Wildcat offense rolls in final fall scrimmage

OGDEN — With a few key players sitting out for precautionary reasons, the offense showed promise and the defense struggled in Weber State's final fall scrimmage on Thursday morning at Stewart Stadium.

The hourlong scrimmage wasn't picture-perfect by any means, but the offense reached the end zone often. By the end of the practice game, the offense had racked up 376 total yards and eight touchdowns, one passing and seven running.

Texas Tech transfer Sione Havili led the way on the ground with nine carries for 87 yards and three scores, including a pair of 30-yard TD runs. Quarterback Ian Pizarro finished 6-for-10 for 85 yards and a touchdown. Receiver Lynzell Jackson caught the only touchdown. In addition to Havili's effort, five backs carried the ball, and four of them scored at least one touchdown.

"Obviously we have some weapons on offense. These runners are good. The receivers are good. If you watch the runners, there is a whole stable of them," coach Ron McBride said. "Obviously Sione looked like a man amongst boys out there."

Although the offense appeared solid, it should be mentioned that several players sat out on both sides of the ball. Offensively, possible starting running back Adrian Conway was held out. Jackson, Terry Larsen and Wiley King only played a series. Defensively, Brady Forsmark, Shane Barkdull and Derek Johnson didn't play for precautionary reasons.

Havili ran over or stiff-armed defenders wherever he ran. He attributed his individual success to the absence of the top defensive linemen.

"When they were here last Saturday, we didn't look so good. If Brady (Fosmark) isn't on the field, we all look good," Havili said.

Despite the personnel on and off the field, McBride was concerned with the inconsistency of his defense's ability to tackle.

"The thing that bothered me the most about the defense is when we get down around the 10-yard-line and I put the challenge to 'em and the offense (scores) four times in a row," McBride said. "Basically, we missed tackles down here. Last week we didn't have a lot of missed tackles. You don't like to see that."

Along with the missed tackles, the defense did some good things. The collective group recorded six sacks, two by freshman Rio Stotler, and one interception, by Scotty Goodloe. Safety John McBride had seven tackles, with four unassisted.

McBride said the special teams appeared solid, despite two missed field goals by kicker "Shoeless" Joe Johnson, who did connect on several extra points and a 33-yard field goal.

The Wildcats open the season at home on Sept. 3 against Western State.

Wildcat notes: Fosmark was the lone Big Sky player named to the Buck Buchanan Award watch list on Wednesday. The Buchanan Award is given annually to the top defensive player in Division I-AA.