May 1, 2004
BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Quarterback Steve Nichols (Sr., Stevenson) threw for two touchdowns and running back Duncan Sherrard (Jr., Seattle/Roosevelt) ran for 58 yards and a score on six carries, highlighting performances at the Western Washington University Blue-Silver Spring Football Game at Civic Stadium.
The game featured a format where the offense went against the defense using a scoring format that included points for first downs, sacks, forced turnovers and other plays. The offense defeated the defense, 63-51.
Nichols completed 5-of-8 passes for 165 yards with scoring strikes of 69 yards to Andy Olson (Jr., Chehalis/W.F. West) and 18 yards to Jarrod Karuza (Jr., Bellingham/Meridian). Sherrard scored the opening touchdown of the scrimmage, capping a 5-play, 70-yard march with a 5-yard run.
The other touchdowns were scored on a run from 5 yards by Jake Carlyle (Jr., Olympia/Capital), and a 1-yard plunge on the final play of the scrimmage by Dan Sandana (Fr., Puyallup).
The offense led most of the day, but the defense rallied to take a 44-43 lead on the 10th of the 12 offensive possessions when the offense was called for an offside penalty. But a pass interference call on third down, and the first down that went with it, put the offense back in front, and Carlyle's touchdown four plays later lifted the margin to 53-44.
"We got through the day healthy, and if you ask any coach, that's always at the top of the list," said Western coach Rob Smith. "We saw good things on both sides of the ball. The scoring system worked well, and there was a key penalty that made a difference. That's a good learning situation for us."
Defensive end Joey Joshua (Jr., Ferndale) had one of five sacks for the defense, and also added another tackle for loss, and tackle Jon McCrae-Lauba (So., Bellevue/Sammamish) had two tackles for loss. Cornerback Jacque Henry (So., Kelso) had the lone interception.
Nichols was one of five Western quarterbacks to see action, with Ben Huebschman (Fr., Vancouver/Mountain View) completing 5-of-6 passes for 68 yards.
Olson had three receptions for 101 yards, all from Nichols, and Karuza had five catches for 59 yards.
At halftime, awards for the most improved player at each position were announced. Brandon Torrey (So., Graham/Bethel) was named most improved offensive lineman, Darrius Tuggle (So., Spanaway/Spanaway Lake) was selected at running back, Nick Yoney (Jr., Arlington) was chosen at tight end, and Nichols was the quarterback.
Defensively, McCrae-Lauba took the honor on the line, Henry was selected in the secondary, and Jed Dern (So., Duvall/Cedarcrest) was the most improved linebacker. The most improved player on special teams was Justin Balunsat (R-Fr., Lake Stevens).
Team captains for 2004 were also announced, with Nichols, Olson, safety Rob White (Sr., Woodinville) and tight end Rick Carte (Sr., Juneau, AK/Juneau-Douglas) selected. Olson is the first junior elected captain since current CFL all-star Orlondo Steinauer was picked in 1994.
"We had a very good spring," Smith said. "We got a lot of work done, and the weather was very cooperative. The only major injury was losing (wide receiver) Matt Wilson (So., Auburn) (to a knee injury). That's still one too many, and we feel bad for Matt.
"We saw some good things. We didn't have one fumble in the three scrimmages, and our top two quarterbacks didn't throw an interception. We've got to keep working. How hard we work will determine a large part of our success. Based on the spring, that's a reason to be optimistic."
The Vikings open the 2004 season by hosting Fort Lewis, Colo., on Sept. 4.
