Paus earns QB start for opener

SEATTLE – Casey Paus got the official word from The Boss Saturday and the reaction was predictable.

Having heard from head coach Keith Gilbertson that he’d officially earned the University of Washington starting quarterback job following a closed scrimmage Saturday at Husky Stadium, Paus said he would get on the phone to his parents.

“I’m really excited,” said Paus, a junior. “I’ve always been a humble guy, so I’m not going to gloat. I’m excited, I’m very anxious and I can’t wait until Monday comes around, when we start prepping. It’ll probably be a restless two nights.”

Just a few days ago, offensive coordinator John Pettas gave Paus the edge, albeit unofficially. Pettas said he told Paus and the other two candidates, sophomore Isaiah Stanback and redshirt freshman Carl Bonnell, that Paus would get the majority of the reps with the first-team offense. The implication: Paus was the frontrunner for the job to lead the Huskies offense in the season opener against Fresno State a week from today at Husky Stadium.

Stanback will also play against FSU.

Paus wasn’t flashy Saturday, but he was effective. He was 11-of-18 passing for 94 yards. Stanback was good, but not good enough to unseat Paus, completing 10 of 17 for 118 yards and a touchdown. Bonnell was 6 of 12 for 77 yards and an interception.