By Thomas Corhern, TTU Sports Information
COOKEVILLE, Tenn. – Fans had their opportunity to get a look at the Tennessee Tech football team on Saturday night as the Golden Eagles held their annual Gathering of Eagles fan event.
Despite some mid-afternoon storms, the day started with the women's clinic, then fans had an opportunity to grab autographs from their favorite Golden Eagle players before Tech took to the field for its final scrimmage before the season begins on September 2.
It was another strong showing for the squad, especially some of its newest members. There were still some hiccups, as to be expected, but with just under two weeks remaining before the ball gets kicked off for real against the Kansas Jayhawks.
The first score of the night came on the fifth series as freshman Quavel Thornton hauled in a 73-yard pass from Lem Wash. On the next drive, Hayden Olsen kicked a 46-yard field goal.
As the first-team offense came back up, the defense came up big as Jacorrian Wrenn batted down a pass at the line. A pass interference call moved the ball up to the defensive 18-yard-line, but Trace Danley almost intercepted a pass to end the series for the offensive unit. On the first play for the next squad, Wash's deep pass was intercepted by Jamal Boyd.
The offense found the end zone again as Wash pitched the ball to freshman O.J. Ross. The newcomer appeared to be caught in tackles twice, but emerged and escaped to score on a 52-yard pickup.
As the team moved to the 20-yard line for red zone work, Jeremiah Oatsvall pitched to Quinton Cross for a six-yard gain, then connected to Metrius Fleming on a diving catch for the touchdown. Olsen connected on another field goal, this time from 19 yards out.
The final scores came as the Golden Eagles worked on goal-line situations. Justin Pegues and Ross scored on back-to-back four-yard carries. A four-yard touchdown pass to Pegues for a touchdown was called back on a flag, but quarterback Ethan Roberts scored on a keeper. Oatsvall pitched to Pegues, then to Willie Miller, who connected to Oatsvall in the end zone. Roberts had the last touchdown pass on a three-yard lob to Landon Whittemore.
The evening closed on a two-minute drill, starting at the offensive 45. The defense held, forcing the offense to go for it on fourth down from the 37. Oatsvall fired to the end zone, but Nyquan Washington batted down the ball as time expired.
With the format of the scrimmage, quarterbacks were considered down on a two-hand touch. Tai Carter, Theron Gaines and Keenan Vaughn recorded sacks in the scrimmage. Devin Squires also recovered a fumble early in the evening.
The Golden Eagles now set their sights on practice for the next two weeks to prepare for the season opener against Kansas.
Season tickets for the Golden Eagles' 2022 campaign are on sale now. Call (931) 372-3940, visit the Hooper Eblen Center ticket office or visit TTUsports.com to order.
Photo | Jim Dillon
