—saw extensive action. Tyler Jefferson and Ethan Lane also played.

Other offensive highlights included 25 and 21-yard passes from Pape to Boyd and Shatavious Hogan, respectively. Hogan's came on a one-handed grab while falling back. Bauer connected with Jalen McGaughy for a 37-yard pass, Jefferson found Hogan for a 23-yard completion, and Emanuel and Bauer both had several runs of 10 yards or more.

The defense put together a variety of statistical highlights as the Chippewas intercepted two passes on the day. In the eighth series, Jamari Allen stepped in front of a pass, picked it off, and rambled 27 yards the other direction for a key return. Jayden Evans batted a pass into the air, caught the deflection for an amazing play, and continued down the field until he was tackled from behind. Jason Williams and Keshawn Hayden both finished the day with a sack, Justin Whiteside, Robi Stuart and Michael Heldman combined for a sack in the eighth series.

Gallery: (8-12-2023) 2023 Football Practice Day 12 (GalleryA)

Tackles for loss were registered by Kyle Moretti (several), Robi Stuart (several), Trey Jones (several), Will Leggon (several), Jordan Kwiatkowski (several), Justin Whiteside (several), along with Kade Kostus, Lavario Wiley, Jarvarius Sims, Nick Apsey, Fernando Sanchez III, and Elijah Rikard. Kyle Krebs made a key first down preventing tackle. Allen, Donte Kent, and Marcus Badgett all broke up passes.

Handling punting duties were Jake Walrath and Ryan Peluso. The duo sent two punts inside the 10 yard line. Placekickers Josh Rolston and Tristan Mattson handled field goals, PATs and kickoffs. The duo converted point after attempts and field goals of 36, 28, 40, and 42 yards.

Gallery: (8-12-2023) 2023 Football Practice Day 12 (GalleryB)

The Chippewas resume their practice schedule on Monday.

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