Griz land six on Big Sky first team
11/23/2004 12:00:00 AM | Football
The Big Sky Conference has announced the 2004 All-Conference football teams along with Offensive Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year and Newcomer of the Year. The teams and award winners were selected by the league's eight head coaches.
Eastern Washington placed 10 different players on the first team. Montana State placed eight on the first team, while six players from Montana earned first-team honors. Portland State had five players on the first team, followed by Northern Arizona with three, Sacramento State with two, and Weber State and Idaho State each with one.
Eastern Washington quarterback Erik Meyer, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior from La Mirada, Calif., was selected the Offensive Player of the Year. Meyer leads Division I-AA in passing efficiency with a rating of 175.5. Meyer has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,037 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Meyer led EWU to an 8-3 regular-season record and a share of the Big Sky Conference title. The Eagles will take on top-ranked and top-seeded Southern Illinois in the first round of the I-AA playoffs on Saturday.
Montana State senior linebacker Roger Cooper and Weber State junior defensive end Brady Fosmark were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Cooper, a 6-foot-3, 233-pound senior from Port Orchard, Wash., finished the season with 68 tackles - 10 for loss - and four sacks. Cooper is the third Bobcat to win the award, following safety Kane Ioane (2003) and defensive tackle Corey Widmer (1990).
Fosmark, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior from Clearfield, Utah, tallied a league-high 18.5 tackles for loss during the regular season. He tallied 81 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. Fosmark is Weber State's all-time sack leader. Fosmark is the first Weber State player to win the award since linebacker Mike Humiston in 1980.
Three players shared the Newcomer of the Year Award: Sacramento State freshman running back Ryan Mole, Montana State junior wide receiver Rick Gatewood and Eastern Washington freshman offensive guard Rocky Hanni.
Mole, a 5-10, 180-pounder from Santa Maria, Calif., rushed for 858 yards and five touchdowns in nine games. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
Gatewood, a 6-0, 190-pounder from Richmond, Calif., hauled in 64 catches for 995 yards with eight touchdowns. Gatewood redshirted last season after transferring from Contra Costa Junior College in California.
Hanni, a 6-5, 280-pounder from Sumner, Wash., started nine of the Eagles' 11 games. He played on offensive line that helped lead the way to 186.8 rushing yards per game. EWU averages 468.9 yards of offense, fifth-best in I-AA. Hanni is the first offensive lineman to win the award, which was established in 1978.
Sacramento State wide receiver Fred Amey, the Big Sky's all-time leader in reception yardage, and Cooper were both named first team for the third straight season.
Fosmark, Montana State defensive lineman Rey Sebestyen and Idaho State cornerback Ernie James were all selected to the first team for a second time. James was a first-team cornerback in 2002.
The team also included a new category given to an outstanding overall special teams player. Montana senior Jefferson Heidelberger and Portland State's Jordan Senn were honored on the first team.
Eastern Washington wide receiver Eric Kimble was named first team as a wide receiver and a return specalist. Northern Arizona's Paul Ernster was selected the first-team punter and kicker.
Kimble, Eastern Washington offensive tackle Mike Roos, Portland State center Antonio Narcisse, and Montana State tight end Blake Wolf were unanimous selections on offense. Kimble was unanimous as a wide receiver and kick returner. Fosmark and Cooper were unanimous selections on defense.
Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Year Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Washington
Co-Defensive Player of the Year Roger Cooper, LB, Montana State; Brady Fosmark, DE, Weber State
Newcomer of the Year Ryan Mole, RB, Sacramento State; Rick Gatewood, WR, Montana State; Rocky Hanni, OG, Eastern Washington
First Team Offense
Wide Receivers: Eric Kimble, Junior, Eastern Washington*; Fred Amey, Senior Sacramento State$; Rick Gatewood, Junior, Montana State
Tackles: Mike Roos, Senior, Eastern Washington*; Cory Procter, Senior, Montana; Jeff Bolton, Junior, Montana State
Guards: Rocky Hanni, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Lawrence Figueroa, Senior, Montana State
Center: Antonio Narcisse, Junior, Portland State*
Tight End: Blake Wolf, Senior, Montana State*
Quarterback: Travis Lulay, Junior, Montana State; Erik Meyer, Junior, Eastern Washington; Craig Ochs, Senior, Montana
Running Backs: Darius Washington, Senior, Eastern Washington; Lex Hilliard, Sophomore, Montana
Fullback: Allen Kennett, Junior, Portland State
Placekicker: Paul Ernster, Senior, Northern Arizona
Return Specialist: Eric Kimble, Junior, Eastern Washington*
First Team Defense
Tackles: Chris Berg, Senior, Portland State; Chuck Jones, Senior, Portland State
Ends: Brady Fosmark, Junior, Weber State*#1; Rey Sebestyen, Senior, Montana State#; Tom Finnerty, Senior, Eastern Washington; Mike Murphy, Sophomore, Montana
Outside Linebackers: Roger Cooper, Senior, Montana State*$; Vince Henman, Senior, Northern Arizona; Shane MacIntyre, Junior, Montana
Inside Linebackers: Joey Cwik, Junior, Eastern Washington; Mac Mollohan, Junior, Montana State#
Cornerbacks: Isaiah Trufant, Junior, Eastern Washington; Ryan Phillips, Senior, Eastern Washington; Ernie James, Senior, Idaho State#; Ramon Payne, Senior, Sacramento State
Safeties: Jeremy Thornburg, Senior, Northern Arizona; Brandon Keeler, Sophomore, Eastern Washington
Punter: Paul Ernster, Senior, Northern Arizona
First Team SPECIAL TEAMs (New this year)
Special teams: Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana; Jordan Senn, Freshman, Portland State
*Unanimous selection, #two-time first team selection, $three-time first team selection
Second Team Offense
Wide Receivers: Sale' Key, Junior, Idaho State; Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana; Shaun Bodiford, Junior, Portland State
Tackles: Steve Burch, Senior, Idaho State ; Micha Jackson-Sattler, Senior, Portland State; Mike Stachowiak, Senior, Portland State
Guards: Jeff Marshall, Sophomore, Montana; Matt Alfred, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Peter St. John, Freshman, Portland State
Center: Jay Green, Senior, Montana; Kraig Sigler, Junior, Eastern Washington
Tight End: Tony Curtis, Senior, Portland State
Quarterback: Jason Murrietta, Sophomore, Northern Arizona ; Mark Hetherington, Senior, Idaho State
Running Backs: Nick Chournos, Senior, Weber State; Roger Robinson, Senior, Northern Arizona
Fullback: Colt Palmer, Senior, Montana; Lars Slind, Junior, Eastern Washington
Placekicker: Joe Johnson, Junior, Weber State; Dan Carpenter, Freshman, Montana
Return Specialist: Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana
Second Team Defense
Tackles: Brandon Myers, Senior, Eastern Washington; Jermaine Horn, Junior, Idaho State; Blake Horgan, Senior, Montana
Ends: Jacob Houston, Junior, Sacramento State; Lance Spencer, Junior, Montana
Outside Linebackers: Kris Krosch, Junior, Idaho State; Matt Logue, Junior, Sacramento State
Inside Linebackers: Jimmy Ellingson, Junior, Sacramento State; Joey King, Junior, Portland State
Cornerbacks: Dominic Dixon, Sophomore, Portland State; David Beverly, Junior, Idaho State; Kevin Edwards, Junior, Montana
Safeties: Nick Chenault, Senior, Portland State; Ryan Force, Sophomore, Montana State; Brett Shelton, Freshman, Sacramento State
Punter: Kyle McQuown, Sophomore, Idaho State
Second Team SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams: Gregor Smith, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Eric Iverson, Senior, Northern Arizona
Honorable Mention Offense
Wide Receivers: Aklah Lacey, Idaho State; Shack Okoebor, Idaho State; Levander Segars, Montana; Jon Talmage, Montana; Eddie Sullivan, Montana State; Kory Mahr, Northern Arizona; Ryan Brown, Portland State; Craig McIntyre, Eaaastern Washington
Tackles: Paul Terrell, Eastern Washington, Jamar Ikpe, Idaho State; Brad Rhoades, Montana; Jake Sanders, Northern Arizona; Paul McQuistan, Weber State;
Guards: Shawn Oram, Idaho State; Clifton Buckway, Idaho State; Chris Samuels, Sacramento State; David Hale, Weber State
Centers: Xaiver Simms, Idaho State; Zach Wolf, Montana State; Dustin Nicolodi, Sacramento State.
Tight Ends: Chris Cwik, Eastern Washington; Willie Walden, Montana.
Quarterbacks: Joe Wiser, Portland State; Ryan Leadingham, Sacramento State; Ian Pizarro, Weber State.
Running Back: Reggie Witherspoon, Eastern Washington; Justin Green, Montana; Justin Domineck, Montana State; Joe Rubin, Portland State; Ryan Fuqua, Portland State; Ryan Mole, Sacramento State.
