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Dennis leads offense in Greenville spring practice
May 8, 2009
 By
DAVID CLAYBOURN
Herald-Banner Staff
GREENVILLE --
Quarterback Alton Dennis passed for one touchdown and
possibly for another as the Greenville Lions wrapped up
their fourth day of spring football training with a
scrimmage at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium on Thursday.
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Photo By David
Claybourn /
Herald-Banner Staff |
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Quarterback
Alton Dennis uses his fleet feet and a stiff arm to
break the attempted tackle of defender Gordon Coleman
during the Greenville Lions’ practice on Thursday at T.A.
“Cotton” Ford Stadium. |
Dennis connected
with wide receiver Devonte Green on a 13-yard touchdown
pass and maybe on a 15-yarder on the last play of the
scrimmage. The Lions’ assistant coaches on offense
signaled touchdown; the defensive coaches waved it off.
Lions head coach
Jim Phillips didn’t want to take sides. He’s just happy to
see the Lions compete.
“Today I saw
some good hustle,” he said. “I saw some players trying to
get things done. We’re getting competition at the running
back, which is good. It’s going to make us better.
“I’m afraid to
get excited,” he said, noting that the Lions need to keep
it going and “handle their business” on the field, in the
classroom and around town.
Dennis, who was
the Lions’ starting quarterback last season, also hooked
up for completions of 18 yards to Jarvis Bruner and 20
yards to Green.
Dennis and
running back N.J. Mason broke off a couple of big runs on
the first touchdown drive.
Running back
Dakieston Williams, who led the Lions last season with 921
yards on 176 carries, got the final drive moving with a
45-yard run off an option pitch from Dennis.
Running back
Ljorian Harris also scored for the Lions’ second offense
on a 50-yard run and running back Antwoine Burley, who is
competing for a varsity spot, reeled off a big run.
Desjuan Morgan
sparked the defense with an interception caused by a heavy
rush on Dennis, who got knocked down on the throw.
Jeremy Williams
also sacked Dennis on another play.
Phillips, who is
entering his second season with the Lions, apparently
liked what he saw on Thursday much better than in
Wednesday’s practice.
“Yesterday
(Wednesday) I wasn’t pleased at all with it,” he said. “It
was hot.”
Phillips said
the Lions just have to get used to the heat.
The Lions get
today off and will go back to the practice field on
Monday. Phillips challenged the Lions to report on Monday
ready to move forward instead of backwards.
“The Highland
Parks and the Heaths (District 10-4A rivals) and them,
they’re going forward on Mondays,” he said.
The Lions will
wrap up spring training with a spring game on May 28, also
at T.A. “Cotton” Ford Stadium.
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