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July 30, 2001

Passing Camp Builds Confidence

The football team recently participated in the University of Memphis Passing Camp held July 21 on the Memphis campus.

The camp was set up to match local teams in 7-on-7 competition in which only passing was allowed as each quarterback had four seconds to throw the ball to one of his eligible six receivers. MUS used the camp to continue to build continuity between their new quarterbacks and receivers.

The Owls began against both teams from Whitehaven, whom MUS opens the season against on August 18 at the Liberty Bowl.  MUS easily defeated the Whitehaven B-team in their opening game and then lost to the Whitehaven A-team by 7.  The Owls then started a game against Kirby before rain ended the contest as well as the camp.

Coach Alston was pleased with his team's play as both quarterbacks put up good stats.  John Phillips went 16-26 for 233 yards, 6 touchdowns, and only one interception.  Ryves Moore also had a solid performance as he threw for 160 yards and 4 touchdowns on 11-22 passing.  He too threw only one interception.

Even though the Owls got in only about two-and-a-half games, the camp provided invaluable experience for a team with some potential.  These numbers from the quarterbacks bode well for a team loaded with big-play receivers.

July 30, 2001 in Football |

July 27, 2001

Former Owl QB Shines in All-Star Event

MUS alumnus Scott Vogel sure made University of Memphis coach Tommy West look pretty smart for at least one day.  The former Owl quarterback and safety and present Memphis signee began his post-MUS football career in style as he was invited to the Shriner's All-Star game, a premier summer game held in June at Middle Tennessee State University.

Accompanied by Coach Bobby Alston, who was selected to be the offensive coordinator for the West squad, Vogel shined in the week-long event.

The game was set up to include several days of workouts and practices before the actual game, and Vogel sure made an impression on his teammates all week long.

He was not only selected to be the starting safety for the West team, but he was also elected captain of his squad by his teammates, an obvious sign of respect.

And Vogel did not disappoint. He went out and recorded nine tackles and added three pass break-ups to earn the Defensive MVP award for the game as the West squad defeated the East 16-14.

Vogel's play, award, and experience have definitely given him confidence and should propel him to be a contributor as a freshman for the Tigers' perennially-strong defense.

July 27, 2001 in Football |

July 19, 2001

Football Team Opens Season in a Big Way

The 2001 MUS varsity football team has a little extra incentive to work hard this hot and oppressive summer.  The Owls open the season August 18th in the Bridge's Kickoff Classic against the 5-A Whitehaven Tigers, a squad that reached the quarterfinals before losing to Cordova in last year's playoffs.

The inaugural classic was set up to allow public and private schools to play each other, a rare occurrence since the TSSAA split of public and private schools.  This year's classic, held at the Liberty Bowl, will open with the MUS-Whitehaven tilt at 5:30 PM, while CBHS and Melrose will play shortly thereafter. Whitehaven will bring a big, powerful team to the Liberty Bowl, one that is highly ranked -- 10th in 5-A in one preseason poll.

Tickets for the game are $6 and can be purchased in the MUS Business Office.  Students will need to buy tickets to see the classic.

July 19, 2001 in Football |