SPLIT PRACTICE: The team completed their first split practice of training camp at 12 p.m. today. The 8:30 a.m. session began with special teams work as the kickoff return team practiced setting up blocks and receiving the ball off the net. DB Willie Gary and newly acquired DB Hamin Milligan performed well during one-on-one drills, as they knocked down several passes. During the team portion of practice the Force worked on goal-line situations. FB Matt Huebner began the drill with a two-yard touchdown run, but the defense answered on the next play, when DL Prentice Purnell stood up QB Ryan Vena at the one-yard line. Rookie DB David Crocker put his head down and stopped rookie FB John Ritcher before he crossed the goal-line for the defense's second big play of the period. Ritcher responded on the final play of the session with a two-yard touchdown run off right end.
In the afternoon portion of practice, Vena found rookie WR Brent Holmes on a deep post route in one-on-one drills for the offense's first impact play of the practice. The first-team offense put together a solid performance for the most part during the team period. QB Chris Greisen opened the session with a long pass down the right sideline to WR Derek Lee, who despite tight coverage made a leaping catch for a 30-yard gain. On the next play, Lee hauled in another deep pass from Greisen, which was good for a score. The following play, newly acquired DL Mike Sutton intercepted a screen pass from Greisen and rumbled the other way for the touchdown. Later in the series, WR Kevin McKenzie reached out and made a one handed catch for a score on a pass from Greisen.
"We are working hard," said defensive coordinator Bob Kronenberg of his linemen. "I like my guys, but we still have a long way to go before the start of the season."
Thursday, February 15 and Friday, February 16, the Force will host combined workouts with the Nashville Kats at their Flowery Branch practice facility.
• Discuss this story on the Arena Football League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.