Crimson Holds Off Gray
REPLAY: Sports, April 21, 1997: The third paragraph of Sunday’s story on the Washington State University football scrimmage should have read: “Who knows, maybe they’ll even spell his name correctly, although even Criscione had to laugh after being informed that the back of his No. 64 jersey read ‘Crisione.’
Joe Criscione, one of three junior-college football players signed to shore up Washington State’s offensive line, figured it might take longer than three weeks of spring practices to make a name for himself.
“The guys are stronger and quicker than in junior college,” Criscione said Saturday, moments after his Crimson team held off the Gray squad 21-17 in the final spring scrimmage at Martin Stadium. “I think after a summer of hard work, I’ll be quicker and stronger and be able to compete a little better.”
Who knows, maybe they’ll even spell his name correctly, although even Criscione had to laugh after being informed that the back of his No. 64 jersey read “Criscione.”
“I’d better start working a little harder, huh?” offered Criscione, a 6-foot-4, 290-pounder from Whittier, Calif.
Neither squad ran the ball effectively Saturday, despite the fact the Cougars continue to play without starting defensive linemen Leon Bender, Dorian Boose and Gary Holmes.
Starting tailback Michael Black carried just five times for 22 yards, one indicator as to why WSU’s offensive line remains a question mark heading into the summer.
Criscione and fellow transfer Lincoln Walden-Schultz join a group that includes Rob Rainville and injured Ryan McShane in the hunt for three openings on the o-line. Returning starters Cory Withrow (center) and right guard Jason McEndoo (right guard) have secured positions.
Another JC transfer, Ryan Tujague, will join the team when two-a-day practices begin in early August.
“The JC players give us a little bit more depth - that’s why we went the junior-college route rather than the high school route with the recruits at that position,” ninth-year coach Mike Price said. “I don’t know who our five offensive linemen are going to be (besides Withrow and McEndoo).”
Price remained optimistic about redshirt freshman Reed Raymond, even though Raymond, who started at right tackle on a Crimson team that included quarterback Ryan Leaf and Black, had a difficult time against ends Shane Doyle and Jonathan Nance.
“He’ll be OK,” Price said. “He’s gonna be there on that first or second unit as a freshman next year.”
WSU’s other priorities, left cornerback and middle linebacker, appear more settled.
Redshirt freshman Jermaine Hunsaker leads LeJuan Gibbons at the cornerback spot opposite Dee Moronkola, while Todd Nelson will almost certainly be the successor to James Darling, who was drafted in the second round Saturday by Philadelphia.
Strong safety Bryant Thomas, a converted receiver, continued his promising transition but remains listed as the backup to Torry Hollimon.
Thomas provided the afternoon’s hardest hit, a jarring blow that caused Miguel Meriwether to fumble. Thomas also intercepted Gray quarterback Steve Birnbaum, returning the ball 74 yards.
“BT moves over from offense to defense and in 15 practices he’s making an interception, he’s playing the coverage right, he’s doing a good job,” Price said.
Leaf completed 11 of 14 passes for 150 yards to lead the Crimson. He threw a 58-yard pass to Kevin McKenzie on the game’s first offensive play.
But the longest completion belonged to McKenzie, who found Chris Jackson for a 68-yard score on a third-and-41 play.
Ray Jackson, brother to Chris and the leading candidate at free safety, was burned on both long-gainers. “I made a few mistakes,” said Ray, whose credits included a fumble recovery, “but mistakes that can be corrected.”
Leaf was intercepted once, by freshman weakside linebacker Raonall Smith, who returned the ball 32 yards, cementing his position as the surprise of the Cougars’ spring.
Placekicker Rian Lindell has been another pleasant surprise. He booted a 55-yarder with 10 yards to spare and missed wide right on a 57-yard attempt. A 40-yard try appeared rushed and bounced off the left upright.
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