Courtesy: Bethune-Cookman Athletics
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — Under the direction of second-year head coach Raymond Woodie Jr., Bethune-Cookman Football went through more than 60 plays Saturday afternoon in the team’s second scrimmage to close fall camp at Daytona Municipal Stadium.
“I saw so much improvement from last weekend, and that’s what I am thrilled about with today’s scrimmage,” said Coach Woodie afterwards. “Guys were ready to play, ready to work, ready to hit. Everyone we put in for any situation, they embraced it and used the opportunity to his advantage.”
The scrimmage began with drives starting 70 yards from the end zone with five different quarterbacks stepping under center for the Maroon and Gold. Returning signal callers Tylik Bethea and Luke Sprague took turns at the start, while transfer Micah Bowens from Charlotte saw action as well.
Sprague connected with running back Terry Lindsey out of the backfield for a big 23-yard gain, while newcomer Cross Patton — a highly-touted running back transferring in from Oregon, had a number of big runs for the Wildcats. The former Ducks tailback broke off a 27-yard gain early-on, before tacking on a touchdown with a 10-yard run on the right side in red zone situation. He came back just before the end of the scrimmage with a 32-yard gain down the left sideline — the longest run from scrimmage on the afternoon.
Terry Lindsey added a five-yard score up the middle with a huge push from the offensive line.
“It’s all about execution, and doing things the right way,” remarked Woodie. “The right way is handling your business. Walter Simmons went through about 70 assignments in two days, and that’s how you handle your business. No excuses, and just grinding for the team in every capacity.”
On the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line was able to get to the quarterbacks seven times for sacks. A touchdown-saving deflection on a pass in the back of the end zone from Tylik Bethea capped that defensive drive.
Earlier in the day, transfer Terrance Alexander picked off Sprague on a rollout.
In special teams action, Cade Hechter connected on a 40-yard field goal down the middle for a score.
“This coaching staff continues to work hard every day making sure we understand where we need to be on every down, every play,” said Woodie. “Hard work. It’s all about attention to details, hard work, and as I always say — making sure we get better by one percent every day.”
Bethune-Cookman wraps up fall camp and will now move to a “game week” schedule ahead of the season-opening contest away to South Florida on August 31, at 7 p.m.