Charles Thompson had a high of nine tackles to lead WKU's defense in Saturday's scrimmage at L.T. Smith Stadium. (photo by Bruce Davis)
Thompson Leads Topper Defense In First Preseason Scrimmage
Charles Thompson made nine tackles Saturday to lead a first-team defense that did not allow a point on seven possessions in the Western Kentucky University football team's first scrimmage of the preseason at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field.
The effort including halting three drives that started at midfield or on the defense's side of the ball. Deonté Smith intercepted Justin Haddix' first pass attempt on the fifth play of the scrimmage and later caused Haddix to fumble. Erik Dandy added six stops while Carl Birts, Jeremy Chandler, Irele Oderinde, Charlie Phillips and Antonio Veals collected three tackles each. (more) Hilltopper Defense Strong Again As WKU Football Holds Mini-Scrimmage
The Western Kentucky University defense set the tone early in the Hilltoppers' mini-scrimmage Wednesday at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field, holding the first-team offense without a first down on its first four possessions while only allowing 10 points on the evening.
The offense faced a 3rd-and-4 to begin the session, but Karl Maslowski got a hand on Justin Haddix' pass to end the possession. Dennis Mitchell ended the next drive with a sack of Haddix, who was rolling right on 3rd-and-5, for a loss of eight yards. The first team's final possession came to a close after Deonté Smith sacked Haddix again on 3rd-and-17. (more) Western Kentucky Defense Stands Tall In Tough Situations Tuesday
The focus of the Western Kentucky University football team's "live" drills Tuesday at L.T. Smith Stadium was to put pressure on the Hilltopper defense, and the unit responded with a solid performance.
Facing a sudden change situation following a turnover, Jami DeBerry recovered a Jacques Johnson fumble on the first snap from the defense's 20-yard line to end the threat. With the offense attempting to collect a first down after taking over the ball on its own 3-yard line, the defense sacked QB Justin Haddix one yard from the end zone on 3rd-and-4 to force a punt. And, on 10 snaps in which the offense operated with 1st-and-10, it was only able to move the chains on one occasion. (more) Hilltoppers Ranked Among Top Five In Final Two Preseason Polls
The Sports Network and ESPN/USA Today released their preseason polls Monday, with defending national champion Western Kentucky University standing fifth in both rankings.
The Hilltoppers accumulated 1,532 points and 17 first-place votes in the TSN poll while collecting 1,165 points and 12 first-place votes in the coaches' poll. Only McNeese State, which sits atop both rankings, posted more first-place votes than Western. (more) Offense Making Strides As Hilltopper Football Camp Continues
When asked about practice over the last couple of days, Western Kentucky University head football coach David Elson -- the Hilltoppers' defensive coordinator the last two seasons -- spent most of his time talking about the improvement of his offense.
"The offense made some plays out there today, especially in short-yardage situations," he said. "Chris Miller has been running real well, and Maurice Bradley has continued to impress us. I think they got a boost on that side of the ball with the return of Buster Ashley and Lerron Moore." (more) Three WKU Football Players Named Preseason All-America By I-AA.org
Three Western Kentucky University preseason all-Gateway Football Conference selections earned preseason All-America honors from I-AA.org Thursday.
Buster Ashley was a first-team offensive lineman, Daniel Withrow was selected second-team on the offensive line and Erik Dandy was chosen a third-team linebacker. (more) Hilltoppers Preach Senior Leadership, Continuity As Key To 2003 Football Season
Beginning with the speech of new head coach David Elson, Western Kentucky University football coaches and players focused on senior leadership and continuity at the team's annual Media Day as key factors in the Hilltoppers' ability to repeat the success of the 2002 season.
"We talk every year that the key to the team is senior leadership, how that group picks up the ball and runs with it," said Elson. "I feel that this group has already done that. We've got a great group of guys who not only were a big part of the national championship, but who also were on the team when we lost in the first round of the playoffs in 2001 and learned from it. There's a good mix in the senior class of all-conference players and role players who expect to step up." (more) Western Kentucky Football Installing Plans, Set To Don Full Pads Wednesday
With the opening five days of practice limited to one workout per day, the Western Kentucky University football team has focused early on learning the game plan for the upcoming 2003 season. The Hilltoppers are about to take the next step in preparation, putting on full pads for the first time with a 2:30 p.m. (CDT) practice at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field Wednesday.
WKU is still a day away from full contact, which will come Thursday when the team has its first two-a-day practice session. (more) Hilltopper Football Reports For Camp; Practice Begins Saturday Morning
The road to defending the NCAA Division I-AA national championship begins Saturday for the Western Kentucky University football team. And the Hilltoppers will waste no time in that pursuit, as the opening practice of fall camp will begin at 6 a.m. (CDT) at L.T. Smith Stadium/Jimmy Feix Field.
"We want to get the conditioning test done without heat being a factor," said first-year head coach David Elson. "It also let's the team know that it's time to go to work. We want to set the tempo early." (more) Seven Hilltoppers Collect Preseason Gateway Conference Recognition
A quartet of defensive players highlight a total of seven Western Kentucky University individuals honored on the preseason all-Gateway Football Conference team announced at the league's annual Media Day Thursday.
Jeremy Chandler, Erik Dandy and Antonio Veals gave the Hilltoppers a league-high-tying three first-team players on the defensive side of the ball, while Charles Thompson was also an honorable mention selection. Buster Ashley and Daniel Withrow were voted on offense, and Brian Claybourn was chosen at punter. And, Veals was named honorable mention as a return specialist. (more) David Elson Talks About Coming Back To WKU As Head Coach
Newly-hired football coach speaks to The Sports Network. Wilson's Western Experience Nearing An End
Senior defensive linemen one of 19 Hilltoppers playing final regular-season game at Smith Stadium this weekend. Wilson's Western Experience Nearing An End
Central City resident flourishes in final year on Hill as featured back. The Playmaker
Senior linebacker continues to record big plays as career winds down.
