Michael Vick's missteps led to a little attention from ESPN for former Demon Terrence McGee on an otherwise unremarkable interception the Buffalo Bills cornerback made Friday night.
The interception came on an underthrown pass in the Bills' exhibition game against the Atlanta Falcons. It came on a throw from Joey Harrington, suddenly thrust into the role of being the Falcons starting QB indefinitely due to Vick's legal crisis.
McGee has made many more extraordinary plays in his previous four NFL seasons, but few have been shown so early in a SportsCenter.
Our other Bill, quarterback Craig Nall, did not throw a pass last night. No indication of any problems for Craig, based on a quick browse of the internet, just a case of the Bills wanting to get starter J.P. Losman more playing time and rookie draft pick Trent Sullivan an extended audition. Craig was mentioned in the Buffalo News' blog earlier this week talking about how the Bills' new stretching program has helped safeguard his hamstring that he hurt last preseason, keeping him from seriously challenging Losman for the starting job.
Doug Ireland, SID
Saturday, August 18, 2007
Friday, August 17, 2007
100 year celebration nearing
Interest is spiking, and understandably so, in the Sept. 1 Centennial Celebration of Demon football.
Top 100 pick John Kulakowski is in town, helping his daughter Rachel settle in on campus. She's a freshman who will be a manager for the Lady Demon basketball team.
"Kul," whose trademark Nubian roll sack celebration in his All-America senior year of 1987 would draw a flurry of flags in today's game, was full of questions about the schedule of events for the big Saturday season opening football game and 100-year party. He's not alone.
A postcard to all former players, listing the itinerary for Sept. 1, hit the mailboxes this week. There will be a special Former Demons area with a tent next to the NSU Alumni Tent on the old football practice field. The social action will continue throughout the day, with a storytelling contest commencing about 2:30 through about 5:30. All former players will be recognized on the field at halftime.
There's more, but the most important note is that ALL FORMER PLAYERS ARE ASKED TO RSVP to another former Demon gridder, Dr. William Broussard, at 318-357-4295 or by e-mail at broussardw@nsula.edu so he can be sure there are enough game tickets and gifts for everybody. Each player gets two free reserved seat tickets and can buy more for family at a $10 rate that is a $7 discount off the regular price. Family members are welcome in the Former Players Tent, and there will be food and refreshments along with gifts for the former players.
Of course, there are several former players who have their own Demon Alley Tailgating slots complete with cable TV hookups, running water and elecrticity, so everywhere you turn, there ought to be guys who may not fit into their jerseys quite as well any more but felllows who would wear them proudly given the chance.
By the way -- this post is Friday night because assistant SID Matt Bonnette and I spent much of the day polishing off what is a captivating (all modesty aside, it is an amazing piece of work for which we deserve very little credit) Centennial Celebration 60-page souvenir program. All former players get one free, and others will be on sale for everybody else (price TBD, but probably no more than $10 each).
A final organizational meeting for the big day is being held Monday morning, so look for an announcement soon with the complete arrangements for Sept. 1 -- which, of course, won't be complete without a trip down to Front Street after the game for what has become a great NSU and Natchitoches tradition, Boogie on the Bricks, with live entertainment in the prettiest setting a Demon can desire.
Doug Ireland, SID
Top 100 pick John Kulakowski is in town, helping his daughter Rachel settle in on campus. She's a freshman who will be a manager for the Lady Demon basketball team.
"Kul," whose trademark Nubian roll sack celebration in his All-America senior year of 1987 would draw a flurry of flags in today's game, was full of questions about the schedule of events for the big Saturday season opening football game and 100-year party. He's not alone.
A postcard to all former players, listing the itinerary for Sept. 1, hit the mailboxes this week. There will be a special Former Demons area with a tent next to the NSU Alumni Tent on the old football practice field. The social action will continue throughout the day, with a storytelling contest commencing about 2:30 through about 5:30. All former players will be recognized on the field at halftime.
There's more, but the most important note is that ALL FORMER PLAYERS ARE ASKED TO RSVP to another former Demon gridder, Dr. William Broussard, at 318-357-4295 or by e-mail at broussardw@nsula.edu so he can be sure there are enough game tickets and gifts for everybody. Each player gets two free reserved seat tickets and can buy more for family at a $10 rate that is a $7 discount off the regular price. Family members are welcome in the Former Players Tent, and there will be food and refreshments along with gifts for the former players.
Of course, there are several former players who have their own Demon Alley Tailgating slots complete with cable TV hookups, running water and elecrticity, so everywhere you turn, there ought to be guys who may not fit into their jerseys quite as well any more but felllows who would wear them proudly given the chance.
By the way -- this post is Friday night because assistant SID Matt Bonnette and I spent much of the day polishing off what is a captivating (all modesty aside, it is an amazing piece of work for which we deserve very little credit) Centennial Celebration 60-page souvenir program. All former players get one free, and others will be on sale for everybody else (price TBD, but probably no more than $10 each).
