Friday, August 15, 2008

Western Gearing Up


The inaugural post of this blog is the motivation behind the it. I couldn't find any good blogger conversations regarding Bronco Footbal. Comments welcome what are your predictions for the Broncos in Fall 2008?


WMU Football Holds First Preseason Scrimmage
Courtesy: Mat Kanan, director of athletic media relations

Release: 08/14/2008

Courtesy: WMUhttp://www.wmubroncos.com/?ATCLID=1554624&SPSID=24299&SPID=1922&DB_OEM_ID=4600
KALAMAZOO, Mich. - On a day when most of the first team saw limited repetitions, the Western Michigan football showcased the talents of guys working for position on the depth chart. Included in this group were newcomers Aaron Winchester and Jamie Simpson who each ran the ball well on Thursday afternoon.
The diminutive Winchester took on all would-be tacklers, rushing the ball 10 times for 45 yards and a pair of first downs. On the other end of the size spectrum, Simpson rumbled through the defense for 35 yards on eight carries, scoring the scrimmage lone rushing touchdown from seven yards out.
Tim Hiller began the scrimmage as the first team offense worked against the second defense. This was the theme of Thursday's scrimmage as the first team defense worked primarily against the second team offense. Hiller went 5-for-7 for 41 yards and four first downs. He connected with tight end Matt Stevens on the first play for a gain of 12 yards and followed with completetions to Jamarko Simmons for two and 13 yards, respectively, Branden Ledbetter for 13 yards and Schneider Julien for nine yards.
Back ups Drew Burdi and Robert Arnheim also worked with members of the first team offense throughout the afternoon. Burdi's highlight came on a 50-yard completion down the sideline to sophomore wideout Juan Nunez. Burdi completed four passes on eight attempts for 61 yards. Arnheim through the lone scoring strike of the day, connecting with Dervon Wallace, who spun after the catch and turned upfield for a 36-yard score. Arnheim completed 4-of-10 passes for 48 yards. Freshman Alex Carder worked with the second and third team offense, completing 6-of-7 passes for 57 yards and two first downs.
Wallace was the leading receiver in yards with 43, while freshman walk-on E.J. Riley hauled in three catches late for 25 yards. Only Riley, Wallace, Chris Prom and Anthony Williams recorded multiple receptions.
Glenis Thompson worked most of the time with the first offense, carrying the ball eight times for 23 yards and a pair of first downs.
Defensively, E.J. Biggers made his presence known, either knocking away passes or separating the intended receiver from the ball for three pass break ups. The Bronco defense registered seven PBUs and five sacks (despite not being able to actually bring the quarterback down). Defensive end Greg Marshall was in one one sack, while Dan Krasinski, Cory Flom, Chris Pyant and freshman Weston Peiffer recorded the others.
John Potter made good on a pair of field goals within 30 yards, came up short on a 46-yard attempt into the wind and pushed a 52-yard attempt just left near the end of the scrimmage. A second 52-yard attempt was blocked. Chris Kelly made good on 1-of-2 attempts, while Brooks Bunbury and Caleb Morris each failed on their lone attempts of the afternoon.
Western Michigan will resume practice on Friday with a two-a-day session with another two-a-day on Monday sandwiched around an afternoon session on Saturday. The Broncos next and final team scrimmage will take place Tuesday afternoon, Aug. 19.

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