Heavy rains delayed the Eastern football team’s scrimmage on Saturday, but the Panthers were still able to rack up some important practice time, with the offense scoring three touchdowns in the team’s first four series.

Scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m., the scrimmage was pushed back to 1:55 p.m. After heavy rain and lightning surrounding the Charleston area. Head coach Dino Babers said in a press release he was pleased with how the team handled adversity.

“The team was ready to go at 8:30 a.m. this morning, but once we started having delays it was best to send them home for a break and return in the early afternoon. When they came back they responded,” Babers said, in a press release.

Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo, who will be entering his junior year at the start of next season, finished the scrimmage completing 20 of 34 passes for 253 yards, while throwing four touchdowns and one interception on the day.

Wide receivers Chris Wright and Chavar Watkins, both who will be seniors next season, finished with three combined touchdowns, with Wright pulling down two. Wright finished with four catches for 55 yards and two touchdowns. Watkins, along with his one score, was Garoppolo’s leading receiver, finishing with six catches for 119 yards.

The defense was led by Artavious Dowdell, entering his senior season, who had three of the team’s nine sacks. Linebacker Antonio Taylor, and defensive backs AJ Chappelle and Randolph Tribble each had an interception on the day.

Backup quarterback Taylor Duncan rushed for 101 yards on nine carries for the Panthers, scoring one touchdown. Duncan saw reps as the team’s second string quarterback and third string running back.

Babers said he likes the versatility and flexibility Duncan brings to the team’s offense.

“Taylor is a versatile guy. We like the flexibility he brings to the offense,” Babers said, in a press release. “When you have an athlete who can contribute to your offensive success you want to see where he can be a good fit for your team.”

The team’s next spring practice will be Saturday April 21. Babers said the team has progressed throughout its nine spring practices, but still sees work to be done.

“We are by no means a finished product. We need to continue to develop as a football team through the next six practices ending with the Spring Game on April 28,” he said.

Dominic Renzetti can be reached at 581-7942 or dcrenzetti@eiu.edu.