GREENEVILLE, Tenn. --- The Tusculum College football team conducted its first scrimmage of fall practice as the Pioneers got in 97 plays in what proved to be a very physical session.

"We are further along offensively than we have in the past," said head coach Frankie DeBusk. "We got banged up more than I would like, but we have to work through that. Overall, I was pleased with our effort, but we have to continue to make strides in getting better as a football team."

The first and second team offensive units looked very strong with Preseason All-South Atlantic Conference quarterback Corey Russell (Speedwell, Tenn.) running the first team, while sophomore signal caller Brandon Behenna (Sharpsburg, Ga.) ran the second offensive unit very well. Both tossed a pair of touchdowns with no interceptions.

All-SAC First Team receiver Ryan Tallent (Maryville, Tenn.) made several big receptions and blocked very well.

The first score of the evening came on the very first play as Marcus Foster (Siloam, Ga.) returned the opening kickoff 95 yards to the end zone on a beautiful run down the right sideline.

Russell completed a five-yard scoring toss each to Deonte Gist and Preseason All-SAC tight end Jarrell NeSmith (Russellville, Ala.). Behenna's first TD pass was an 18-yarder to junior Nate Binder (Maidstone, Ontario, Canada) and a 27-yard strike to rookie Michael Rodriquez (Columbia, S.C.).

Rodriquez also opened a lot of eyes on special teams, especially on the punt return squad where he made a pair of sensational and elusive runs that garnered big yardage.

On the defensive side of the ball, senior Justin Scott (Jamestown, S.C.) has assumed the leadership role and made several stops, including a sack. Senior Randy Williams (Daleville, Ala.), who has moved from running back to linebacker, looked very comfortable in his new position as he accounted for a sack and some run stops.

Junior linebacker Jeremy Jones (Marietta, Ga.), who missed the first days of fall camp while completing a summer internship with minor league baseball, played very well as he saw several reps.

Two-time All-SAC punter John Gregory (Ooltewah, Tenn.) continued to be sharp as he averaged 41.7 yards per punt, including four inside the 20-yard line, one of which went out of bounds at the five-yard line.

On the offensive line, red-shirt freshman Pat Aiken (Greenwood, S.C.) continued to shine, making strides on his way to solidifying a starting spot.

The scrimmage was also a good warm-up for several South Atlantic Conference football officials who worked the contest. One of the new rules being implemented is the new 25/40 second play clock, which players, coaches and officials getting adjusted to the new system.

SAC official DeAngelo McReynolds not only got to work the scrimmage, but got to watch his son Justin, a freshman defensive lineman from Ooltewah, Tenn., play.

A number of parents, fans and some media representatives attended the first scrimmage of the fall. Included amongst the observers were 2008 Pioneer Club captain David Parker and Tusculum football alumnus Curtis Morrison, who played on the 1991 team.

The Pioneers are scheduled to practice once on Wednesday and hold its first two-a-day practice session on Thursday. Coupled between Thursday's practices will be the team's annual Media Day, beginn