Football Completes Final Scrimmage

Aug. 25, 1999

CLEMSON, S.C. – The defense was back to its dominant position on the Clemson football team during the final preseason scrimmage for Tommy Bowden’s Tigers. The Tiger defense had seven sacks, 10 other tackles for loss, nine passes broken up, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries dirng the 90-play scrimmage on the practice fields behind the Jervey Athletic Center.

“The defense came back strong and I would rather have it that way,” said Bowden, who is preparing his team for the season opener on September 4 against Marshall. “The offense scored seven touchdowns in the last scrimmage and that was not the way I would like it. I would prefer that the offense never score. We want to have a dominant defense.”

Leading the defense was DoMarco Fox, who had seven tackles, a pass broken up and three tackles for loss from his strong safety position. Fox suffered a bruised knee near the end of the scrimmage and he did not return.

Charles Hafley, also a strong safety, had six tackles, an interception and a pass broken up to help the defensive effort. Darrel Crutchfield contributed a pair of interceptioins, while Chad Carson had two tackles for loss, a sack and five tackles. Robert Carswell and Damonte McKenzie also had five stops.

Brandon Streeter and Javis Austin paced the offense. Streeter completed 7-9 passes for 65 yards and a touchdown, a 20-yard aerial to tight end Pat Cyrgalis. The offense scored just two touchdowns and Streeter was at the helm both times.

Woodrow Dantzler was 3-15 for 29 yards and two interceptions, while Willie Simmons was 2-11 for 23 yards. Matt Schell was 1-2 for 12 yards.

Austin picked up 14-66 rushing the ball and also scored on a seven-yard run. He was by far the top rusher in the scrimmage. Receiving was balanced. Brian Wofford had 2-11, while Jackie Robinson had 2-14. No one else caught more than one pass.

“This was our last scrimmage,” said Bowden. “We will have a situation scrimmage on Friday in which we will go over different aspects of the game. How to handle overtime, quick change of possession, what to do after a safety, intentionally taking a safety.”