Dustin O'Connell (left) and Dan Ogden will line up for Team B in Saturday's Sonny Holland Scrimmage
Photo by: Kelly Gorham
Bobcats Conduct Draft Thursday
4/22/2010 7:43:10 AM | Football
Montana State's seniors will divvy up the teams for Saturday's Sonny Holland Scrimmage
Draft Day dawns for the Bobcats on Thursday, and it has only a little to do with 2009 All-Americas Dane Fletcher and Jeff Hansen, who may receive calls from NFL teams during selection weekend.
The immediate concern in the Bobcat football program, though, is dividing the 2010 squad for Saturday's Sonny Holland Classic, which will take on a tradition team-vs.-team scrimmage format.
“This will be fun,” said MSU coach Rob Ash. “I've never done it this way before so it will be a new experience, but the players are excited for something different than the offense-against-defense format. I think the fans will enjoy it, too.”
Ash and the Bobcat coaching staff divided the seniors into a Blue and a Gold squad this week, and the two groups will draft the remaining players on Thursday. Most of the team is eligible for the draft, while nine pairs will be drafted with the opposing player automatically tabbed for the opposite team. The teams are allowed one 'trade' at the draft's conclusion, pending the approval of Commissioner Noah Joseph. The coaches have also been divided.
Saturday's scrimmage will begin at 1 pm in Bobcat Stadium, with tailgating open at 11 am. The game consists of four 12-minute quarters. Punts will determine field position between series, with ball placement at the 25-yard line after kickoff situations. The game will be scored as a normal game.
MSU enters Saturday's spring finale with a host of players out or limited because of injury, including senior quarterback Cody Kempt. Redshirt freshmen Denarius McGhee and Cody Davies will each operate a team. “We'll be without several players, but it's a great opportunity for those playing to earn playing time with a strong performance.”
In addition to Spring Training Tailgating, Bobcat fans have several other opportunities Saturday. Kids' inflatables will be available, and official apparel will be on sale between the stadium's block houses. Fans renewing season tickets at the Bobcat Stadium Ticket Office on Saturday who have paid Bobcat Club dues will be entered to win four complimentary Stadium Club access passes for 2010. An autograph session follows Saturday's scrimmage, as well.
SENIOR CAPTAINS FOR SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE
Team A: Mike Person, Jason D'Alba, Cody Kempt, Julius Lloyd, Tanner Ripley, Jordan Craney, Blayde Becksted
Team B: Jesse Hoffmann, Kyle Begger, Dustin O'Connell, Michael Rider, Anthony Cosme-Peko, Dan Ogden, Tim Garcia
COACHES
Jamie Marshall, Bo Beck, Justin Gaines, Dale Ploessl, Brian Wright, Doug Samuelson
Jason McEndoo, Brian Von Bergen, Milo Austin, Kane Ioane, Noah Joseph, Nate Parseghian
SENIOR CAPTAINS FOR SATURDAY SCRIMMAGE
Team A: Mike Person, Jason D'Alba, Cody Kempt, Julius Lloyd, Tanner Ripley, Jordan Craney, Blayde Becksted
Team B: Jesse Hoffmann, Kyle Begger, Dustin O'Connell, Michael Rider, Anthony Cosme-Peko, Dan Ogden, Tim Garcia
COACHES
Jamie Marshall, Bo Beck, Justin Gaines, Dale Ploessl, Brian Wright, Doug Samuelson
Jason McEndoo, Brian Von Bergen, Milo Austin, Kane Ioane, Noah Joseph, Nate Parseghian
Thursday, July 31
Monday, May 19
Wednesday, May 03
Wednesday, May 03
