Aug. 11, 2007

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn.-- Sophomores Reggie Hubbard (Chattanooga, Tenn.) and Jermel Demps (Lake Park, Ga.) stood out in the Eagles' first full scrimmage of the fall Saturday afternoon at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

Each unit took 15-20 snaps, as the Eagles' coaching staff mixed and matched players for much of the 90-minute, controlled scrimmage.

Eagle Head Coach Ken Sparks was encouraged be his team's progress. "We had some guys make a move today. You need playmakers and we had a couple show that they will be," said Sparks.

Hubbard caught five balls for 168 yards and Demps picked off two passes, one of which he returned 36 yards touchdown, to lead the way.

Hubbard, the Eagles' leading receiver a year ago, had catches of 43, 40, 37, 32, and 16 yards, and was the biggest spark for the Eagle offense.

Demps, who is fighting for a starting spot at cornerback, picked off quarterback Alex Rouse (Maryville, Tenn.) on the scrimmage's first series. The sophomore tipped and corralled an errant third down pass from Rouse, and returned it 36 yards for the score. His second pick of the afternoon came on the next series, as he picked off Alex Good (Greensboro, N.C.) trying to connect with Stephen Childs (Maryville, Tenn.) on third and long.

Rouse, wearing the semi-protected white jersey, had what appeared to be a 52-yard touchdown run, but the play was blown dead on a touch. On the following play, he connected with Hubbard for 40 yards. He also added a completion of 13 yards to freshman Josh Pee (Delray Beach, Fla.) and a 13-yard run.

Defensively, senior linebacker Eric Rice (Thomasville, Ga.) continues to standout, at least in Sparks' eye. "Eric Rice is a big-time football player. He'll find a way to get to the ball every play. He's relentless," said Sparks.

Junior Otis Ballard (Miami, Fla) ended one drive with an interception of Rouse at the one. While, junior Denares Waites (Alma, Ga.) made a handful of big hits from his free safety spot.

Carson-Newman opens its' season on August 23rd against Virginia State at Burke-Tarr Stadium at 7 p.m. For tickets, call (865) 471-3396.

Sparks' Quotes / Scrimmage Notes

Sparks: "I was pleased with the kicking game. We've got some young guys there that show real promise, especially on kickoffs"

"Darius Wrentz (Miami, Fla.), Deandre Robinson (Winnsboro, S.C.), and Andre Reese (Sevilla, Fla.) all played well on the defensive line. That group's effort was very strong."

"Dino (Denares Waites) is a young man I'm excited to see continue develop. He's getting to the football and bringing some pop with him."

Game Notes: Freshman quarterback Doug Belk (Valdosta, Ga.) took snaps for the third team. He had a pair of impressive 10-yard scrambles.

Junior Aubrey Ingham (Gallatin, Tenn.) nailed his only field goal attempt, a 37-yarder late in the scrimmage.