Trojans make changes at wide receiver, NCAA may cancel games
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, September 12, 2001
The Troy State football team is making a change at two of its receiver positions this week, hoping to find a spark after losing its first two games.
Sophomore Calvin Colquitt will replace junior Eric Felton at one slot position, while sophomore Chad Lucas replaces freshman Jason Samples at one receiver position.
"We just feel like the backups were performing better, so we made a change," Troy State head coach Larry Blakeney said. "We want to get our best people on the field at the start of the game. All of our receivers will play, but we want to see what Calvin and Chad can do."
Blakeney also indicated that backup quarterback Hansell Bearden would be given at least one series in the first half this week.
"We don’t have a quarterback controversy or anything like that," Blakeney said. "But we want to give Hansell some reps early in the game. He needs game experience, and we need him to be ready in case Brock can’t go."
The Trojans (0-2) worked out for two hours on Tuesday in preparation for Saturday’s home opener against Appalachian State (1-1). Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 6 p.m. The game will be televised by Comcast-Charter Sports Southeast.
"I thought we looked good for the most part," Blakeney said. "Effort was good. We need to keep working, though. Saturday will be a battle."
TROJAN NOTES: The Trojans are still waiting, like every other NCAA school, for word from the governing body as to whether college football games will be played on Saturday. The NCAA will make a final decision Wednesday afternoon. If granted, Saturday’s game between Troy State and Appalachian State will be played as planned. Appalachian State will travel via bus to Troy early Friday for the 6 p.m. Saturday game.
Troy State’s scheduled volleyball game with Birmingham-Southern was cancelled, as was Blakeney’s weekly call-in show.
Linebacker Ben Waldrop continues to be bothered by a variety of injuries from Saturday’s game against Middle Tennessee. The senior from Pensacola, Fla., is expected to play on Saturday.
A number of Trojans will travel to Montgomery on Wednesday night to pay tribute to their fallen teammate, defensive tackle Logan Markham, who died in an automobile accident on Saturday. A memorial service will be held for Markham at St. James School in Montgomery. The service will begin at 7 p.m. at the school’s football stadium. A chartered bus will carry a number of Troy State players and coaches.