A final organizational meeting for the big day is being held Monday morning, so look for an announcement soon with the complete arrangements for Sept. 1 -- which, of course, won't be complete without a trip down to Front Street after the game for what has become a great NSU and Natchitoches tradition, Boogie on the Bricks, with live entertainment in the prettiest setting a Demon can desire.
Doug Ireland, SID
Thursday, August 16, 2007
Lawrence throws tonight, Doyle on HBO last night
Former Demon Brian Lawrence is the starting pitcher tonight for the New York Mets in a 6:05 EST game at Pittsburgh. Lawrence almost signed with the Pirates in the offseason. They made him the best financial offer, but he went with the Rockies because he liked their park for his pitching style ... and wound up with the best team in the National League as it all worked out!
Last night on HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Kansas City Chiefs" ... I was surprised to get a text from assistant SID Matt Bonnette telling me about Derrick Doyle being mentioned in the show. I was away from a TV but got back to town and had the show TiVOED (is that Webster's approved already, William Broussard? It should be, and sure enough, there was about a 20 second discussion involving the Demons' all-time receiving leader. An injury to a receiver in Chiefs' camp had them scrambling for free agent receivers, and Doyle was a target of KC's pro personnel director. His name came up in a call and Derrick had just signed, two minutes earlier, with the Saints last Wednesday. The conversation happens about 35 minutes into the hour-long show that will re-run several times on the various HBO channels in the next few days.
Doug Ireland, SID
Last night on HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Kansas City Chiefs" ... I was surprised to get a text from assistant SID Matt Bonnette telling me about Derrick Doyle being mentioned in the show. I was away from a TV but got back to town and had the show TiVOED (is that Webster's approved already, William Broussard? It should be, and sure enough, there was about a 20 second discussion involving the Demons' all-time receiving leader. An injury to a receiver in Chiefs' camp had them scrambling for free agent receivers, and Doyle was a target of KC's pro personnel director. His name came up in a call and Derrick had just signed, two minutes earlier, with the Saints last Wednesday. The conversation happens about 35 minutes into the hour-long show that will re-run several times on the various HBO channels in the next few days.
Doug Ireland, SID
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
Snapshots from Tuesday at Turpin
Quick hits, not as quick as freshman Jeremy Jefferson (check www.shreveporttimes.com and the sports section for a feature story) but hopefully interesting ...
... Most of the Lady Demon volleyball team has been attending portions of football practice, sitting as a group in the west side stands, in their team T-shirts. This afternoon, they were on hand just a few minutes before their own 6 o'clock practice.
... "Hustle everywhere" has been a standard set down by coach Scott Stoker, and nobody is immune. The iconic Harris Wilson Jr., aka "Coach Black" to his boys, was scolded by Stoker Monday after he didn't jog to a drill. "We were in the office this afternoon and I said it was time to go downstairs, and he almost took out Mrs. E (football secretary Elizabeth Holloway)," reported Stoker.
... Graduated weak safety Jason O'Brien was on the sidelines for Tuesday's practice. Nobody ever enjoyed playing for the Demons more than the four-year letterman and three-year starter from Abbeville.
... Former players Stuart Wright and Britt Brittain are frequent practice observers, and they stuck around afterwards to grill their friend Stoker about personnel. They swapped stories about three-a-day practices in their playing days. Stoker said he didn't even leave the fieldhouse between practices, just stretching out in the locker room instead of going to his apartment for two hours. Brittain said that was fine, it didn't take up much space, Stoker being 5-foot-6.
... Ticket manager Zach Williams walked his game day crew through the stadium after practice as they prepared for the Sept. 1 opener and reviewed seat locations and policies. Some of the game day employees are among NSU's most avid fans.
... Senior defensive end Charlie Brooks played centerfield in the "last play Hail Mary defense" as the Demons scrimmaged at the end of the practice. Brooks was a state tournament MVP in basketball for his Alabama high school and would be a good man to have in a Hail Mary pass jump ball situation. The one that unfolded Tuesday went to the defense as safety Gary Riggs came out of the crowd with an interception.
... Most of the Lady Demon volleyball team has been attending portions of football practice, sitting as a group in the west side stands, in their team T-shirts. This afternoon, they were on hand just a few minutes before their own 6 o'clock practice.
... "Hustle everywhere" has been a standard set down by coach Scott Stoker, and nobody is immune. The iconic Harris Wilson Jr., aka "Coach Black" to his boys, was scolded by Stoker Monday after he didn't jog to a drill. "We were in the office this afternoon and I said it was time to go downstairs, and he almost took out Mrs. E (football secretary Elizabeth Holloway)," reported Stoker.
... Graduated weak safety Jason O'Brien was on the sidelines for Tuesday's practice. Nobody ever enjoyed playing for the Demons more than the four-year letterman and three-year starter from Abbeville.
... Former players Stuart Wright and Britt Brittain are frequent practice observers, and they stuck around afterwards to grill their friend Stoker about personnel. They swapped stories about three-a-day practices in their playing days. Stoker said he didn't even leave the fieldhouse between practices, just stretching out in the locker room instead of going to his apartment for two hours. Brittain said that was fine, it didn't take up much space, Stoker being 5-foot-6.
