Deacons Conduct First Spring Scrimmage

3/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Football

March 31, 2007

Winston-Salem, N.C. - The Wake Forest football team held its first spring intrasquad scrimmage under sunny skies and comfortable temperatures on Saturday morning at Groves Stadium.

A sizable crowd of onlookers in the east stands got their first glimpse of the 2007 Demon Deacons and the gaping hole atop the west stands where Deacon Tower is under construction.

Neither side of the ball appeared to be far ahead of the other on Saturday. Both the offense and the defense made standout plays and seventh-year head coach Jim Grobe likes his team's attitude.

"I've never been around a group of guys who love to play football as much as this group does," Grobe said. "They love to play and they love to compete, but they respect each other. They'll knock the fire out of somebody, but they'll help him back up."

Sophomore quarterback Riley Skinner was sharp, completing 5-of-6 passes on his first drive for 75 yards, including a short touchdown pass to Kevin Marion. Later, Skinner fired two perfect deep balls to Zac Selmon and Chip Brinkman. Brinkman's grab was a 30-yard touchdown pass in the back corner of the endzone.

"Riley has picked up where he left off last year," Grobe said. "He's making good decisions and taking care of the football. If anything, he's probably come back with a little stronger arm."

The offensive highlights also included a 40-yard touchdown run on a reverse by Demir Boldin and a touchdown pass from Brett Hodges to Rich Belton.

Defensively, John Russell recorded a safety by sacking Hodges in the endzone during a goal line offense situation. Matt Robinson, Eric Berry and Boo Robinson repeatedly penetrated the second team offensive line to make plays. Matt Woodlief intercepted a deflected pass to give the defense its second turnover.

Dominique Midgett delivered the biggest hit of the morning when he decleated Delon Lowe and jarred the ball free.

In addition to the 11-on-11 controlled contact scrimmage, the team worked on punts, kickoffs and field goals. Marion, Kevin Harris, Alphonso Smith, Kerry Major and Marcus Williams all saw action on kickoff returns. Placekicker Sam Swank was good on each of his short field goal attempts.

The Deacons return 46 letterwinners, including 15 starters, from last year's 11-3 ACC Championship team. Wake Forest brings back eight starters on offense, five on defense and two specialists.

Spring practice continues with seven more sessions including the Spring Scrimmage which will be held Saturday, April 14 at noon on campus. To confirm practice times, call the Wake Forest Football office at (336) 758-5633.