University of North Carolina Athletics
Tar Heels Sharp in Final Preseason Scrimmage
August 23, 2000 | Football
Aug. 23, 2000
Chapel Hill, N.C. ------ North Carolina completed its third and final preseason scrimmage Wednesday evening at the football practice fields and executed three crisp scoring drives during the two-hour workout.
"I felt like we accomplished everything we planned to get done in this scrimmage," said Head Coach Carl Torbush. "The first-team offense moved the ball well against the second-team defense and the first-team defense showed good consistency."
Ronald Curry led the first-team offense on two scoring drives and was 5 of 8 for 124 yards and one touchdown. In the first series, fullback Anthony Saunders busted outside for a 30-yard run. A few plays later, Curry connected with Bosley Allen on a 28-yard pass and freshman Willie Parker capped the drive with a 6-yard TD run.
"Ronald did a lot of good things," said Torbush. "I think he's throwing the ball better and his arm is not as sore. He should be full strength next week and ready to go."
Following a 2-yard touchdown by freshman tailback Brandon Russell, Curry again piloted the Tar Heel offense on a quick scoring drive. Rolling out to his left, Curry hit Sam Aiken in stride on a 43-yard touchdown pass.
Jeff Reed took strides toward securing the field goal responsibilities, connecting on 4-of-6 attempts, including a 50-yard blast in the final one-minute drill. He also made two kicks of 37 yards and one from 47 yards.
"As he (Reed) develops more consistency, then I think he will get the confidence he needs heading into next week," said Torbush.
Allen had two catches for 70 yards. Jamal Jones and Sam Aiken also had two receptions.
"I like where we're at right now," said Torbush. "Most importantly, I'm glad to get through these three scrimmages and two-a-days without any major injuries. Now we need to fine tune and get ready for Tulsa."
The Tar Heels will practice Thursday and Friday, before resting over the weekend.
