Aug. 18, 2008
EASTON, Pa. -
The Lafayette football team continued training camp amidst 90 degree heat on Monday afternoon at Fisher Stadium. Just one practice was on tap for the Leopards who are schedule to hold their first intrasquad scrimmage on Tuesday night.
"Practice has been going great once we were finally done being chased by lightning last week," said Lafayette head coach Frank Tavani.
"For the most part, we're holding the line on injuries," Tavani said. "At this point in preseason, we're always going to have some injuries crop up, but as a group we're relatively healthy."
"We had a long practice today because we're going to take it easier tomorrow in the morning in preparation for the scrimmage."
The Leopards' first full scrimmage will begin at approximately 7:45 p.m. under the ample light of Fisher Stadium. All practices and the scrimmage are open to the public.
"There will be a couple of guys who won't participate in the scrimmage on Tuesday because of injuries and some others who won't because we know they can play the position," Tavani said. "We use the scrimmage to get reps for younger guys and see how they will perform in game situations. After the scrimmage, we'll break down the film as a staff and then spend a lot of time going through it with the players."
WATERED DOWN: Prior to the Leopards' afternoon practice, the FieldTurf at Fisher Stadium was watered, a practice now becoming more common on artificial surfaces. The process cools down the field and reduces the risk of heat-related illnesses.
YOUNG SPEED: Tavani said that he has been impressed by the speed of his freshmen, some of whom could contribute on special teams or push for a spot in the two-deep. Two freshmen ran a 4.3 in the 40-yard dash, four clocked a time of a 4.4 and four more checked in with a 4.5.
A CLOSE SHAVE?: The assistant football coaches have been involved in a beard-growing contest during the preseason camp. Linebackers' coach Matt Hachmann was the leader in the clubhouse followed by a strong effort registered by strength and conditioning coach Brad Potts and a disappointing finish for the youthful defensive backs coach Jonathan Carvin. The beards will likely be gone by Lafayette Football Media Day on Wednesday morning.
