Griz football caps first week with scrimmage
3/26/2011 12:00:00 AM | Football
March 26, 2011
The Montana Grizzly football team took the field for their first spring scrimmage of 2011 Saturday afternoon. The defense set the tone early but the offense found it's rythm behind the Grizzly tight ends.p>
The scrimmage started with the offense with their backs against the end zone and after a small gain the defense ended the first drive with a sack of sophomore quarterback Jordan Johnson who was leading the first team.
The second team didn't fare much better behind junior transfer Nate Montana who threw the first of his two interceptions to senior cornerback Houston Roots to end their first drive.
The situational scrimmage then moved to the middle of the field where the offense was more affective. Jordan Johnson completed two passes to junior tight end Greg Hardy to get the offense heading in the right direction and senior tight end Kavario Middleton caught an 8-yard pass from Johnson for the first touchdown of the afternoon.
Getting the ball to tight ends seemed to be a theme of the scrimmage for the offense and head coach Robin Pflugrad said that it will be something that Griz fans will see a lot of this season.
"We evaluated ourselves as a staff this off-season and we felt we under-utilized our tight-ends," Pflugrad said. "Kavario had over 30 catches with Washington his sophomore year and he only had six last season. Between him and Hardy we have some athletes there and we need to do a better job of getting the ball in their hands."
A drive by the second team was halted but gave Brody McKnight the opportunity to hit his first of 3 field goals during the scrimmage Mcknight was perfect on the day he hit field goals from 27, 25, and 30 and was 4-for-4 on PATs
The first team again found the end zone on a 7-yard pass from Johnson to senior receiver Antwon Moutra.
"Jordan Johnson did a great job leading the offense." Pflugrad said. "He showed his leadership and grasp of the system today."
The second team hit pay dirt on a 15-yard pass from Montana to junior tight end Jacob Haas.
Montana struggled at times with calls coming in from the sideline and it seemed like he had a hard time getting the ball to his receivers but Pflugrad noted that he is still fresh in the system and has only had limited time to become familiar with his team.
"We have only been able to coach Nate for four practices so he hasn't had the much time to learn the offense and get into a rhythm," Pflugrad said.
Overall the Grizzly quarterbacks were 17-for-31 for 137 yards they threw three interceptions and three touchdowns.
The run game was productive on the day, the Griz rushed 54 times for 146 yards. Their only touchdown of the afternoon was the last. Redshirt freshman Brett Kirschner scored on a 7-yard run.
Pflugrad knows that he has to replace one of the greatest backs in Montana history in Chase Reynolds but he is confident that this group will be up to the task.
"I am pleased with the run game," Pflugrad said. "It is always going to be tough to replace a player like Chase but Peter played well this week and the two redshirt freshmen (Jordan Canada and Kirshner) are really competing for the job."
Defensively the Grizzlies had some wow plays.
Senior corner Trumaine Johnson grabbed an interception from Montana late in the afternoon and followed his blockers for a long return.
Roots had a knockdown go with his early interception of Montana.
Senior linebacker Caleb McSurdy led the team with eight tackles, and senior safety Andrew Badger had six tackles and an interception of Jordan Johnson.
"I liked the flow of the scrimmage," Pflugrad said. "The tempo was great, our guys did get a little tired and that opened up the door for our secondary to make some plays but that will happen in spring ball."
The defense is also adjusting to two new coaches, linebacker coach Ty Gregorak and Defensive Line coach Legi Suiaunoa.
Pflugrad noted that the energy these two coaches bring compliment the passion defensive coordinator Mike Breske has already.
"Coach Ty seems to be in fourth gear every part of every day," Pflugrad said. "Both Ty and Legi bring that passion and a lot of energy add that in with Coach Breske and you have one passionate defensive coaching staff."
The Grizzlies continue spring practice next week before taking a week off with spring break. There will not be another scrimmage until Saturday April 16th at 9:30 a.m. at Washington Grizzly Stadium.
The scrimmage was just the culmination of the first week of spring practice. The first week was the first time many of these players have suited up for the Grizzlies and it finally gave the coaches an opportunity to see what they had.
With this in mind coach Pflugrad has noted his choices for offensive and defensive players of the week as well as newcomer of the week and week one's Mr. Hustle. We will continue weekly awards for the rest of spring ball.
Week One Awards
Offensive Player of the Week: Peter Nguyen, jr. RB
Nguyen impressed with his consistency, every play this week he was where he was supposed to be and physically he has improved during the off-season.
"Pete played very well all week, he is both physically ready to go and mentally where we want him to be," Pflugrad said. "He didn't have an assignment error all week long and he really is helping the other guys on the offense figure theirs out."
Nguyen is getting more comfortable on the field and in pflugrads system.
"After two years on the field I am just much more confident," Nguyen said. "I am used to the offense and know what is going on, it just feels more natural."
Defensive player of the week: John Kanongata'a, so. LB
Kanagota'a has improved his speed dramatically this off-season and is flying around the field. Pflugrad is excited to see his high-motor effort and the potential he has in the linebacker position.
"He is showing really good closing speed," Pflugrad said. "He was like a heat seeking missile out there; he really is showing why we recruited him."
Newcomer of the Week: Jordan Canada, fr. RB
This award is for the best redshirt, walk-on or transfer and redshirt freshman Jordan Canada showed his skill through his feet putting up some big numbers in the scrimmage gaining 38 yards on just 10 runs.
"He has great quickness and has great feet," Pflugrad said. "He was also really good in the passing game he showed great protection."
Week one Mr. Hustle: Trevor Poole, fr. OT
Poole had to play extra time because of an injury to senior tackle Jon Opperud nevertheless he has left everything he had on the field in both practice and during the scrimmage. This kind of effort draws the attention of your head coach.
"Every Single play he was playing hard," Pflugrad said. "He was on the field for almost the entire scrimmage and he was still going hard and finishing plays."
