The Stony Brook football team looked sharp in all areas of their game during a scrimmage against the University of Pennsylvania on Saturday afternoon at LaValle Stadium. The day featured controlled situational drills in the first half, followed by a second half of 11-on-11 live football.
“Overall today I think we stayed healthy,” coach Chuck Priore said. “No major injuries, and we had some good performances by some kids.”
The Seawolves outscored the Quakers 17-3 in the second half. The Stony Brook offense was able to connect on two long plays that both resulted in touchdowns.
The first of those plays was a 45-yard touchdown run by running back Jamie Williams. The sophomore found an opening on the left side of the field and was able to take it all the way for the score. The run capped off a Seawolves drive which started all the way back at their own four yard line.
Later on in the half, Seawolves senior quarterback Lyle Negron was able to find junior Will Tye for a 54-yard connection which resulted in a touchdown, to put the Seawolves up 17-3. Negron was strong throughout the scrimmage, and finished the day 6 of 9, throwing for 117 yards.
“Our quarterback was able to throw the ball,” Priore said. “I think he had a great day. He’s a good thrower, and I think that’s somebody that we need to do.”
The defense also played well for Stony Brook. They finished with five sacks in the contest, including three by senior Dimetrius Bernard.
Coach Priore was pleased with the pressure his defensive line was able to get on the Penn quarterbacks. “We rushed the passer well with our front line, and we tackled well,” he said.
The first half of the day had both teams playing out various in-game scenarios . This included 7-on-7s, short yardage situations, goal line drills, kicking and returning drills and two minute drills.
During one of the Seawolves’ possessions during the two minute drill, there was a pair of busted calls, forcing the offense to take two consecutive timeouts. But, Priore said, having this happen in a scrimmage, allows it to be a learning experience.
“Things like that when they happen in a game, you lose a game,” Priore said. “But, when they happen in a scrimmage, you can coach it up and fix it.”
Saturday’s scrimmage also had some special meaning for coach Priore because he got the chance to coach against his brother. Ray Priore serves as the defensive coordinator for Penn, the school from which Chuck Priore was an offensive coordinator and strength coach at from 1992 to 1999.
“We were on the same staff, so we went against each other all the time during spring ball,” head coach Priore said. “They’re well coached. It was good and it was fun.”
Now Stony Brook will continue to prepare for the start of their regular season schedule. The Seawolves will be on the road for their first three games, beginning with a matchup against Rhode Island next Saturday at 1 p.m.
When asked if his team will be prepared for next Saturday, coach Priore answered, “We have no choice.”