Fullback: Vince Henman, Northern Arizona; Adrian Conway, Freshman, Weber State.
Return Specialist: Roger Robinson, Northern Arizona; Brendan Ferrigno, Portland State; Wiley King, Weber State.
Honorable Mention Defense
Tackles: Garrett Quinn Eastern Washington; Karl Kuhau-Liftee, Idaho State; Jonny Varona, Montana; Alan Saenz, Montana; Beau Clark, Montana State
Ends: Michael Hodges, Idaho State; Dustin Schroader, Idaho State; Chad Gluhm, Montana State; John Perrigo, Northern Arizona; Andrew Dorsey, Portland State; Shane Barkdull, Weber State
Outside Linebackers: Jon Molock, Montana State; Anthony Henderson, Idaho State.
Inside Linebackers: Doug Vincent, Eastern Washington; Pago Tagafue, Idaho State; Ian Gunderman, Northern Arizona; Tolo Tuitele, Portland State; Eric Jones, Weber State
Cornerbacks: Jesse Hendrix, Eastern Washington; K.J. Gerrard, Northern Arizona; Reynard Carrie, Portland State; Brandon Smith, Sacramento State; Dewey Crayton, Weber State.
Safeties: Javid Shoemaker, Eastern Washington; Marcel Lagrone, Idaho State; Toph Grenfell, Montana State; Brent Webber, Sacramento State; Dallas Drecksel, Weber State; John McBride, Weber State.
Punters: Travis Lulay, Montana State; Mtich Lively, Sacramento State.
Honorable Mention Special Teams
Special teams: Dusty Daws, Montana State.
Individual Awards
Offensive Player of the Year - Erik Meyer, Eastern Washington
Co-Defensive Player of the Year - Roger Cooper, Montana State; Brady Fosmark, Weber State
Co-Newcomer of the Year - Ryan Mole, Sacramento State; Rick Gatewood, Montana State; Rocky Hanni, Eastern Washington
Eastern Washington placed 10 different players on the first team. Montana State placed eight on the first team, while six players from Montana earned first-team honors. Portland State had five players on the first team, followed by Northern Arizona with three, Sacramento State with two, and Weber State and Idaho State each with one.
Eastern Washington quarterback Erik Meyer, a 6-foot-2, 205-pound junior from La Mirada, Calif., was selected the Offensive Player of the Year. Meyer leads Division I-AA in passing efficiency with a rating of 175.5. Meyer has completed 67.2 percent of his passes for 3,037 yards with 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Meyer led EWU to an 8-3 regular-season record and a share of the Big Sky Conference title. The Eagles will take on top-ranked and top-seeded Southern Illinois in the first round of the I-AA playoffs on Saturday.
Montana State senior linebacker Roger Cooper and Weber State junior defensive end Brady Fosmark were named Co-Defensive Players of the Year. Cooper, a 6-foot-3, 233-pound senior from Port Orchard, Wash., finished the season with 68 tackles - 10 for loss - and four sacks. Cooper is the third Bobcat to win the award, following safety Kane Ioane (2003) and defensive tackle Corey Widmer (1990).
Fosmark, a 6-foot-3, 250-pound junior from Clearfield, Utah, tallied a league-high 18.5 tackles for loss during the regular season. He tallied 81 tackles, eight sacks and two forced fumbles. Fosmark is Weber State's all-time sack leader. Fosmark is the first Weber State player to win the award since linebacker Mike Humiston in 1980.
Three players shared the Newcomer of the Year Award: Sacramento State freshman running back Ryan Mole, Montana State junior wide receiver Rick Gatewood and Eastern Washington freshman offensive guard Rocky Hanni.
Mole, a 5-10, 180-pounder from Santa Maria, Calif., rushed for 858 yards and five touchdowns in nine games. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry.
Gatewood, a 6-0, 190-pounder from Richmond, Calif., hauled in 64 catches for 995 yards with eight touchdowns. Gatewood redshirted last season after transferring from Contra Costa Junior College in California.
Hanni, a 6-5, 280-pounder from Sumner, Wash., started nine of the Eagles' 11 games. He played on offensive line that helped lead the way to 186.8 rushing yards per game. EWU averages 468.9 yards of offense, fifth-best in I-AA. Hanni is the first offensive lineman to win the award, which was established in 1978.
Sacramento State wide receiver Fred Amey, the Big Sky's all-time leader in reception yardage, and Cooper were both named first team for the third straight season.
