ELON, N.C. -- A two-a-day on Monday began Elon's final week of preseason football preparations as the Phoenix hit the Hunt and Tucker Practice Fields at 8:25 a.m. for about two hours in shells.

A surprise awaited Elon's 14 seniors on Monday morning when head coach Jason Swepson announced that they would get the morning off.

Following practice, Swepson talked about that decision along with what he saw about Saturday's scrimmage on film and the upcoming week.

Swepson on looking back at Saturday's scrimmage:
"We're still giving up too many penalties on both sides of the ball.  Overall the effort is still great.  We've got some stuff to clean up.  As a head coach, you're trying to see if the kids are learning their assignments, which I think they are.  I think we're moving in the right direction."

Swepson on how the team came out after having Sunday off:
"They were a little renewed.  We had a little fun last night.  We took them bowling so we still had some competitive juices flowing.  I think they're anxious to finish the last two-a-day here.  I think their mind is right and they understand what is in front of them."

Swepson on giving the seniors off:
"We've got 14 seniors.  I've just been pleased with the way they've been leading this team.  They're effort has been at a high level.  I figured that I'd let them know that I respect them and appreciate what they're doing for this team.  You only have so many hits in your body.  Taking extra hits off their body today was a good thing."

Swepson on seeing the younger guys more today:
"I told the team that we'll have to count on a lot of the young guys.  So they got extra reps today, which they needed and we needed."

2011 Elon Phoenix Practice Schedule
Mon., Aug. 22 – 6:10 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Tues., Aug. 23 – 3:40 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Wed., Aug. 24 – 3:40 p.m. – Hunt/Tucker Fields
Thurs., Aug. 25 – 6:00 p.m. – Rhodes Stadium (Scrimmage)
* Subject to change