CLEVELAND - It was a scrimmage marked by big plays on offense and big hits on defense, as Delta State University head football coach Ron Roberts put the No. 24 ranked Statesmen through a 110-play, full contact session Saturday under the lights at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. 

"You could feel the intensity out there tonight," Roberts stated.  "After last week's lack luster offensive showing, coach Stevens' unit made some great adjustments and put the ball in the end zone."

Scoring early and often, the Statesmen offense showed the ability to stretch the field and score in the red zone.  On their first seven possessions, the offense punched the ball into the end zone six times and converted the seventh attempt into a 38-yard field goal by Matt Dean. 

On two possessions, L.J. Castille, a 6-foot-3 transfer from Houston, made a fingertip grab over a defender and hauled in a 92-yard bomb for another score. 

"L.J. and Micah (Davis) found a groove and made some big plays," Roberts added.  "The offensive line blocked well in the passing game and our backs really did a good job catching the ball in the flat and making things happen.  I was very pleased with the play of Kyle Van Ness, Brandon Lucas and Rafael Mitchell."

Roberts singled out quarterback Micah Davis, offensive linemen Kendall Hunter, Phillip Yandall and Harrison Laur, and wide receivers Chance Dennis and Carlton Ollie. 

"While a few players stood out, everyone showed a great deal of improvement from last Saturday," Roberts said.  "I was quite pleased with the offense."  

It wasn't all big plays on offense.  The defense had their fair share of the limelight Saturday as well.

After surrendering several scores early, defensive coordinator Pete Golding challenged his unit to step up and they responded. 

"Hollan Fiu, Matt Melton and Robert Hogan did a good job of making some adjustments on the field that led to some big stops," Roberts stated.

Joe Marshall, Dominique Davenport, Preston Felder, Brett Butler and Melvin Griffin all contributed to some crowd pleasing hits. 

With two weeks before the season kicks off Sept. 4 at Jackson State, every snap has implications on the coming campaign.

"We have gotten a little better every time we've gotten out on the field," Roberts added.  "The key for us will be to see how much more we can focus over the next two weeks to erase the little things that keep a team from winning championships."

Roberts clearly believes the talent is in place to make a run at the GSC and NCAA titles. 

"There's no question we have the talent to contend for the GSC title and much more this year," Roberts said.  "We just have to have the right attitude and drive to see it through to the end."

The journey begins Saturday, Sept. 4 at Mississippi Veterans' Memorial Stadium, as the Statesmen face the Tigers of Jackson State University.  Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. and the game will be broadcast on the Statesmen Sports Network starting at 3 p.m. with the "Statesmen Game Day insured by Shelter Insurance."