BEAUMONT, Texas – The Lamar University football team held its first scrimmage of fall camp Saturday morning at Provost Umphrey Stadium. The 9 a.m. workout witnessed good plays on both sides of the ball, and some strong play by the LU quarterbacks, including one new to campus. The scrimmage ended with three touchdowns, all from 26 yards or more.
 
"It's tough when you scrimmage against yourself," said head coach Ray Woodard. "I think we did some things on both sides of the football that were impressive. For a long time I thought the defense was dictating the tempo, but as the scrimmage went on I felt the offense got better. I was pleased with both sides at times, not pleased with both sides at other times. We still have a lot of work to do but I'm happy with our effort today."
 
In addition to senior Joe Minden, and junior college transfer Carson Earp who have been battling it out throughout the spring and into the fall for the starting not, a third – Charles McKenzie – threw his name in the hat for early playing time Saturday.
 
Minden completed the workout going 8-for-8 for 168 yards and two touchdowns. He connected with Corrigan-Camden freshman Keegan Mitchell for a 60-yard scoring strike, and found senior Devonn Brown from 26 yards out near the end of the scrimmage.
 
Big Red's other touchdown came from Earp, who transferred to LU from Navarro JC in the spring. Earp got the scoring started Saturday when he found Brown from 44 yards away. Earp was 10-of-17 (.588) on the day for 161 yards and the one score.
 
McKenzie might have been the surprise of the scrimmage. With so much attention being placed on Minden and Earp, the walk-on turned some heads with his play in the pocket, and his ability to avoid the blitz and complete some passes. He ended the day 10-of-16 (.625) for 96 yards.
 
Brown finished the day with the two catches for 70 yards and two touchdowns, while senior Reggie Begelton caught three passes for 51 yards.
 
The Cardinals focused more on the passing game Saturday, but did carry the ball 16 times for 42 yards.
 
Senior DaQuan Stewart led the LU defense with four tackles, including three solo stops, while classmate Logan Moss added three tackles, including one sack and a forced fumble. Junior Lloyd Julian recorded two stops and deflected two passes.
 
The Cardinals will take Sunday off, their first off day since the start of practice, before returning to workouts Monday. The Monday evening workout will begin at 7:30 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium.
 
The season opener is slated for Saturday, Sept. 5 against Bacone College. The game will kick off at 7 p.m. from Provost Umphrey Stadium. Tickets for all LU football games can be purchased through the ticket office by calling (409) 880-1715 or by clicking here.
 
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