Eagles Hold Final Scrimmage of Fall Camp

JEFFERSON CITY, Tenn. -- Carson-Newman quarterback Alex Good (Greensboro, N.C.) connected with wide receivers Doug Belk (Valdosta, Ga.) and Marcus Huie (Knoxville, Tenn.) for a pair long touchdown passes, as the offense had an impressive showing during the final scrimmage of the preseason Wednesday morning at Burke-Tarr Stadium.

The Eagles first team offense found the end zone on all four of its possessions on the day, drawing the praise of C-N head coach Ken Sparks.

"They executed a lot better and did some things that we wanted them to do," Sparks said. "I think we are getting there and are making progress, which you are supposed to do at this time of year."

After Good scored on a 45-yard touchdown run on the morning's first snap, he hooked up with Belk, who made a spectacular one-handed grab, for a 43-yard scoring strike on the offense's second possession and followed that up with a 33-yard touchdown pass to Huie. On the first team's final series of the day, Good broke loose for a 27-yard run to set up a 4-yard touchdown run by Nate Inman (Fitzgerald, Ga.).

Sparks has been impressed with his senior signal caller during camp.

"He's a senior starter and the leader of our team," Sparks said. "He doesn't have any choice but to be here. It's amazing how far that kid has come since he's been here. It's been a great success story."

Belk is another player that has caught Sparks' eye during the preseason. The versatile junior will be counted on to play several positions for the Eagles this season.

"When we go to three wide receivers, he's a starter," Sparks said of Belk, who is also the backup quarterback. "He will push those other two receivers. Doug is a very versatile and unselfish kid that will find a way to help the team, whether it's punt returner, kickoff returner, quarterback or wide receiver.

Offense didn't own the day, however, as the Eagles first-string defense forced several three-and-outs. Sparks has been pleased with the progress the defense has made since opening preseason practice

"We responded on defense," Sparks said. "We still have a spot or two that we've got to firm up. It looked like they were playing together pretty well and we had some pretty good shots. I always tell them that I don't watch for tackles. I listen for them and I heard some today."

The Eagles will hit the practice field on Thursday for a kicking scrimmage before beginning to prepare for Winona State (Minn.) on Friday. C-N opens the season at Winona State on Aug. 27.