Grizzly Offense Looks Sharp In First Scrimmage

Quarterback Brian Ah Yat connected with Raul Pacheco for a 55-yard completion on the first play of Montana’s initial spring scrimmage Saturday morning at Washington-Grizzly Stadium.

The opening play was called back because of a penalty, but Ah Yat completed his next four pass attempts, leading the offense to a 37-yard field goal by Kris Heppner. Ah Yat passed for 33 yards.

“I was very pleased with the execution of the offense, although our defense is using pretty basic formations right now,” said second-year Griz coach Mick Dennehy.

“That was my first impression - the offense looked very sharp for just a week of practice.”

Senior Darren Rowell and red-shirt freshman Sean Davis are vying for the backup quarterback job.

“Darren’s doing well,” Dennehy said. “He did some good things for us last year. Sean has a ways to go, and he’s obviously very talented, but he needs more experience. It’s nice to have the competition. The backup role at quarterback is a very important one for us.”

The only other score in the scrimmage came when Davis hit Travis Walker on a short pass to the left flat. Walker faked a cut up the middle and then moved to his left, racing down the sideline for a 60-yard touchdown.

UM will hold another scrimmage next Saturday at Washington-Grizzly Stadium. The Grizzlies will conclude spring drills with an intrasquad scrimmage Saturday, April 19, at East Junior High in Butte.