FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – The Northern Arizona defensive unit had nine sacks in Friday night's scrimmage at Walkup Stadium. It was the first of three scrimmages for the Lumberjacks prior to their season opener at Arizona State.
"For our first scrimmage a week into camp, I am pleased with the progress," said head coach Jerome Souers. "Offensively we've put everything in, and now we get into mastering and refining what we are doing.
"Defensively, our progress has been very impressive. The new guys we added to our front, linebacker and secondary corps, we have certainly improved since last spring. My impression was the defense was very stingy tonight."
Preseason All-American Zach Bauman had four carries for 46 yards, finishing with a 38-yard scamper on last run. Covaughn Deboskie-Johnsen, who transferred in from California, carried six times for 29 yards with two touchdowns.
"I have not touched a ball in 10 months so it felt good," said Deboskie-Johnsen. "It felt good to have the offensive line, tight ends, fullbacks and receivers blocking for me every time I ran the ball. We had supreme confidence."
Senior quarterback Cary Grossart went 6 for 9 for 59 yards, while redshirt sophomore Chase Cartwright was 8 for 11 for 88 yards. Redshirt freshmen Jordan Perry (4-5, 24 yards) and Kyren Poe (1-2, 10 yards) also saw action.
Junior wideout Jesse Brantley led the receivers with 32 yards on two receptions.
Kicker Andy Wilder and Ryan Hawkins were perfect on four field-goal attempts, including two from 50 yards.
"The kickers kicked well today," Souers said. "I am pleased with Andy Wilder's work in the offseason, and our freshman Ryan Hawkins has been a nice surprise."
DeBoskie-Johnsen 6-29-2; Bauman 4-46-0; Jahn 5-27-0; Pipkin 4-9-0; Poe 3-13-0; Perry 3-9-0; Shanks 3-18-0; Butier 2-5-0; Cartwright 1-2-0.
Passing: Cartwright 8-11 88; Grossart 6-9 59; Perry 4-5 24; Poe 1-2 10.
Receiving: Brantley 2-32-0; Shanks 3-23-0; Rickert 2-11-0; Bueno 2-20-0; Pipkin 2-14-0; Ca. DeBoskie 2-9-0; Dang 1-21-0; Bauman 1-10-0; Co. DeBoskie 1-10-0; Biggo 1-9-0; Walker 1-2-0.
Kicking: Wilder 2-2; Hawkins 2-2.
