March 28, 2002
Cullowhee, N.C. - On Western Carolina's sixth day of spring practice, first-year head football coach Kent Briggs led his squad through a scrimmage on Thursday at E.J.Whitmire Stadium/Bob Waters Field, which lasted just under two hours.
From the start, the defense set the tone. The first team defense held to the first offense without a first down on their first possession. Junior end Michale Spicer played a key role in stopping the offense by recording the first of two sacks on the day. He also had a tackle for loss the lead the defensive unit.
Senior quarterback Pat Cilento had some success leading the offense down the field, including completions of 17, 52 and 24 yards on the day. However, the defense kept their counterparts out of the endzone, forcing eight field goals during the workout. Chris Vought was 6-of-7, making six inside 40 yards and missing a 47-yarder, while Zane Hendrix made his only attempt from 32 yards.
Late in the contest, working on their "red zone" offense from the 20-yard line, Brian Gaither hit Michael Banks on a 22-yard score for the day's lone touchdown.
The Catamounts were minus some key players for various reasons. The most notable absence was that of All-Southern Conference tailback Fred Boateng, who was sidelined with an injury. He is expected to return to the field before the conclusion of spring drills. However, his status for the Purple-Gold Game has yet to be determined.
Western Carolina will take the next three days off before returning for its seventh practice on Monday. The Catamounts will have one more scrimmage in preparation for the annual Spring Game on Saturday (Apr. 13). On the 13th, which is Catamount Spring Sports Day, the WCU baseball team will host the College of Charleston at 1:00 pm. At 4:00 pm, there will be a barbeque at Whitmire Stadium, which costs $5 per person. At 5:00 pm, the Purple-Gold Game, which is free to the public, will begin.
Rushing Scooter Dalton 15-29, Johnta Philyaw 13-34, Carlos Moore 8-3, Chris Dankmeyer 1-2.Passing Brian Gaither 8-11-67, 1 TD, Pat Cilento 6-14-110, Jamaal Mayo3-5-40, Josh Lee 1-4-20.
Receiving Brenden Roy 4-39, Michael Banks 3-30, 1 TD, L.J. Williams 3-45, Brian Pesci 2-26, Chris Lane 2-56, Lamont Seward 1-40, Johnta Philyaw 1-5.
