THIBODAUX, La. - Nicholls 2009 Fall Camp came to an end on Saturday with its morning scrimmage in John L. Guidry Stadium and the Dog Tag Ceremony that followed in the student union.

At the annual Dog Tag Ceremony, all the players that make it through fall camp are given dog tags by the Nicholls coaching staff to signify their hard work.

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“We have been very fortunate to have had a great fall camp and today’s scrimmage and Dog Tag Day capped it off,” said Head Coach Jay Thomas. “The team played well in the scrimmage overall, but we still have some things to clean up.”

Today’s scrimmage went a total of 70-plays, giving the Colonels the opportunity to workout against one another in full pads. The scrimmage was an opportunity for the first team offense and defense and second team offense and defense to showcase their skill against each other.

Quarterbacking the first team for most of the scrimmage was redshirt freshman Laquintin Caston. Redshirt freshman Jacob Witt guided the second team, while getting some reps with the first team. The battle for the starting position for the season opener against Air Force is still open, according to the coaching staff.

“Both of them had a good scrimmage today, but they combined for three interceptions. The turnovers came on pressure applied by our defense and its blitzes, which was really good to see,” said Thomas.

Of the three interceptions recorded by the defense, one was by sophomore linebacker Anri Stewart, who returned it for a score untouched.

Also standing out on the first team defense was sophomore defensive tackle A.J. Carter and senior defensive end Zac Reddix, as each recorded at least one tackle for a loss. The safety tandem of seniors Jordan Nevels and Tyson Andrus led the secondary, while junior linebacker Ed James stood out amongst the linebackers.

“I was pleased with the first team offense and defense in the scrimmage, but we have to cut down on our penalties. Both sides got a little sluggish towards the end due to the intense heat and humidity, but nothing to be overly concerned about,” said Thomas.

Standing out on the second team was true freshman defensive end Rashar Knight and redshirt freshman running back Jesse Turner. Knight had a tackle for a loss and provided quarterback pressure, while Turner strung together a few nice runs to move the chains.

Also standing out on the offensive side during the scrimmage was sophomore wide receiver Drey Trosclair who caught a touchdown pass against the second team defense.

All aspects of the kicking game were covered in the scrimmage with the exception of returning punts and kicks. Handling all kicking duties were junior Patrick Dolan and senior Kyle Tizzard, while senior Ross Schexnayder did not participate due to battling some minor soreness.

“We had a lot of positives happen for us in the scrimmage. Our youth at certain areas was apparent, but all we need is some real game action and I have confidence that our guys will mature,” said Thomas.

Season tickets are on sale and can be purchased in Barker Hall or over the phone by calling 985-448-4792. Nicholls will open the season on the road at Air Force Academy on Saturday Sept. 5 at 1 p.m. CST, and will follow up with a home debut on Saturday Sept. 12 versus Duquesne University in John L. Guidry Stadium.

Nicholls Media Relations
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