Listen to Coach Tavani's Comments

Aug. 27, 2000

EASTON, Pa. (www.lafayette.edu) - The 2000 Lafayette College football team concluded a week and a half of two-a-day preseason practices with a three-hour inter-squad scrimmage at Fisher Field. The Leopards begin classes tomorrow, Monday, August 28, 2000, and will start with the 4:30 p.m. practices.

New head coach Frank Tavani liked the overall effort of the team following its lengthy scrimmage, noting a few individual standouts. He was particularly pleased with the play of junior quarterback Chad Ritchie, who keyed several scoring plays including a 60-yard scramble turned into a touchdown. Ritchie is currently in a quarterback battle with Harry Armstrong, who started five games in 1999 and has also been impressive in preseason practices.

Coach Tavani also noted the play of junior tight end Stewart Kupfer and senior split end Phil Yarberough.

Defensively, Coach Tavani continues to praise the play of junior cornerback Darnell Azeez and senior defensive tackle Mike Levy. Showing true signs of unselfishness, Levy agreed to move from his linebacker slot down to tackle for the good of the team and has flourished.

Recent positional changes include freshman Kevin Moss returning to the offensive line and sophomore Paul Kupfer moving from quarterback to linebacker.

Lafayette opens its 119th season of football on Sept. 9, when Towson visits Fisher Field for a 1:30 p.m. kickoff. The Leopards' 2000 schedule features five home contests, including Ivy Leaguers Princeton and Harvard, as well as Holy Cross and the 136th meeting with arch rival Lehigh.

INJURY UPDATE:
Michael Beatrice (Fr.) - out for the season (knee)
Bryant Ibekwe (Sr.) - out indefinitely (knee)
Kevin Pickering (Sr.) - out for the season (back)
Trey Weaver (Fr.) - out for the season (knee)