The Alabama State football team had its first night practice of the 2011 preseason Wednesday night at Hornet Stadium. The Hornets return to practice Thursday morning at 8 a.m. 

“We try to break up the monotony of camp,” head coach Reggie Barlow said.  “After practicing in the morning, coming back at night gives the players a different atmosphere. It was a good practice. They really got after it.” 

The Hornets began the evening practice under rain showers, which subsided early in the session.  The spirited, full pads workout intensified particularly during the special categories period in which the team runs plays based on specific game situations. 

Working on goal-to-go situations, the offense scored touchdowns on its first three plays and four of the first five, highlighted by RB Quendarius McKibbon's shoulder-lowering touchdown run. The defense then responded with stops of its own in one of the most competitive periods of preseason practice. 

“That was a really good period,” Barlow said. “The offense started strong, and the defense was challenged and motivated. That's always good when you get that type of competition. I was really pleased with the energy overall.” 

With rain in the forecast for most Thursday, the Hornets adjusted the practice time to at 8 a.m. 

“It's that time of the year down south with afternoon thunderstorms,” Barlow said. “According to our meteorologist and head athletic trainer Racheal Lawler, the rain is scheduled to move in some time around 9:30 or 10 a.m. We're going to try and beat the weather, so we'll practice early and do our meetings and weight lifting during the afternoon.” 

-HORNETS-