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Delaware holds second preseason scrimmage

1:55 p.m., Aug. 25, 2006--The Fightin' Blue Hens held their second scrimmage of the preseason Thursday, Aug. 24, before a crowd of 250 at Delaware Stadium.

Head Coach K.C. Keeler credited the offense for a solid performance that included a long touchdown pass from starting quarterback Joe Flacco to Aaron Love to open the first possession. Other highlights included a 40-yard touchdown toss from freshman backup quarterback Sean Scanlon to freshman Darin Henry, a 35-yard run by freshman running back Jared Bradley and a short scoring run by Matt Ruggiero. Kicker Zach Hobby hit for a pair of field goals, and freshman Benard Makumbi picked up a fumble near the end zone.

“Once again, I was happy with the way we competed,” Keeler said. “It's difficult to gauge the defense because we played without Matt Marcorelle and Manny Marshall (both hamstring injuries) and we didn't get as much pressure as we'd like to see.”

While crediting special teams play, Keeler said that the Hens still have a long way to go and need to clear some things before the season opens against West Chester University on Saturday, Sept. 9.

“We are fortunate that we have gone through two scrimmages and really had no serious injuries,” Keeler said. “We feel good about that.”

Keeler also announced that senior safety Nicos Chavis will miss the entire season due to a dislocated shoulder suffered late last week. A three-year starter, Chavis will undergo his fourth shoulder surgery in the next few weeks. A native of Social Circle, Ga., Chavis appeared in 36 games, including 10 starts as a Blue Hen and recorded 45 tackles.

“It's really a shame for Nicos,” Keeler said. “It's tough because he has had so many injuries during his career. Fortunately Nicos will graduate early and we wish him all the best.”

Defensive squad injuries include:

• Ben Patrick, tight end, foot;
• Blair Newman, wide receiver, hamstring;
• Rachid Stoury, defensive tackle, hip;
• Tim Prindle, linebacker, hamstring;
• Rafig Gunthorpe, linebacker, shoulder; and
• Chris Quinn, linebacker, who will miss the next three months with foot stress factor.
  

Offensive team injuries include:

• Mark Ciavirella, offensive lineman, ankle; and
• Joel Holler, offensive lineman, knee.

After practice, Keeler announced the selection of seniors Ryan Carty, quarterback; Kyle Campbell, safety, and KeiAndre Hepburn, linebacker, as tri-captains for the 2006 season.

The selection, which usually takes place in the spring, marked the latest such announcement in school history and is the first time since 1996 that more than two players will share captain duties.

“We really have a unique dynamic in our senior class, so this was an interesting vote,” Keeler said. “We are happy the way the vote came out. All three are bright kids who are not afraid to step up and motivate their teammates to get the job done. We will have great representation on both sides of the ball.”

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