Nov. 6, 2006

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The Samford football team practiced for about two hours in full pads Monday afternoon at Seibert Stadium. The Bulldogs are preparing for Saturday's season finale against the in-state rival Jacksonville State Gamecocks. The game will be held on the campus of Jacksonville State at Paul Snow Memorial Stadium.

"We obviously have one more left," Samford head coach Bill Gray said. "We'll go over there and play in a good environment. Our guys will scrap and claw and work hard. They're disappointed - there's no questioning that - but they came out today with a purpose. We went harder today because we aren't sure what the weather is going to be like tomorrow."

Jacksonville State (5-4, 4-2 OVC) currently sits at fourth in the conference. The Gamecocks are led by quarterback Matt Hardin, who is averaging 150.1 yards passing per contest.

"They are a quality football team," said Gray. "We always know that we have to play them really hard. A lot of our guys know their guys and have played with them and against them, so it's going to be a fun game."

Samford will practice again Tuesday afternoon. Saturday's game is scheduled for an 11a.m. kickoff from Paul Snow Memorial Stadium.