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ASU wide receiver Jalen Walker reaches to make a catch Saturday during an intrasquad scrimmage in Lorman. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Alcorn State running back Darius Dean leaps to make a catch before Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage in Lorman. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

ASU running back De’Lance Turner runs the ball during Saturday’s scrimmage. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Alcorn State running back P.J. Simmons gets gang-tackled by two ASU defenders Saturday during a scrimmage in Lorman. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

Former Jefferson County High School and current Alcorn State linebacker Christian Brown watches Saturday’s scrimmage from the sideline in Lorman. (Nicole Hester | The Natchez Democrat)

The Alcorn State University Braves played offense-heavy during Saturday’s Purple and White scrimmage game, exploding for multiple lengthy touchdowns.

While quarterback duo Lenorris Footman and Noah Johnson split time taking snaps, they had plenty of targets to choose from as 11 Alcorn players made at least one reception during the game.

“When you talk about the depth we have with our receivers, its always good,” Braves coach Fred McNair said. “In a high-tempo offense, you have to have a lot of guys and play a lot of kids at that receiver spot.”

One of Alcorn’s main marks Saturday was Marquis Warford, finding the end zone on a 75-yard touchdown reception from Johnson in the fourth quarter.

Warford missed the majority of last season after a shoulder injury in September and was cleared to play a few weeks ago.

“Just being back on this field, it was an experience,” Warford said. “Sitting out for a whole year, you learn that you have to watch a lot. Being able to come back and contribute a little something today was great, and the more I went the better I felt about myself.”

Warford also fielded punts and kickoffs Saturday, something McNair noted as a benefit for the Braves.

“He got back and got healthy, and he does a lot of stuff for us,” McNair said. “They all have a number of jobs to do on the field, and they do them well.”

Also adding to the receiving effort was tight end Jaquaveon Boles, who scored on a 5-yard pass from Johnson in the second quarter.

While Boles said it has been a while since he had found himself in the end zone, he was happy to contribute during the scrimmage.

“It’s been a minute, but it felt good,” he said.

Boles added he thinks the entire group of Alcorn receivers has been on top of practice during spring and summer, including young players such as freshmen Tim McNair Jr. and Juan Anthony Jr., a former Wilkinson County High School star.

McNair Jr. and Anthony Jr. both made multiple grabs Saturday, and junior Raidarious Anderson also caught a 46-yard reception.

“From the starters to the third string, we are going to make a lot of good plays this year,” Boles said. “Since camp started, they have been getting better and better. They are working hard.”

Warford agreed the squad has remained dedicated.

“It’s a brotherhood, and that’s something we preach alone in that group,” he said. “We want the ball, and in order for us to get the ball we have to catch it. On days like this when 10 or 11 people have catches and just a couple drops, that makes us want to touch the ball more.”

Alcorn’s running backs also showed their talents Saturday, with senior De’Lance Turner speeding for a 75-yard score on the first play from scrimmage.

Turner shared the majority of carries with Marquise Forman during the game.

“There was a lot of good execution stuff,” McNair said. “We played a lot of kids to see what we’ve got, and that helps us out.”

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