Fosmark, Montana State defensive lineman Rey Sebestyen and Idaho State cornerback Ernie James were all selected to the first team for a second time. James was a first-team cornerback in 2002.
The team also included a new category given to an outstanding overall special teams player. Montana senior Jefferson Heidelberger and Portland State's Jordan Senn were honored on the first team.
Eastern Washington wide receiver Eric Kimble was named first team as a wide receiver and a return specalist. Northern Arizona's Paul Ernster was selected the first-team punter and kicker.
Kimble, Eastern Washington offensive tackle Mike Roos, Portland State center Antonio Narcisse, and Montana State tight end Blake Wolf were unanimous selections on offense. Kimble was unanimous as a wide receiver and kick returner. Fosmark and Cooper were unanimous selections on defense.
Award Winners
Offensive Player of the Year Erik Meyer, QB, Eastern Washington
Co-Defensive Player of the Year Roger Cooper, LB, Montana State; Brady Fosmark, DE, Weber State
Newcomer of the Year Ryan Mole, RB, Sacramento State; Rick Gatewood, WR, Montana State; Rocky Hanni, OG, Eastern Washington
First Team Offense
Wide Receivers: Eric Kimble, Junior, Eastern Washington*; Fred Amey, Senior Sacramento State$; Rick Gatewood, Junior, Montana State
Tackles: Mike Roos, Senior, Eastern Washington*; Cory Procter, Senior, Montana; Jeff Bolton, Junior, Montana State
Guards: Rocky Hanni, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Lawrence Figueroa, Senior, Montana State
Center: Antonio Narcisse, Junior, Portland State*
Tight End: Blake Wolf, Senior, Montana State*
Quarterback: Travis Lulay, Junior, Montana State; Erik Meyer, Junior, Eastern Washington; Craig Ochs, Senior, Montana
Running Backs: Darius Washington, Senior, Eastern Washington; Lex Hilliard, Sophomore, Montana
Fullback: Allen Kennett, Junior, Portland State
Placekicker: Paul Ernster, Senior, Northern Arizona
Return Specialist: Eric Kimble, Junior, Eastern Washington*
First Team Defense
Tackles: Chris Berg, Senior, Portland State; Chuck Jones, Senior, Portland State
Ends: Brady Fosmark, Junior, Weber State*#1; Rey Sebestyen, Senior, Montana State#; Tom Finnerty, Senior, Eastern Washington; Mike Murphy, Sophomore, Montana
Outside Linebackers: Roger Cooper, Senior, Montana State*$; Vince Henman, Senior, Northern Arizona; Shane MacIntyre, Junior, Montana
Inside Linebackers: Joey Cwik, Junior, Eastern Washington; Mac Mollohan, Junior, Montana State#
Cornerbacks: Isaiah Trufant, Junior, Eastern Washington; Ryan Phillips, Senior, Eastern Washington; Ernie James, Senior, Idaho State#; Ramon Payne, Senior, Sacramento State
Safeties: Jeremy Thornburg, Senior, Northern Arizona; Brandon Keeler, Sophomore, Eastern Washington
Punter: Paul Ernster, Senior, Northern Arizona
First Team SPECIAL TEAMs (New this year)
Special teams: Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana; Jordan Senn, Freshman, Portland State
*Unanimous selection, #two-time first team selection, $three-time first team selection
Second Team Offense
Wide Receivers: Sale' Key, Junior, Idaho State; Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana; Shaun Bodiford, Junior, Portland State
Tackles: Steve Burch, Senior, Idaho State ; Micha Jackson-Sattler, Senior, Portland State; Mike Stachowiak, Senior, Portland State
Guards: Jeff Marshall, Sophomore, Montana; Matt Alfred, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Peter St. John, Freshman, Portland State
Center: Jay Green, Senior, Montana; Kraig Sigler, Junior, Eastern Washington
Tight End: Tony Curtis, Senior, Portland State
Quarterback: Jason Murrietta, Sophomore, Northern Arizona ; Mark Hetherington, Senior, Idaho State
Running Backs: Nick Chournos, Senior, Weber State; Roger Robinson, Senior, Northern Arizona
