CLINTON, S.C. – The Presbyterian College football team welcomed fans to its annual Football Fan Day on Saturday, signing autographs and treating the Blue Hose faithful to a spirited scrimmage that lasted nearly two hours.
The squad began with special teams and Michael Ruff (Whitmire, S.C.) provided a solid return early. Kaleb Griffin (Florence, S.C.), Tamyn Garrick (Williston, S.C.) and Chad Koehler (Weaverville, N.C.) shared quarterbacking duties and Griffin connected with Joel Ruiz (Kingsland, Ga.) on a long pass play during the offense's first drive. Demarcus Rouse (North Augusta, S.C.) scored the day's first points and the first of his two scores with a 25-yard touchdown run down the left sideline.
Garrick made an immediate impact on his first throw, finding Ruff to put the offense close to paydirt. A strong goal line stand from the defense, however, forced a field goal.
Freshmen defensive backs Brandon Leston (Clearwater, Fla.) and Shonquille Byers (Gaffney, S.C.) each grabbed an interception early in the scrimmage while newcomer Bryson Brindle (Acworth, Ga.) broke up a pass as well.
Tobi Antigha (Tampa, Fla.) provided fireworks at wideout. The sophomore hauled in a 65-yard touchdown pass from Griffin and crossed the goal line several times on the day.
One highlight came from kicker Jeremy Tommie (Greenwood, S.C.). A 50-yard field goal attempt hit the crossbar twice before bouncing behind the left upright for a good field goal.
Nick Newton (Clearwater, Fla.) snagged an interception before Tommie's field goal but the offense began to click, as Garrick found Jordan Hallums (Mauldin, S.C.) for a score and Antigha cashed in shortly after as well. Shawn Armstrong (Sumter, S.C.) also finished a drive by punching in a touchdown run from short range.
Xavier Boatwright (Manning, S.C.) and Isaiah Lynn (Fort Lawn, S.C.) both stopped plays in the backfield for a pair of defensive highlights.
The scrimmage closed with time-specific situations and special teams, including Cedric Byrd (Tyrone, Ga.) running one punt back for a touchdown.
The team opens the 2012 season at Bailey Memorial Stadium on Saturday, September 1 against Brevard. Kickoff is slated for 2 p.m.
