Offense shines early in Mercer’s final scrimmage

MACON, Ga. (MERCER ATHLETICS) – The Mercer University football team wrapped up its final scrimmage of the 2015 preseason on Saturday afternoon, completing a two-quarter session at Five Star Stadium.

The offense shined early on, scoring on its first three drives of the scrimmage. John Russ finished 3-for-4 on his way to 45 passing yards on the opening drive including a 34-yard strike to Chandler Curtis. Alex Lakes wrapped up the drive with a 10-yard scamper up the gut for the day’s first score.

Jagger Lieb’s 36-yard field goal closed out the second drive of the scrimmage, before Tee Mitchell’s one-yard plunge capped off his 55-yard rushing effort on the third drive of the afternoon.

“For the first time all week our offense looked like we have in the past,” said head coach Bobby Lamb. “I want to give a lot of credit to our offensive line, I felt that we blocked up front better than we have all camp. Alex Lakes and Tee Mitchell had some great runs and Chandler Curtis made a big time catch.”

“Two of our tight ends Robert Brown and Sam Walker also made key plays, so we can spread it around with a bunch of weapons,” added Lamb. “The biggest thing we can take from today though is that our offensive line really took control of the scrimmage.”

The Bears’ defense stepped up on the fourth drive though, as Travonte Easley’s interception in the endzone turned the momentum. The defensive unit was able to hold on four of the final five drives, including a pair of three-and-outs to end the day.

“We had a ball get batted in the air in the end zone and Travonte Easley jumped straight in the air to make a fantastic catch,” said Lamb. “It was a big time turnover for our defense and helped turn things around for them.”

“The good news is that we got a lot of work in during live situations with referees on hand,” said Lamb. “It was hot and humid this afternoon and these guys felt the heat today.”

Offensive Standouts

Tee Mitchell continued his impressive preseason, ripping off a pair of runs of 30 yards or more on his way to a game-best 86 yards on just six carries. The sophomore averaged 14.3 yards per carry to go along with his one trip to pay dirt.

Junior quarterback John Russ looked sharp from the onset, finishing 4-of-5 with 64 yards through the air. The veteran signal caller’s only incompletion was a near miss on a cross route to streaking tight end Sam Walker. Tanner Brumby finished 5-for-6 including a 22-yard touchdown pass to Robert Brown, while Michael Haynes completed 3-of-5 passes for a game-best 71 yards.

Freshman Jimmie Robinson tallied 68 yards of total offense, while Chandler Curtis and Alex Lakes combined for 63 yards and a touchdown in limited action. Redshirt freshman wide receiver Justin Johnson’s 51-yard catch-and-run was the longest play of the afternoon.

Top Defensive Performers

Mercer’s secondary had a busy afternoon, as five of the top six tacklers on the first team defense were defensive backs. Mike Gray paced the first team with four tackles, while Brandon Gurley and Lendell Arnold added three stops.

The Bears’ freshmen had a strong outing with the second team defense, as Blake Jones paced the team with five tackles on the afternoon. Will Coneway and Jonathan Ward each had 1.5 tackles-for-loss to lead Mercer. Redshirt freshman Travonte Easley forced the only turnover of the scrimmage, intercepting a ball deflected by Corey Lockett.