Owls football went at it again on Saturday, April 23, engaging in what players and coaches like to call “a controlled scrimmage,” which, honestly, did not sound quite as enticing as the “Spring game” that was advertised. Nonetheless, it was fun to watch as the Owls take the field in their final outing of the spring.
The weather was picture perfect and some exciting plays were to be had on both sides of the ball. Starting QB Danny Embick (7-8, 68 yards.) looked solid, completing several passes early, including a sweet spiral going to Darrion Porter-Isom deep down the left sideline.
Backup QB McKinson Souverain (8-13, 49 yards.) looked quite competent as well. The freshman out of Delray Beach completed several passes and got some great movement on the ground from running back DiIvory Edgecomb, who ran for 46 yards on 9 carries. The freshman out of Miami, along with Charles Pierre (49 yards, 9 carries), made the Owls running game look like the bright spot for the offense on the day.
Freshman receiver Frantz Simeon picked up four receptions for 39 yards, plus a 6-yard touchdown grab. But overall, the offense did not look ready for a big time match up. In the end, the defense came out on top, scoring points with big plays, including a sack and a forced fumble, and looking quite formidable as a whole, defeating the offense 26-18.
The Owls have lost some key players to injury as of late, a tell-tale sign that they are not ready for a “full go” spring match up. Defensive Back Taheem Acevedo fractured an ankle in last week’s scrimmage and may be done for the season. Also, tight-end Dantson Dareus went down last week with a knee injury, and sat out the scrimmage on April 23.
So far, Owls supporters appear excited, and showed it with a strong fan turnout, especially five months before their season opener. The bleachers set up along the sidelines were full and an estimated 500 turned out for some free spring football.
The first fan that spectators encountered upon entering the Tom Oxley practice fields was President Frank Brogan, wife and baby by his side, extending handshakes and small talk about the upcoming football season. A few familiar faces were on hand, including former linebacker Chris Laskowski, who finished up his FAU career last season, and was recently signed by the Indianapolis Colts to continue his career in the NFL.
