SPARTANBURG, SC – The Wofford College football team went through the first day with two practices on Saturday, with the second practice consisting of a scrimmage. The scrimmage was highlighted by big plays from both the offense and defense.

The first practice began at 8:45 am. Highlights included the pass rush drill and twenty minutes of eleven-on-eleven team work. In addition, the punting battled heated up, with head coach Mike Ayers providing both encouragement and distraction. Four different players handled the punting duties during the punt return drills.

After meetings in the afternoon, the team made their way to the practice fields for the first time this season at 6:15 pm. The practice began with kickoff, kickoff return and PAT work. After twenty minutes of team drills, the scrimmage was underway. The scrimmage consisted of four series each for the offense and defensive.

Dane Romero opened the first series with a 35-yard touchdown run off a pitch from Ben Widmyer. On the second offensive series, Mike Rucker went 50-yards for a touchdown. The offense added first downs on runs by Romero and Robby Davis. The second defensive series was highlighted by a ball batted at the line of scrimmage by Gary Blount.

Following a quick break at the half, the offense was back on the field. However it was the defense that rose to the occasion with a sack by Hunt Marion, interception by Jason Leventis and a fumble recovery by Ryan Young. The defense added a fumble recovery by Mike Niam on the next series. The offense got things back in gear with a 50-yard run by Jeremy Marshall for a touchdown and a 30-yard reception by Fenn Allen. The defense ended the day with a big tackle by Jason Leventis on a pass to Brenton Bersin.

“The kids worked hard tonight and we saw some good stuff on both sides of the ball,” said head coach Mike Ayers. “We also saw some good things in the kicking game. There were some explosive plays on offense. I think with as much as we have given them, the way that they were able to execute, I think overall it was good. If we can make the same amount of progress this time next week, we will be well on our way to being a good football team. There are some young kids that are going to help, and there are some guys that have stepped up among the upperclassmen and come into their own. There are going to be some players that people are going to have to reckon with.”

The only players held out of practice due to injury were Johnson Richardson, Justice Joslin, Mitch Clark, Michael Roulhac and Jordan Ingman.

Practices will be held on the intramural field next to Gibbs Stadium until the end of Carolina Panthers training camp on August 13. All practices are open to the public; however keep in mind that the schedule can change without notice. The players will have their first day off on Sunday and return to the field for two-a-days on Monday.

The Terriers will open the 2008 season on Saturday, August 30 against Presbyterian at Gibbs Stadium. Tickets are available by calling the Wofford Ticket Office at 864-597-4090.