CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois head coach Bob Spoo summed up the first scrimmage of the fall season with two words “Good Effort” as the Panthers took the field on Thursday afternoon just seven practices into fall camp. A number of players both veteran and brand new were able to get on the field in the offense vs. defense meeting.

Returning quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was an effective 12-of-17 working with the first team unit as he threw for 87 yards. His favorite target on the afternoon was junior wide receiver Chris Wright who hauled in five passes for 68 yards including a long reception of 23 yards.

The Panther defense was able to hold the offense in check forcing them to punt on the first four possessions of the scrimmage. Those defensive stands included a big pass break-up by sophomore Tavares Crawford and a sack by sophomore Judes Amilcar.

EIU's first offensive break through was on the fifth series as Taylor Duncan drove the Panthers into the red zone. The drive was stopped on a tackle for loss by true freshman Matt Talley on third down. The offense settled for a field goal by kicker Tyler Anderson.

Anderson is one of several special teams kickers who are in competition for place kicking and punting duties. Cameron Berra returns from last season after leading the team in scoring as a true freshman. Anderson is competing for the starting punter job with Scott Weatherford while also challenging for place kicking duties with Berra and freshman Taylor Kerr.

“We have several guys in competition for our kicking positions,” said Spoo following the practice. “We very well could have three or four guys who have a specialty as far as punting; kick offs and field goals this season.”

“We had a good effort out on there today and were able to get a lot of players on the field,” added Spoo. “Today's scrimmage will help us set up our two-deep after we watch the film. I think we have a lot of freshmen who could very well step and see playing time this year especially with the travel squads expanding to 70 players. Overall I was very pleased with our effort.”

One of the freshmen who could quickly move up the two-deep chart is redshirt freshman tight end Rex Bonham. On Thursday Bonham caught five passes for 48 yards including a four yard touchdown reception from Duncan on the tenth series. Bonham's long reception was a 22-yard pass from Garoppolo.

Jake Walker took the snaps as the number one running back with 39 yards on just a handful of carries.

EIU returns to practice on Friday with the next scrimmage set for next Thursday afternoon. The Panthers open the 2011 season in three weeks against Illinois State in the Mid-America Classic. This will be the 100th meeting between the two in-state rivals.

Season and single game tickets are now on sale by calling 217-581-2106 or online at www.eiupanthertickets.com