Lehigh University Athletics
Mountain Hawks continue to push towards opener
8/19/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
 |
BETHLEHEM, Pa. – With temperatures soaring and the sun blaring down on the John C. Whitehead practice fields, the Lehigh football team conducted a spirited practice on Wednesday morning as the Mountain Hawks continue their push towards the September 5th opener. After giving the team off on Tuesday head coach Andy Coen expected the Mountain Hawks to give a good effort on Wednesday. “This was a good practice – the guys should be fresh after having off yesterday and they came out this morning with lots of energy and good focus so I’m pleased with that.”
Following a series of sprints towards the end of practice, Coen wasted no time in pitting the Mountain Hawks offense versus the defense in live action. Freshman wide receiver James Flynn continues to impress as he made a gorgeous over-the-shoulder catch between two defenders, while junior defensive back John Veniero made a juggling interception and returned the ball to pay dirt. Sophomore signal caller Chris Lum made several nice throws on the move and junior defensive back Shane Ryan delivered a nice open field tackle on a Mountain Hawks ball carrier.
Coen kept the pace of practice moving swiftly as the team then transitioned into goal line situations. The Lehigh offense came out strong and scored on a nicely executed option from junior quarterback JB Clark to classmate Jay Campbell as well as a strong second effort from yet another junior, this time it was running back Jaren Walker. Later in the segment sophomore fullback Bryce Aruda hauled in a TD pass.
Not to be outdone, the Mountain Hawks defense recovered from a slow start and finished the segment on a strong note. Freshman linebacker Sam Loughery blew through the line and stopped a Lehigh ball carrier well short of the goal line, while the front seven generated a strong push to stop the Mountain Hawks offense on a fourth-and-goal situation, which proved to be the final play of practice.
After practice Coen offered his thoughts on several Mountain Hawks that have left an impression during the 2009 camp. He started by pointing out a pair of players from the freshmen class, one from each side of the ball. “Jamel Haggins without a doubt on offense has been impressive,” Coen commented. “He’s big and physical, he’s catching everything thrown at him; he’s done a great job at tight end for us.” Coen continued, “On defense cornerback Bryan Andrews continues to do a nice job. He’s a very good athlete with solid ball skills; he had a nice interception and runback the other day during our scrimmage. He’s still learning the position but he’s making a serious push for playing time.”
Asked to single out a pair of upperclassmen who are making their case for increased playing time Coen was quick to note that junior running back Jay Campbell and senior defensive lineman Steven Brown have stood out. “Jay Campbell has done a nice job going all the way back to the spring really,” Coen said. “He’s a little bigger than last year, a little more physical and he’s been consistent throughout camp.” He went onto add, “Like Jay, Steven Brown also had a solid spring. It’s great to see him stepping up as a senior and now that we’ve found the right position for him, he looks right at home.”
With camp nearing its completion Coen was asked if anything has surprised him thus far. “The play of our wide receivers has been encouraging. That group has continued to develop, we have nice depth, and overall those kids continue to make plays.” He added, “Tom Randazza has kicked the ball well so that’s been great to see and I’m very pleased with the way Alex Smith has been punting throughout the entire camp.”
Lehigh opens its 2009 season on Saturday, September 5 versus the Central Connecticut State Blue Devils at Goodman Stadium. Kick-off is set for just after 12:30 and tickets can be purchased in one of three ways: by calling 610-7LU-GAME, by visiting the Lehigh Athletics Ticket Office, located in Grace Hall, or by logging onto Lehighsports.com.
NOTES FROM CAMP … The Mountain Hawks will practice early Thursday morning to allow the freshmen members of the team to go through University orientation later in the day. “We’ll do some live special teams work, including kick-off coverage,” Coen said. … On Friday, Coen will run the team through another double session. “Following the morning practice we’ll probably come back out in uppers later in the day and focus on play execution.” … temperatures are expected to remain warm for the remainder of camp … the team will hold its annual Media Day on Saturday and later that afternoon the Mountain Hawks will conduct their second scrimmage of camp inside Goodman Stadium.
