Aug. 14, 2009
EVANSTON, Ill. -- Northwestern's fifth practice of the 2009 campaign featured the addition of full pads for the first time, raising the level of intensity and physicality. The arrival of full contact meant the return of NU's board drill, which pits one offensive Wildcat against one defensive player to see who can move who in the battle of the trenches.
Northwestern's defense entered the last round of competition with a 16-15 lead through 31 bouts. But NU's offense came alive down the stretch, winning the final five battles to post a 20-16 victory on the day.
"I thought board drill was good and we took a positive step as the drill went along, said head coach Pat Fitzgerald. "Our interior drills got more physical as they went along and I thought our first period of team competition was right where I expected it to be from day one. It was nice to get back into pads to play some football and compete."
Junior wide receiver Sidney Stewart stepped up to bat for the offense in the final contest determined to end things on the right note for the offense. With the entire team watching, Stewart came back after one restart to win and set off a spirited celebration for the men in the white jerseys.
"I thought I was done for the day after my first rep but I got called out again at the end so I knew I had to step up to it," Stewart said. "It was great camaraderie for everyone, it's just teammates helping teammates trying to get after it."
NU's offense also got some work in during the first full-squad competition of the season for the 'Cats, with quarterback Mike Kafka's connection with wide receiver Andrew Brewer on a deep ball for an 80-yard touchdown serving as the highlight of the session.
Northwestern hits the field Saturday for its first two-a-day practice of the season before departing for its nine-day stay at Camp Kenosha in Kenosha, Wis.
"Kenosha's been better and better every year for me because you learn to make the most of it," said senior safety Brendan Smith. "There's great food, they accommodate us well and it's all about how we treat and go about our business."
Click on NUsports.com's All Access channel for complete video interviews following Friday's practice.