Defense stands firm in second scrimmage

Southeast Missouri State University's defense has been much maligned during Tim Billings' first two years as the Indians' head coach.

But if Southeast's first two scrimmages are any indication, the Indians' defenders might not have to take a back seat any longer to the team's potent offense.

That's what defensive coordinator Shannon Morrison and his unit are banking on.

"I have high hopes this year," said Morrison following Saturday's scrimmage at Houck Stadium that saw the defense turn in another strong showing in largely shutting down the offense. "We've been running the same system for two years now and this is the first year we haven't had to count on any true freshmen.

"We've had good scrimmages and the kids are playing hard."

In Billings' first season at Southeast, in 2000, the Indians' defense was a veritable sieve, allowing 444 yards per game as opponents scored 403 points.

Last year, Morrison's first to head up the defense, the group improved, giving up 393 yards per game as opponents scored 281 points.

"We improved last year, but I still wasn't happy," Morrison said.

With eight returning defensive starters, along with several key backups and the return of end Ryan Roth, who missed last season with a foot injury, there appears to be cause for optimism.

"I think we've really improved," Roth said. "A big part of it is we're closer as a defense. A lot of defense is from the heart.

"It's no secret our defense has been kind of soft, especially against the run. But I think it's going to be a strong point now."

Senior tackle James Jennette, who led the Indians last year with four quarterback sacks and 15 tackles for loss, is also looking for big-time improvement from the defense.

"Some of the guys are getting it mentally," the 310-pound Jennette said. "We had the athletes before, but now we know what's going on a lot better.

"I feel great about the defense this year. Being here over the summer, we've grown real tight and we feed off each other."

The Indians' defense was strong during Saturday's scrimmage that lasted nearly two hours, allowing just two touchdowns and very few drives of any substance during the times the bulk of the first and second units were on the field.

And that was even though the defense was missing two key players in linebacker Ricky Farmer and safety Prince Anderson. Farmer still has lingering affects of the mysterious illness that hit more than 30 players early in the week and Anderson has a knee injury that is not considered serious.

"Our defense has dominated all fall camp so far, scrimmages and practices," Billings said. "The last two years, our defense has been so bad. If we can not give up the big play, I think we'll be fine."

Added Billings, laughing, "I really hope our defense has gotten a lot better and our offense is not that bad. It's hard to tell."

Noteworthy

* With starting quarterback Jeromy McDowell missing his second straight scrimmage as he continues to rehabilitate a right (throwing) shoulder that underwent surgery in January, Jack Tomco threw two touchdown passes, a 65-yarder to Willie Ponder and a 9-yarder to Chris NesSmith.

Tomco hit a wide-open Ponder on the first play that the first units were on the field, but the offense was scoreless for more than an hour after that.

Right before the regular part of the scrimmage ended, Cape Girardeau Central High School product T.J. Erlacker hit Scott City's Brandon Amick with a 30-yard touchdown pass. Erlacker, a walk-on, is ineligible this year after transferring from Missouri Valley College. Amick is also a walk-on.

* To conclude the scrimmage, the Indians worked on overtime situations, when the offense starts from the opposing team's 25-yard line.

That produced two touchdowns in two possessions, with Jeff East hitting T.J. Milcic from 20 yards and Corey Kinsey scoring on a 9-yard run.

* Billings continues to claim he is not worried about McDowell, who he expects back for regular practice time in the next few days.

"He threw some the other day but he's still sore and we wanted to hold him out for the weekend to be sure," Billings said. "Structurally, Jeromy is fine."

* Two-a-days officially ended with Saturday's scrimmage. The Indians will practice once daily starting Monday when classes begin.

mmishow@semissourian.com

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