Hard work pays off for Lions in scrimmage
August 16, 2009

By DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff

	Photo By David Claybourn/ Herald-Banner Staff Running back N.J. Mason cuts through an opening on this carry during the Greenville Lions’ intrasquad scrimmage on Saturday morning at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.

GREENVILLE -- After averaging only 54 yards passing per game last season, the Greenville Lions have been working hard during 2009 football practice on their passing game.

The hard work paid off on Saturday morning with a pair of touchdown passes during an intrasquad scrimmage at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.

Quarterback Alton Dennis hooked up with wide receiver Devonte Green on a 14-yard touchdown strike to cap one 70-yard touchdown drive.

Then the senior quarterback fired a 39-yard scoring strike to wide receiver Dijoun Sheppard on the final play of a second 70-yard touchdown drive.

Those were the Lions’ only two touchdowns with the varsity.

Zach Nichols dashed 70 yards for a touchdown during the freshman portion of the scrimmage.

“I was pleased with it,” Lions coach Jim Phillips said of the scrimmage. “We were tougher. That’s what I’m pleased with. We’re tougher.”

The Lions’ top defense, led by linebacker Tristian Farley and end Manon Steward, limited the No. 1 offense to only one first down on its first two series.

But running back Dakieston Williams broke for runs of eight and 10 yards to start moving the first-down markers. Dennis also scrambled for some yardage before connecting with Green on a leaping grab in the right corner of the end zone for the first touchdown.

Ryan Wilhelm booted the extra point.

Williams’ 23-yard run got the Lions’ second touchdown drive moving before Sheppard scored on the big pass down the left sidelines. One of the Lion defensive backs grabbed Sheppard on the play but the 6-1, 175-pound senior wide receiver shook off the attempted tackle before dashing to the end zone. Wilhelm’s try, with Lion defenders making a lot of noise, sailed wide to the right.

Dennis later had a big run stopped by Phillips’ whistle after Farley went down near midfield. Farley was attended to and was helped off the field but appeared to be all right after the scrimmage. Dennis might have scored had play not been stopped.

Phillips said the Lions’ effort got better as the scrimmage went on.

“I see a lot better effort of wanting to do good,” he said.

The Lions are preparing for Friday’s scrimmage at McKinney before opening up the season on Aug. 28 at home against Forney.

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The deadline is Aug. 26 to purchase reserved seats for the Greenville Lions’ 2009 home season.

General reserved seat tickets for $35 for five home games and prime reserved seating is $55.

There will also be drawings for prizes at home game for all season ticket holders.

The season tickets are sold at the Roy Q. Traylor Indoor practice facility.