Football Southern Conference

Carey Shines In Wofford Scrimmage

SPARTANBURG, SC -- Sophomore quarterback Jonathan Carey threw for 188 yards and four touchdowns to lead Wofford in its second scrimmage of spring practice April 27 at Gibbs Stadium in Spartanburg.

"Overall, we got after it pretty good," said Wofford head coach Mike Ayers. "There was a lot of intensity on the field today. It was just our second scrimmage this spring and all we really expect is to get better from one scrimmage to the other. I think we have done that."

Former Dorman High School standout Trey Rogers started the scrimmage at quarterback, but after rushing twice for 16 yards, was removed from the game after suffering a sprained ankle. He is not expected to miss any significant amount of time.

With Rogers on the sideline, Carey took over first-team duties on the drive and marched the offense 59 yards on its opening possession for the first score. A six-yard run by Jesse McCoy capped the scoring drive. Carey was 2-for-3 passing for 39 yards and ran three times for 14 yards in the drive.

"Carey is a playmaker," said Ayers. "He makes it happen."

Carey connected with D.J. Gaillard for a 13-yard scoring play for the offense's second score of the day, capping a nine-play, 80-yard drive. Carey accounted for 75 of the 80 yards, running for 35 and throwing for 40. Carey later connected with Isaac Goodpaster for a four-yard scoring strike and McCoy for 15 and 35-yard scoring plays.

"Our first group on offense was solid," said Ayers. "They made big plays. I think we are improving to the point where we will have an exciting offense capable of moving up and down the field and putting points on the board."

The defense also stepped up throughout the day. After cornerback Roland Harris tipped a Chris Dawson pass on the third drive of the scrimmage, linebacker Jimmy Freeland grabbed the ball for an interception and returned it 62 yards for a touchdown, marking the defense's only score.

"Defensively, we stepped up and made some big plays," said Ayers. "Matt Nelson, the defensive line, the entire group played well."

McCoy finished the scrimmage with 16 yards rushing on five carries and a touchdown. he also caught three passes for 59 yards and two scores. D.J. Gaillard ran three times for 17 yards and caught three passes for 38 yards and a touchdown. Melvin Jones was solid, rushing for 20 yards on three carries and catching two passes.

Wofford enters its final week of spring practice this week.