Lions sharp in final scrimmage prior to season opener - WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

From SLU Athletics

HAMMOND – Quarterback Nathan Stanley turned in an efficient performance as he completed 14-of-21 passes for 128 yards while Michael Chaney keyed an effective running game to lead Southeastern Louisiana in its final scrimmage of fall practice Thursday night in Strawberry Stadium.

Freshman Brandon Snell caught eight passes for 59 yards for the Lions, who will open the season on Sept. 1 at SEC newcomer Missouri. Newcomer Marquis Fruge' and Tony McCrea, who missed the entire 2011 season, caught three passes each for the Lions, who played in front of an enthusiastic crowd that featured the school's "Spirit of the Southland Marching Band."

The Southeastern defense kept the offense out of the end zone for much of the scrimmage before Stanley engineered a 60-yard scoring drive. The Ole Miss transfer hit Fruge' on a 31-yard pass on third-and-10 to the opponent's 29 before Chaney capped off the drive with a 1-yard scoring plunge.

The Lions found the end zone on the scrimmage's final drive as Jordan Barnett connected with newcomer Jerry Anderson on a 38-yard scoring pass down the right sideline.

Chaney, a Ponchatoula native, gained 26 yards on 12 carries to lead the Lions in the scrimmage that saw minimal contact. Stanley added 20 yards on four carries while Brian Ensminger scrambled for 18 yards and Rasheed Harrell rushed for 16.

Drew Misita, Tyler Stoddard and newcomer John Graves had four tackles each to lead the defense, which collected four sacks on the night. Misita, Devan Walker, Scott Korte and freshman Collin Middleton each recorded sacks for the Lions while the defense broke up five passes.