... Ticket manager Zach Williams walked his game day crew through the stadium after practice as they prepared for the Sept. 1 opener and reviewed seat locations and policies. Some of the game day employees are among NSU's most avid fans.
... Senior defensive end Charlie Brooks played centerfield in the "last play Hail Mary defense" as the Demons scrimmaged at the end of the practice. Brooks was a state tournament MVP in basketball for his Alabama high school and would be a good man to have in a Hail Mary pass jump ball situation. The one that unfolded Tuesday went to the defense as safety Gary Riggs came out of the crowd with an interception.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Preseason frenzy
Football is the focal point but this week it's far from the only activity within a Tiger Woods 7-iron of the sports information office in Prather Coliseum.
When I came in early this morning, there was the Lady Demon volleyball team on the court. Now as I sit in the office at 8:15 tonight, they are back out there practicing.
As I came back in the office a few minutes ago, the vehicles were lined up outside the Demon soccer team's locker room in the back of the building. Whether they were meeting, practicing over at the soccer complex or off doing something, I couldn't say. I did see the team walking across the parking lot toward the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex earlier today. For what, I'll have to ask.
The soccer team started its preseason camp at midnight Sunday. Seriously.
When I rolled back across the lot from watching the end of this afternoon's football practice, much of the the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band was in the parking lot between Prather and the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, working on its show for Sept. 1's season opener.
When I looped up to the WRAC for a quick workout an hour ago, the drum corps was drilling away outside the Fine Arts Building.
Believe me, I am on the lookout for the cheerleaders, dance line and pon-pom crew. I fully expect to see Vic the Demon practicing somewhere at some point this week.
And as I leave here for supper, I leave dedicated graduate assistant Adam Jonson, nearing the finish on the 2007 soccer media guide. He's just designed a snazzy looking cover.
Like Bear Bryant said a long time ago, the secret to success is to surround yourself with good people.
Doug Ireland, SID
When I came in early this morning, there was the Lady Demon volleyball team on the court. Now as I sit in the office at 8:15 tonight, they are back out there practicing.
As I came back in the office a few minutes ago, the vehicles were lined up outside the Demon soccer team's locker room in the back of the building. Whether they were meeting, practicing over at the soccer complex or off doing something, I couldn't say. I did see the team walking across the parking lot toward the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex earlier today. For what, I'll have to ask.
The soccer team started its preseason camp at midnight Sunday. Seriously.
When I rolled back across the lot from watching the end of this afternoon's football practice, much of the the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band was in the parking lot between Prather and the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, working on its show for Sept. 1's season opener.
When I looped up to the WRAC for a quick workout an hour ago, the drum corps was drilling away outside the Fine Arts Building.
Believe me, I am on the lookout for the cheerleaders, dance line and pon-pom crew. I fully expect to see Vic the Demon practicing somewhere at some point this week.
And as I leave here for supper, I leave dedicated graduate assistant Adam Jonson, nearing the finish on the 2007 soccer media guide. He's just designed a snazzy looking cover.
Like Bear Bryant said a long time ago, the secret to success is to surround yourself with good people.
Doug Ireland, SID
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Freddie Harrison, championship QB
Rabid Demons fan Norman Hicks told me in June it would happen and last night it did.
The Lake Charles indoor pro football team, with former Demon receiver Freddie Harrison (2002) as its quarterback, won a league championship last night. The Swashbucklers -- great nickname -- go by "Louisiana" and not "Lake Charles" but they are based in the Lake City.
The Swhashbucklers (15-1) won the Intense Football League championship 46-27, beating Corpus Christi's Hammerheads at the Lake Charles Civic Center Saturday night.
Harrison was named the game MVP throwing for five touchdowns and 190 yards on 11 of 23 passing.
Hicks has taken in a couple of games this year after developing a friendship with Harrison during his time at NSU after transferring here from McNeese. When the Intense Football League all-star team comes out, expect Freddie to make the cut. This game fits his talents well.
Freddie is coaching high school football in the Lake Charles area and doing well, says Norman.
Doug Ireland, SID
The Lake Charles indoor pro football team, with former Demon receiver Freddie Harrison (2002) as its quarterback, won a league championship last night. The Swashbucklers -- great nickname -- go by "Louisiana" and not "Lake Charles" but they are based in the Lake City.
The Swhashbucklers (15-1) won the Intense Football League championship 46-27, beating Corpus Christi's Hammerheads at the Lake Charles Civic Center Saturday night.
Harrison was named the game MVP throwing for five touchdowns and 190 yards on 11 of 23 passing.
Hicks has taken in a couple of games this year after developing a friendship with Harrison during his time at NSU after transferring here from McNeese. When the Intense Football League all-star team comes out, expect Freddie to make the cut. This game fits his talents well.
Freddie is coaching high school football in the Lake Charles area and doing well, says Norman.
Doug Ireland, SID
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