Nov. 2, 2005

BELLINGHAM, Wash. -

JOE SUNNEN, THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

Things went from freeze-frame to fast forward for Western Washington University sophomore A.J. Porter on Saturday. That's the life of a backup quarterback.

Porter played in the final series of Saturday's game against Central Washington, filling in for starter James Monrean after Monrean suffered a knee injury late in the fourth quarter.

With WWU trailing 31-28, Porter completed three passes for 28 yards, driving the Vikings down to the 28-yard line with less than two minutes to play before throwing an interception to end the game.

"No excuses, I just didn't make the right read," Porter said. "And for the most part, it was just real fast-paced for me at that point."

If the Vikings call on Porter this week he'll be ready. The quarterback from SeaTac took extra snaps with the first team on Tuesday, and, depending on Monrean's condition, could make his first career start at quarterback against Western Oregon University.

"You always have to be ready," Porter said. "You're always just one play away. I don't think anything changes for me this week in terms of how I prepare."

Porter played in nine games last season as long-snapper and also saw playing time at that position this year. The three completions against Central were the first of his career.

"I've had some more reps with the No. 1 team, but right now we don't know what James will be able to do," Porter said.

CRYING TIME

The tears have already started to fall for WWU coach Rob Smith. A flood of phone calls and emails have been sent since Smith announced on Sunday that he would be resigning after Saturday's game.

"It's been very humbling," Smith said. "There have been calls and emails from many, many former players spanning the 17 years. There is no other job where you can have that impact. I feel blessed."

Smith said he's already spent time this week in front of the computer with tears running down his cheeks while he read emails. He also expects Saturday to be an emotional day.

"I'm an emotional guy and I am not embarrassed by expressing that emotion," Smith said. "I could try to keep it in check, but I know that when it comes time, I'll fail at that."

SENIORS ALSO SAYING GOOD-BYE

WWU will also say good-bye to 16 seniors after Saturday's game, eight of which are four-year letter winners.

"That's what is important," Smith said. "I feel in some ways almost embarrassed that I'm taking some of the limelight away from them. We have some great seniors."

Perhaps none have had a bigger impact on the program than wide receiver Andy Olson. With one more catch Olson will become the school's all-time receptions leader and on Saturday against Central became WWU's all-time touchdown receptions leader.

"It's been an emotional weekend," Olson said. "It was a tough loss to Central and then with coach retiring it's just been a lot to handle. But what we need to do get ready for this last game."