MOBILE, Ala. – With the Sept. 1 season opener one week away, the University of South Alabama football team held a situational scrimmage that covered all facets of the game Thursday morning at the practice fields on campus.

The Jaguar first-and second-team offensive and defensive units worked against scout teams for 80 total plays, which included all special teams. The one-and-a-half hour workout opened with a kickoff by Jordan Means, and the first-team defense then lined up against the scout team offense at their own 20-yard line. After forcing a three-and-out, the Jaguar first-team offense took over at midfield.

The offense ran six plays – which included Kendall Houston carrying the ball three times and C.J. Bennett connecting with Corey Waldon on a seven-yard pass completion – and moved the ball to the defense’s 35-yard line. The drive ended when a 45-yard field goal missed wide left.

The Jaguar first-team defense forced another three-and-out, but was soon forced back on the field following a simulated turnover in which the scout team offense took over at the defense’s 45-yard line.

But four plays later, the defense answered when Charles Harris intercepted a pass in the back of the end zone to end the scoring threat.

Later in the first half, Lawson McGlon connected on a 37-yard field goal and Jordan Means nailed an extra point following a two-yard touchdown run by Demetre Baker.

Second-half highlights included a 41-yard touchdown run by Ellis Hill, an interception by Gabe Loper in the back of the end zone during a two-minute drill, and PATs by McGlon and Means.

“It was a pretty crisp practice. We didn’t have a lot of mental errors out there,” Jag head coach Joey Jones said. “The kids came focused and ready to go. I think they are ready for the game next week – there’s no doubt about it. We keep talking about working hard, and they have done that. They have paid their dues. We have been here three weeks and a lot of good work has been done, so they are ready to play.

“They know it is game week and that from this point forward we have three or four days of practice before the first game. They have worked all year, from January until now, just to have a chance to play in the game. That’s one thing about football; you work a long time just to have a few chances to get out in the spotlight, so our kids are looking forward to it.”

South Alabama will continue preparation for its Sept. 1 matchup against West Alabama when it returns to the practice field Friday at 7:15 a.m.

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com.  Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).