Spring Break
Bowman shines for ECU in spring game
Hart Holloman
Issue date: 4/21/09 Section: Sports
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The ECU side opened the scoring with a 49-yard field goal from Matt Dodge on its opening drive. Then, after the Pirates put the ball on the ground, Patrick Pinkney found Michael Bowman on fourth down of the ensuing drive for a nine-yard touchdown strike. Jason Smith added the extra point and the ECU squad took a 10-0 lead into the second quarter.
However, the Pirates' squad would bounce back and tie the score at 10 before halftime. Ben Ryan hit a 22-yard field goal with seven minutes to go to cut the lead to seven.
After a J.R. Rogers' fumble was recovered by Melvin Patterson in ECU territory, third string quarterback Josh Jordan barreled in from the one to even up the score. Jordan started the game for the Pirates' squad due to the absence of Rob Kass, who missed the game because of a death in the family.
After the break, the ECU squad piled on the points. Pinkney scored from two yards out following a muffed punt by Travis Simmons. On the first play of ECU's next possession, Pinkney hit Bowman for a 59-yard touchdown pass to put their side up 24-10.
ECU added one more touchdown to its total in the fourth quarter when Rogers took an inside handoff up the middle for a 50-yard scamper.
Coach Skip Holtz was encouraged by the overall play of the team.
"There is a lot of talent on this football team," said Holtz. "We probably have as much talent on this team as we've ever had. I was pleased with spring [practice] and pleased with the progress. We just have to continue to keep coming with it and continue to keep improving."
Holtz was pleased with the emergence of playmakers like Michael Bowman.
Bowman had a game-high 72 yards receiving as well as the only two receptions for touchdowns during the game. He showed impressive breakaway speed and vision on his 59-yard touchdown catch from Pinkney.
"One of the things that we've lacked, especially the second half of last year, was a big play threat," Holtz said. "Some guys are starting to step up and show that they have the ability to do that."
Although questions still surround the running back position, Holtz is confident in his current players.
Kentucky transfer Brandon Jackson looked solid, rushing for 55 yards on 15 carries for the Pirates' squad. He also looked comfortable picking up the rush as well as holding on to the ball.
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