Veteran Defense, Kickers Highlight UI Scrimmage

A potent and experienced defense dominated the University of Idaho’s first football scrimmage of the spring in the Kibbie Dome.

The defense held the Idaho offense to a trio of field goals and one short-yardage touchdown during the 90-minute scrimmage.

“Obviously it was a defensive day,” said Idaho coach Chris Tormey. “We’re making some progress on offense. I thought Joel (Thomas) and Pierre (Erick) ran the ball well, and when we got some protection we made some nice throws and catches.”

The defense recorded six sacks and recovered two of five fumbles. Junior defensive end John LaJeunesse of Boise had a sack and a tipped pass.

Senior transfer Ryan Fien completed 6 of 12 passes for 66 yards, while redshirt freshman Darick Pope of Post Falls was 6 of 13 for 55 yards. Neither quarterback threw an interception.

Junior running back Joel Thomas, playing full-contact for the first time since last September after suffering a season-ending foot injury, rushed for 25 yards on nine carries. Redshirt freshman Pierre Erick added 33 yards on six carries.

Despite missing starting punter and placekicking contender Justin Spiva, the kicking game was impressive. Troy Scott, who handled the Vandals kickoff duties last year, made 3 of 3 field goals, hitting a pair from 40 yards and one from 29.

The Vandals will scrimmage Saturday morning, conduct their third scrimmage at 11 a.m. on April 20 at Lake City High in Coeur d’Alene, then play their the spring game at 7 p.m. on April 26 in the Kibbie Dome.

QBs shine at UW scrimmage

In Tacoma, quarterbacks Shane Fortney and Brock Huard each looked good during a 3-hour live scrimmage.

Fortney, who will be a junior in the fall, is the No. 1 quarterback. Huard, a redshirt freshman, is a close No. 2. Each looked capable of directing the UW offense efficiently and effectively. Fortney accounted for 264 yards of offense (214 passing and 50 rushing), while Huard passed for 144 yards and two TDs.

, DataTimes