Aug. 18, 2007

BELLINGHAM, Wash. - Quarterback Tony Gardiner (Jr., Bothell) had four touchdown passes to highlight the first scrimmage session for the Western Washington University football team Saturday at Civic Stadium.

"I was encouraged," said head coach Robin Ross. "The offense did a lot of good things, but we still have some work to do."

Gardiner had two scoring passes in each half, beginning with a 65-yarder to running back Tyler Roberts (So., Friday Harbor). He threw touchdown passes of 54 and 30 yards to wide receiver Kyle Smith (R-Fr., Hoquiam), and another covering nine yards to wide receiver Cody Oakes (R-Fr., Bremerton/Central Kitsap).

Quarterback Adam Perry (Jr., Longview/R.A. Long) threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Pat McCann (TR-Jr., Olympia) and Josh Lider (So., Bellevue/Sammamish) kicked a 20-yard field goal.

Rick Copsey (So., Camas) completed the scoring with a seven-yard touchdown run. Copsey also blocked a punt on special teams.

The defense forced one turnover, Jabari Mu'ied (Fr., Redmond) intercepting a pass.

"The competition was very good," Ross said. "We had 103 snaps and came out injury free."

Western has its second scrimmage Friday (Aug. 24, 3:30 p.m.) at Civic Stadium. The Vikings' season opener is Sept. 1 (12 noon) at UC Davis.