The Power Station was an 80's super group led by the late great Robert
Palmer, that had the hit song "Bang a gong, (get it on)" a remake of a T
Rex song that in my opinion was better than the original. Bang a gong is
exactly what the Lobo D did to the offense at the end of the teams first
full pad scrimmage. I spoke to D Coordinator Osia Lewis, now in his 5th year at
UNM and I am sure you will like what he has to say...
Click
here for Rudy's interview with Osia Lewis
The last fifteen minutes of practice started out fine for
the first team led by QB Donovan Porterie: a short run, a nice pass to
Marcus Smith over the middle that he nearly breaks breaks for a long gain ...but
the Lobo D pursues the ball as good as any college team and holds the Red
jerseys short of a first down. The D then rises up and denies the O a first down
by STUFFING the run. Not to make excuses but Rodney Ferguson was out of the
scrimmage, and Mike Love is on indefinite personal leave, so UNM is relying on
the running trio of Paul Baker, frosh James Wright, and FB Matt Quillen to run
the ball.
The second possession, again had a good start and on 3rd and 11 Porterie
had a nice hook up with Daryl Jones, the Florida product, that is becoming what
everyone thought he could be; a great possession receiver who will make tough
catches in traffic: FIRST DOWN! Then the defense banged the gong and, after a
screenplay went nowhere, on 3rd and long the D shut down the run for a short
gain that ended the drive.
DeAndre Wright
defends Marcus Smith
It was then the second team offenses turn; led by Bryan Clampitt,
the lone Senior QB, who is battling a host of others for the backup spot. The
second team D wasted little time in banging the gong as Frankie Baca, yes the
Frankie Baca from La Cueva, intercepted an ill-advised throw that Bryan forced
and returned it for a DEFENSIVE TOUCHDOWN! To Clampitt’s credit he did attempt
to make a tackle at the end, but Baca was not to be denied as he cut back on
Clampitt and rolled into the end zone.
Travis Brown gives
Blake Ligon a ride!
The fourth offensive possession had Donovan mixing it up with some second
teamers and after a couple of runs and a NICE catch by Nicky Lawson, a blown
block led to a sack and third and 11 loomed huge for the offense again. This
time OJ Swift banged the gong and intercepted a floater over the middle and
almost took it allllll the way home!
As we said the defense was really exciting to watch and not to take
anything for granted, but Lobo fans that head to practice are used to seeing the
defense dominate the offense. Today we spoke with one of the defensive leaders
Ian Clark about fall and the upcoming season.
Click Here to listen to Ian
Clark
The fifth and final possession of the practice was left to Bryan Clampitt
who atoned for his prior mistake by throwing a nice TOUCHDOWN! to #8 Roland
Bruno. The real workhorse, however, was Matt Quillen from La Cueva; and he is
back and READY TO RUMBLE!
After practice Coach Baldwin and the whole offense met and he spoke to
the offense about how they need to compete and step up as a team to get the job
done. He told each and every one what he and his staff expects and he will accept no excuses,
only success. Tuesday morning and in the future watch for the offense to bang
back!
Offensive
Player of Practice
#8 Roland Bruno
Have to give the receiver credit for scoring a touchdown and giving the
offense some excitement on a day that they were nearly shut out of.
Defensive
Player of Practice
#34 OJ Swift and #26
Frankie Baca
Tough
one here… Frankie Baca and OJ Swift both had scores… Baca also made some nice
defensive plays, as did OJ Swift. So rather than fight it out, I'll just give
both safeties the honor.