Brandon Large made a statement with the first-team offense Saturday, as he passed a perfect 8-for-8 passing on the unit’s opening drive.

To begin the Eastern football team’s scrimmage Saturday, Large started the Panthers’ first-team offense at the 20-yard line, and would take them 80 yards on 13 plays for a rare touchdown in the Panthers’ second scrimmage of the summer.

The red-shirt sophomore quarterback capped off the drive by showing off his accuracy by throwing a ball to the left corner of the end zone and letting sophomore receiver Erik Lora jump up and grab it, for an 18-yard touchdown pass.

“Lora does a great job of getting open down field,” Large said. “I definitely like going to him.”

The touchdown would be the last until the final two series of the scrimmage, but it definitely impressed head coach Bob Spoo.

“I think that first drive is about as good as we have had in a long time,” he said.

Large said the offense was simply taking what the defense was giving them on the drive. By the end of the scrimmage, Large had thrown for 103 yards and one touchdown on 13-for-16 passing.

Large only played three series, including the first touchdown drive, so the next three quarterbacks on the depth chart got their opportunity to show off their skills.

True freshman quarterback Jimmy Garappolo worked with the second-team, and looks to be in line for the second spot on the depth chart.

On his first play from scrimmage, Garappolo showed off his mobility, scrambling up the middle for a few yards; however, on his second play he fumbled the snap. Garappolo would be up-and-down all day, finishing his scrimmage with 21 yards on 2-for-10 passing.

Battling for the No. 2 quarterback slot, red-shirt sophomore Shadonta Travis was successful, going 5-for-6 for 40 yards.

True freshman Taylor Duncan also saw action, going 2-for-3 for 27 yards and one touchdown on the field. He also showed off his mobility, scrambling out of the pocket numerous times.

On Garappolo’s first drive, the defense rebounded from being dominated on the first drive lead by Large. After the first drive, the defense set the tone for the remainder of the scrimmage.

“I think (the first drive) was a wake up call,” defensive coordinator Roc Bellantoni said. “We’ve had some good practices lately and I think that drive kind of woke them up.”

The Panthers’ defense woke up to three consecutive defensive stands, including two three-and-outs on the three drives following Large’s 80-yard touchdown drive.

“The defense reacted well after the drive,” Spoo said. “They had to rebound, adjust, and put things in their favor.”

Yesterday, the Panthers began preparing for their opening season road game against Iowa, which will take place 11 a.m. in Iowa City, IA on Sept. 4.

Alex McNamee can be reached at 581-7944 or admcnamee@eiu.edu