JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. – Carson-Newman wrapped up its fall camp and entered game-week preparations with a third and final preseason scrimmage that belonged to C-N's defense.
Carson-Newman's offense had scored on 11 of 11 possessions in previous situational scrimmages; however, the Eagles' defense forced Mike Turner's offensive attack off the field after six plays.
"I think we've come a long way, but I think we've got a long way to go" Carson-Newman's 35th-year head coach Ken Sparks said. "The defense has made unbelievable strides the last two days. That's what we've needed and that's what we've been looking for."
That set the tone for a scrimmage that saw the defense "sack" quarterbacks at least four times and force a pair of fumbles.
"The defense got off the blocks very well," Sparks said. "They were doing what we are calling ESPN. Exploding, shredding, pursuing and being nasty. That's what you have to do to play defense."
That's not to say the offense didn't have its moments. Randall Freeman (Ooltewah, Tenn.) rumbled for a 19-yard touchdown run and De'Andre Thomas (Milledgeville, Ga.) went long to Lonnie Williams (Philadelphia, Pa.) for a 51-yard touchdown pass to finish off the first team offense's fall camp.
Noah Suber (Asheville, N.C.) also saw reps with the ones and connected with Aaron Seward (Charlotte, N.C.) on a 17-yard touchdown pass.
Carson-Newman and Edinboro open up their respective 2014 football campaigns Thursday night at Burke-Tarr Stadium at 7 p.m.
The Eagles have won their last two Thursday night home openers, scoring at least 55 points in each.
Coverage on the Eagle Sports Network begins with the AEC Tailgate Show at 6 p.m. on flagship Joy 620 (WRJZ-AM, Knoxville), 106.3 ESPN Radio The Zone (WPFT-FM, Sevierville) and online at cneagles.com.
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