Pirates Work Through Second Two-A-Day Session
August 18, 2004 | Football
GREENVILLE, N.C. ?? With its first preseason scrimmage still fresh in its memory, East Carolina returned to the practice field Wednesday for its second two-a-day session of the season. The Pirates spent the morning working out in shells at the Cliff Moore Practice Facility.
After lunch and positions meetings, ECU came back out to the Cliff Moore Practice Facility in full pads, but didn't stay there long as heavy rains forced the team onto Bagwell Field at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium for a fourth straight day. Running back Marvin Townes and receiver Kevin Roach each returned to practice today after sitting out Tuesday's scrimmage.
"We came back out here today and concentrated on the same things we did yesterday, and tried to correct on both sides of the ball," stated head coach John Thompson. "We did a lot of work out here. The guys are coming out, pushing through it and working hard. This isn't a time you give in. This a time you keep grinding in every way."
The Pirates will practice again Thursday afternoon at 3:30 p.m. and then twice on Friday.
After having time to watch video footage of Tuesday afternoon's scrimmage, Thompson recapped some of his impressions of the team's defensive effort during the first scrimmage of the season.
"I'm pleased overall with the defense. When we gave up big plays and when the offense scored, it wasn't on our first group as much, and that was encouraging. We've got to have some depth develop, get some guys healthy and back on the field. I'm not pleased with our depth and with some of our younger because that's going to be the difference in us winning."
"I think the defense is better. We're so much more comfortable," he said. "We played really well up front Tuesday. Our defensive line played better than they've played. Mike MacDonagh, Shauntae Hunt and Guy Whimper all played well and showed some toughness."
Thompson also credited offensive lineman Gary Freeman with continuing to battle through injury and competing.
"Gary is a real tough guy. He's got every reason to come out. He's out there doing everything we ask and more. Sometimes you've got to reach up there and grab him to get him out. He is showing tremendous leadership. We've got to have others step up like him."
