A Sea Of Red

Great turn out by the fans! Sam was here and made the comment that there were more people in the stands today that at some of our games. This was not a spring game in the typical sense in that it was actually a situational scrimmage with game jerseys on in front of a crowd. Highlights of the day: an absolute circus catch by Chris Luck over the middle, some good runs by Rashad, Brock Smith trucking Brandon Duke on a reverse play, Greiser's diving break-up of a sure TD pass. Awards handed out: 2005 seniors received their LU letter jackets, Luke 2:52 Award went to Brock Farrel (not Smith, thank you very much), and the inaugural Samkon Gado Most Improved Player Award went to FB Chris Stokes. 2006 Captains named: on offense Jarrett Winfrey and Rashad Jennings; on defense, Manny Rojas and Jason Horn.

They announced 4100 but there was no way whatsoever that there were that many people there. At most there was about 2000 people probably. 2000 is a great turnout, I just don't know how they got 4100.

The crowd/fans were amazing!! I couldn't get over how that one side was practically filled up. Anybody take a picture of all "4100"??

As far as the 4100 goes, bear in mind that 1) half of our fans stand around at the top of the stands and 2) they served lunch inside the stadium gates. There were probably quite a few people there who either never sat down or came in to get lunch and left again.

I figured they'd added the people who came and ate and went back to the dorms. That's not right but hey, it boosts numbers.

They have counters at the gate. They have no way of knowing who actually stayed.

SuperJon wrote:They announced 4100 but there was no way whatsoever that there were that many people there. At most there was about 2000 people probably. 2000 is a great turnout, I just don't know how they got 4100.

Did they shut down Reber-Thomas and make students come to Williams for lunch? If so, you can bet they counted every student who came into the stadium, whether they stayed for the "game" or not.

The idea was for the students to come to the game instead of Reber Thomas. I know a buncha people that came, ate, and left.

Whether it was 4100 or 2000, it was definately a lot higher than the anticipated number of 1000. We should all be happy that the masses are out after a season like last year, I hope the momentum stays for the year.

4100 and you are shocked? What has ever given you the impression we are honest with our numbers? Why should this suprise you?

Number1inda'hoodG wrote:Whether it was 4100 or 2000, it was definately a lot higher than the anticipated number of 1000. We should all be happy that the masses are out after a season like last year, I hope the momentum stays for the year.

Oh, it was a good crowd. I'll never deny that. Too bad you had to go to a softball game.

Who cares about numbers? I'm just glad there was a great turnout.

Thanks for the outstanding pics, Libertine.

gmtm has some pictures as well. Whenever the softball game gets over maybe he'll post em. The ops center is coming along pretty quick.

those pics will not be up till tomm im sure. GMTM had an "appt" this evening. it was an excellent turnout to start the rocco era, and the excitement for LU football is high. they also had some samples of the new field turf that will be installed this summer. Coach Rocco honored the outgoing seniors by giving them which looked like leather jackets, and brock farrel was given an award which i cannot remember...maybe libertine can help out on that. the captains were also named for the year as well. it is hard not to be impressed with rocco and the way he is running the program. he is doing it with class, and im glad he is here! samkon gado has there as well and presented an award. just a great day in the history of liberty football IMHO.

from the athletics website:

Flames Conclude Spring Football Season With Scrimmage; Rocco Names Team Captains

April 29, 2006 · Lynchburg, Va.

Football Coach Danny Rocco got his final look of the spring season at his football squad as the Flames hosted their annual Spring Football Game, Saturday afternoon, in front of 4,136 fans at Williams Stadium.

The afternoon also saw a celebration of both past and future Flames’ football players as 18 seniors were honored on the afternoon, while Brock Farrel was named the winner of this team’s Luke 2:52 award (Whole Person award) and Chris Stokes was named this year’s recipient of the Samkon Gado award (Most Improved award).

Also, Rocco named his two offensive and defensive captains during a halftime ceremony as linebacker Manny Rojas and defensive lineman Jason Horn will be joined by running back Rashad Jennings and offensive lineman Jarrett Winfrey as captains during the 2006 campaign.

The final scrimmage of the spring practice season was dominated by the running game as Liberty finished the practice rushing for 251 total yards and two touchdowns, while Liberty’s three quarterbacks threw for 156 yards and a score as well.

Pittsburgh transfer running back Rashad Jennings led the squad on the ground as he rushed for 99 yards on 16 carries (6.2 yards per carry), while scoring twice which included a 30-yard scoring run.

Following Jennings was Terron Lawrence, who rushed for 57 yards on 11 carries (5.2 yards per carry), while Zach Terrell rushed for 37 yards on eight carries.

Three players shared quarterbacking duties for Liberty on the afternoon with Terrell passing for 78 yards and a score as he completed 5-of-7 passing attempts, while Brock Smith also passed for 78 yards as he completed 6-of-14 attempts. Tavarus Dove also saw limited time under center and was 0-of-2 in pass attempts.

Tight end Chris Luck led all Flames’ receivers as he caught three passes for 63 yards, while Wynton Jackson finished second on the afternoon by catching a pass for 31 yards.

Liberty rotated two punters during the scrimmage as Ben Beasley had two punts for 78 yards (39.0 average), while Zac Kolegue had a single punt for 41 yards.

Kolegue and Beasley also shared field goal duties on the afternoon with Kolegue making a 32 yard attempt and missing a 31-yard attempt, while Beasley nailed a 40-yard field in the second half.

The Flames will return to Williams Stadium on August 31 when they host St. Paul’s in their season opener to kick off the 2006 season. The Thursday’s evening game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.

Final Statistics: Rushing – Jennings – 16-99 (2 TD), Lawrence – 11-57, Terrell – 8-37, Stokes – 3-21, Corpew – 4-16, Jackson – 2-12, Bolden – 1-9, LiDrazzah – 1-0. Total 46-251 (2 TD).

Passing – Terrell – 5-7-0, 78 yards (1 TD); Smith 6-14-1, 78 yards; Dove – 0-2-0, 0 yards. Total 11-23-1, 156 yards, 1 TD.

Receiving – Luck – 3-63, Jackson – 1-31, Jennings – 1-11, Turner – 1-8 (1 TD), Edwards – 1-7, Thom – 1-7, Lambros – 1-6. Total – 9-156 (1 TD).

Punting – Beasley – 2 punts, 78 yards (39.0 average), Kolegue – 1 punt, 41 yards (41.0 average).

Field Goals – Kolegue – Made (32), Missed (31); Beasley – Made (40).

I was there for most of the game and the catch of the day had to be Chris Luck with a one hander over the middle.

Mr. Jennings must have displayed some exceptional leadership to be named captain after transferring in mid-year. There's going to be some excitement high on the mountain this fall!!!

thanks for the pix- sounds like a great day

Libertine wrote: Highlights of the day:... Greiser's diving break-up of a sure TD pass.

there we go- sounds like somebody wants that starting DB spot! making SE PA proud

bigsmooth wrote:GMTM had an "appt" this evening.

More like a "Thanks for saving my butt in a presentation so I'll take you to dinner."

A.G. wrote:Mr. Jennings must have displayed some exceptional leadership to be named captain after transferring in mid-year. There's going to be some excitement high on the mountain this fall!!!

First player picked to be a captain but has never played a game for Liberty. Congratulations Rashad!

I knew going into he had to be a captain. He's got some of those guys working harder than they ever have before. And he's only a sophomore next year.

yea but, he's never played a down as a flame. i think someone else would have been a better fit, like our state freshmen of the year.(unless he isnt a good leader). i disagree with rashad, but what do i know im not on the field with them