Fullback: Colt Palmer, Senior, Montana; Lars Slind, Junior, Eastern Washington
Placekicker: Joe Johnson, Junior, Weber State; Dan Carpenter, Freshman, Montana
Return Specialist: Jefferson Heidelberger, Senior, Montana
Second Team Defense
Tackles: Brandon Myers, Senior, Eastern Washington; Jermaine Horn, Junior, Idaho State; Blake Horgan, Senior, Montana
Ends: Jacob Houston, Junior, Sacramento State; Lance Spencer, Junior, Montana
Outside Linebackers: Kris Krosch, Junior, Idaho State; Matt Logue, Junior, Sacramento State
Inside Linebackers: Jimmy Ellingson, Junior, Sacramento State; Joey King, Junior, Portland State
Cornerbacks: Dominic Dixon, Sophomore, Portland State; David Beverly, Junior, Idaho State; Kevin Edwards, Junior, Montana
Safeties: Nick Chenault, Senior, Portland State; Ryan Force, Sophomore, Montana State; Brett Shelton, Freshman, Sacramento State
Punter: Kyle McQuown, Sophomore, Idaho State
Second Team SPECIAL TEAMS
Special teams: Gregor Smith, Freshman, Eastern Washington; Eric Iverson, Senior, Northern Arizona
Honorable Mention Offense
Wide Receivers: Aklah Lacey, Idaho State; Shack Okoebor, Idaho State; Levander Segars, Montana; Jon Talmage, Montana; Eddie Sullivan, Montana State; Kory Mahr, Northern Arizona; Ryan Brown, Portland State; Craig McIntyre, Eaaastern Washington
Tackles: Paul Terrell, Eastern Washington, Jamar Ikpe, Idaho State; Brad Rhoades, Montana; Jake Sanders, Northern Arizona; Paul McQuistan, Weber State;
Guards: Shawn Oram, Idaho State; Clifton Buckway, Idaho State; Chris Samuels, Sacramento State; David Hale, Weber State
Centers: Xaiver Simms, Idaho State; Zach Wolf, Montana State; Dustin Nicolodi, Sacramento State.
Tight Ends: Chris Cwik, Eastern Washington; Willie Walden, Montana.
Quarterbacks: Joe Wiser, Portland State; Ryan Leadingham, Sacramento State; Ian Pizarro, Weber State.
Running Back: Reggie Witherspoon, Eastern Washington; Justin Green, Montana; Justin Domineck, Montana State; Joe Rubin, Portland State; Ryan Fuqua, Portland State; Ryan Mole, Sacramento State.
Fullback: Vince Henman, Northern Arizona; Adrian Conway, Freshman, Weber State.
Return Specialist: Roger Robinson, Northern Arizona; Brendan Ferrigno, Portland State; Wiley King, Weber State.
Honorable Mention Defense
Tackles: Garrett Quinn Eastern Washington; Karl Kuhau-Liftee, Idaho State; Jonny Varona, Montana; Alan Saenz, Montana; Beau Clark, Montana State
Ends: Michael Hodges, Idaho State; Dustin Schroader, Idaho State; Chad Gluhm, Montana State; John Perrigo, Northern Arizona; Andrew Dorsey, Portland State; Shane Barkdull, Weber State
Outside Linebackers: Jon Molock, Montana State; Anthony Henderson, Idaho State.
Inside Linebackers: Doug Vincent, Eastern Washington; Pago Tagafue, Idaho State; Ian Gunderman, Northern Arizona; Tolo Tuitele, Portland State; Eric Jones, Weber State
Cornerbacks: Jesse Hendrix, Eastern Washington; K.J. Gerrard, Northern Arizona; Reynard Carrie, Portland State; Brandon Smith, Sacramento State; Dewey Crayton, Weber State.
Safeties: Javid Shoemaker, Eastern Washington; Marcel Lagrone, Idaho State; Toph Grenfell, Montana State; Brent Webber, Sacramento State; Dallas Drecksel, Weber State; John McBride, Weber State.
Punters: Travis Lulay, Montana State; Mtich Lively, Sacramento State.
Honorable Mention Special Teams
Special teams: Dusty Daws, Montana State.
Individual Awards
Offensive Player of the Year - Erik Meyer, Eastern Washington
Co-Defensive Player of the Year - Roger Cooper, Montana State; Brady Fosmark, Weber State
Co-Newcomer of the Year - Ryan Mole, Sacramento State; Rick Gatewood, Montana State; Rocky Hanni, Eastern Washington
Griz Football Spring Game Highlights - 4/10/26
Friday, May 01
Griz Football Spring Practice - 3/2/26
Monday, March 30
Griz Football Spring Preview Press Conference
Monday, March 30
Griz Football Winter Condo - 2/20/26
Monday, March 30
