TERRE HAUTE, IN - (8/18/2004) — A one-hour rain and lightning delay scattered a strong throng of spirited Sycamore fans gathered for a community cookout prior to the final ISU scrimmage of the fall, but those that remained saw a spirited workout by the squad as they continue to make preparations for the season opener at Miami (Ohio) on August 28.
While the Sycamores moved the ball through the air in the first scrimmage on Saturday, the ground game showed some spark during tonight’s tune-up. Senior Sidney Montfort made 19 rushes on the evening for 88 yards with two scores – one each from one-yard and two-yards out.
The quarterback battle seemed to heat up as sophomore Jake Schiff continued to improve with a 10-for-18 outing through the air for a team-leading 113 yards. Fellow sophomore Phillip Johnson completed five-of-15 passes for 53 yards working with both the first and second team offensive units. Redshirt freshman Ben Schmidt enjoyed his best outing to date, hitting both of his passes, including a 53-yard catch and run to Bryan McCulley – who scored his second touchdown in as many scrimmages.
Redshirt freshman Griff Howard led the team with three catches for a total of 40 yards, including a long of 23. McCulley, sophomore Markus Naves and senior James Braden each had two receptions on the evening.
All told, the Sycamore offense gained 228 yards through the air and 132 yards on the ground.
The defense had some bright spots as well as redshirt freshman Brandon Logan led the squad with six total tackles. Junior Kyle Mitchell recorded the Sycamores’ lone sack of the day, while senior Eric Quaglio and Mitchell had two tackles for loss each to lead the team.
ISU will practice twice on Thursday, before breaking preseason camp on Saturday afternoon. After a day off on Sunday, the Sycamores begin preparations in earnest for the season opener against Miami (Ohio) on Monday afternoon. The Sycamores will face off against the RedHawks at 6 p.m. (CDT) in the "National Football Kickoff" on August 28. USA-365.com provides live Internet audio streaming with Brian Fritz providing the play-by-play and Pete Emmert with the color commentary. The pre-game show starts at 5:40 p.m., with the kick-off set for 6:00 p.m., CDT / EST on www.USA-365.com.
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