Coach Pleased with Scrimmage

August 21, 2009

WEATHERFORD, Okla. - Southwestern Oklahoma State University football coach Dan Cocannouer expressed pleasure with the results of Thursday's workout and scrimmage. The 50-play, 90-minute practice session was in full pads and will be the last game-type situation for the Bulldogs as they prepare for their season opener Thursday, Aug. 27 at Emporia State.

"I was real pleased with our effort and execution," Cocannouer said. "The biggest thing for us was getting familiar with the tempo and pace. We have a number of personnel packages and formations...getting them on the field, in place and the ball snapped in 40 seconds takes work."

The scrimmage, which included a full officiating crew, whistled the Bulldogs just once for delay of game.

SWOSU's first-team offense moved crisply under the leadership of Steve Day. The senior quarterback twice led the Bulldogs on extended scoring drives.

Star receivers Johnathan Haggerty and Joe Sawyer each had pass receptions for considerable yardage that delighted the onlookers.

Cocannouer also praised the efforts of freshman running back Daniel Barwick, who had a couple of long runs from scrimmage including a pair of nifty cut backs.

SWOSU's first-team defense again looked near flawless. The Bulldogs, the statistical leader in the LSC last year in fewest yards allowed, appear set with Jaron Burgess moving over to the middle linebacker role and as the chief signal caller.

Cocannouer said he and his staff will spend the remaining six days going over a number of details before the first game, but the focus will be on consistency.

"We still are not where I want to be," Cocannouer said. "We do things right for two or three plays, and then we have busts. We need to do a better job of making the right decision every time, not just some of the time. We'll get their attention and get it corrected."