Football Finishes Thursday Practice In Preparation of Shula Bowl IX

Oct. 28, 2010

Boca Raton, Fla. - Florida Atlantic University's football team on Thursday completed its third day of preparations for this week's Shula Bowl IX and homecoming match up with South Florida rival FIU.

Members of the Owls' scout team increased its efforts to simulate the Golden Panthers' units in goal line and down-and-distance situations. The entire team then moved into a two-minute-drill segment that featured some spectacular plays to sustain offensive drives.

Redshirt freshman running back Damian Fortner made an off-balanced, one-handed catch in the left corner of the end zone from a pass by redshirt sophomore quarterback David Kooi that was deflected by the defense near the line of scrimmage. Fortner kept his concentration on receiving the pass despite having a defender in his face.

Later, redshirt senior quarterback Jeff Van Camp connected with senior wide receiver Lester Jean to cap off a successful scoring drive. Jean had to tight rope the sideline after catching the pass.

Redshirt senior running back Jeff Blanchard had some tough inside runs during the goal line drill to pick up positive yards in those challenging situations.

The defense also had its moments during scout team work with redshirt senior defensive back Ed Alexander making an interception after a pass was tipped on a crossing pattern by two wide receivers.

The Owls will conduct a walk through on Friday for their final practice before the Sun Belt Conference game. Following Thursday's practice Head Coach Howard Schnellenberger joined ESPN760's Ken LaVicka for the weekly FAU SportsPage Radio Show. The duo welcome guest and encourage fans to call into the show at 1-888-760-3776 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting1-888-760-3776end_of_the_skype_highlighting begin_of_the_skype_highlighting1-888-760-3776end_of_the_skype_highlighting. Running backs coach David Serna will join Schnellenberger and answer questions to wrap up the show.

Season and single game tickets are available by calling 1-866-FAU-Owls or at www.fausports.com.

Worthy of Note: Florida Atlantic University Athletics is proud to announce the Boca Raton Mattera Foundation, founded by John Mattera, as the 2010 Football Coach's Breakfast sponsor. The next breakfast is Friday at 8 a.m. in the Founder's Lounge of the Tom Oxley Center. For more information on the Mattera Foundation, visit www.thematterafoundation.com

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