NORFOLK, Va. – The Norfolk State football team wrapped up its 2014 preseason training camp with a 42-play scrimmage on Saturday morning at Dick Price Stadium.

The scrimmage, which lasted just under two hours and also featured breaks for special teams work, was highlighted by several big plays on both sides of the ball. The first-team offense came out moving the ball well to start the scrimmage, but its first drive ended when quarterback Omari-Ali Timmons was hit by cornerback Darrin Marrow after an 8-yard gain, forcing a fumble which the defense recovered.

That was one of three turnovers forced by the defense, and the first of two on back-to-back plays. After the first fumble, the offense was backed up to start the next possession at the 50-yard line. On the ensuing play, Timmons hit tight end Demetreus Ferebee for a 3-yard gain, and while fighting for extra yardage, Ferebee had the ball knocked loose and the defense recovered again.

The offense wouldn't be denied on its next drive. Timmons hit Keith Johnson up the seam for a 20-yard gain. Two plays later, Brendon Riddick darted into the end zone untouched on a 15-yard TD play.

On the next possession, freshman running back Terry Polk had gains of 12 and 20 yards on back-to-back plays, but the drive stalled after a sack by freshman linebacker Kyle Archie.

The second half of the scrimmage featured an interception by defensive back Onaje Bullen and a 14-yard TD pass from Timmons to Isaac White.

"I was pleased with the intensity out there today," NSU head coach Pete Adrian said. "The offense really moved the ball nicely there, especially in the early going.
"What we wanted to do today was get a look at a lot of reserve players today to figure out who's going to take that next step and work into the rotation. We saw a lot of positives out there today."

Timmons went 4-of-4 for 43 yards and ran for another 19 yards. Polk was the leading rusher on the day with 28 yards on seven carries. Johnson had three catches for 37 yards.

Linebackers Archie and Marcell Coke registered sacks for the defense.

NSU begins fall semester classes on Monday before having an evening workout. The squad's normal practice time commences on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m. The Spartans open the 2014 season on Saturday, Aug. 30 at the University of Maine.