8/18/2001 - Football
Offense Impressive In Saturday's Scrimmage
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Posted by: Scott Strasemeier
ANNAPOLIS, Md.-In a complete reversal from Wednesday's scrimmage, the Navy offense dominated the defense on Saturday afternoon at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium. The offense got the better of the defense in every situation it was put in by head coach Charlie Weatherbie, moving the ball up and down the field whether it was in the two-minute offense, backed up on its own one-yard line, or in the red zone. Even more impressive was the fact that the offense was so effective despite playing without three of its biggest weapons in quarterback Craig Candeto, slot back Gene Reese and wide receiver Chandler Sims, who all sat out the scrimmage due to minor injuries.
"The offense is starting to come around, they are starting to get a little crisper," said Weatherbie. "It was a good scrimmage on both sides. We kicked the ball very well and I was excited about that as well."
Senior quarterback Ed Malinowski showed he is not to be counted out of the quarterback picture, completing 13 of his 16 pass attempts for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Malinowski was on target all day, hitting seven different receivers. His most impressive throw was a beautiful 18-yard fade pass to Dominic Bailey who made a spectacular over the shoulder catch in the end zone. Malinowski's other touchdown toss was a perfect 20-yard strike to freshman Amir Jenkins. Malinowski also looked good running the option, carrying the ball three times for 26 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown run.
"Ed is a guy that we know can come in a win games for us," said Weatherbie. "We had Craig running ahead of him just because of Craig's performance, not because Ed has been playing poorly. We feel like they both have a chance to be real fine quarterbacks and we can win with either one of them. We will see how Craig comes along with his injury, but I know Ed will be ready whenever called."
"I came out today knowing that I had to play better than I had the last couple of scrimmages. I did ok last Wednesday, but I didn't play the way I expected. I know that Craig and I are both going to get to play and it really doesn't matter to me who gets to start. I think I made a couple of steps in the right direction today to show coach that he can have a little bit of confidence in me to take us down in a two-minute drill or get us in the end zone in a goal line situation."
Junior fullback Bryce McDonald showed that he is a capable backup to Raheem Lambert, carrying the ball three times for 31 yards, including two impressive 15-yard runs. Tony Lane carried the ball twice for 27 yards, including one 25-yard jaunt on an option play, while Raheem Lambert carried the ball twice for 13 yards.
Jenkins and fellow freshman wide receiver Marshaun Minter showed today that they are catching on to the offense and could be a factor early in the year. Minter had three catches for 25 yards, turning two short throws into gains of 17 and seven yards with some elusive running ability. Jenkins had two catches for 28 yards, including the 20-yard touchdown from Malinowski.
"Marshaun Minter and Jenkins have a chance to be real fine receivers," said Weatherbie. "They both have good feet and Jenkins has good size. The both run good routes and have good hands. We also have a couple of other freshman receivers we are excited about in Lionel Wesley and Brian Yarbrough. We are excited about what those guys can bring to the table for us."
Jenkins and Minter have looked good all camp," said Malinowski. "They are real fast and they seem to be picking up the offense pretty well. Lately they have been getting more physical and just letting it all hang out. I was impressed with them today."
Mark Tedrow had two catches for 22 yards, while Jeff Gaddy had two receptions for 11 yards on the first series of plays before leaving with a sprained ankle.
"We are going to continue to improve every practice. We are only about nine practices away from our first game. We have to continue to grow."
The team will take Sunday off before returning to practice on Monday. All practices are closed to the general public.
