Mencke Tries To Make A Lasting Impression Passer Plays For Future As WSU Ends Spring Drills

Sat., April 25, 1998

By Mike Sando mikejs@completebbs.com

Starting jobs are rarely won or lost during spring football, but lasting impressions are made.

Two years ago, a junior-college transfer named Kevin McKenzie served notice to Washington State coaches, catching touchdown after touchdown in his first spring as a Cougar. McKenzie would fulfill his early promise, making two of the most memorable catches in WSU history (the one-handed grab that beat USC and WSU’s only receiving TD in the Rose Bowl).

Paul Mencke has been the king of this spring, although his immediate fate remains a mystery. The sophomore quarterback gets one final chance to strengthen his position when WSU concludes its annual Crimson and Gray Scrimmage.

The 3 p.m. scrimmage in Martin Stadium will be followed by a BBQ ($3) in the Fieldhouse.

Players will be available for autographs and pictures, although fans must supply materials.

Mencke figures to get his toughest test of the spring. As quarterback for the Gray, he’ll be facing a veteran secondary that includes three projected starters in strong safety Earl Riley, free safety Lamont Thompson and right cornerback Dee Moronkola. Former starter LeJuan Gibbons is at the other corner.

JC transfer Bryan Paul will quarterback the Crimson team.

CRIMSON vs. GRAY

Starting lineups

Crimson offense LT Rob Rainville LG Ryan Tujague C Mike Schwarz RG Nick Easter RT Reed Raymond QB Bryan Paul RB DeJuan Gilmore TE Love Jefferson WR Matt Shaw WR Adam Davis WR Troy Woody

Gray defense DE Austin Matson DT Nate Mallory DT Taeao Salausa DE Jonathan Nance SLB Brad Philley MLB Raonall Smith WLB Grady Emmerson LB Anthony Matthews SS Nick Brown FS Billy Newman RCB Jermaine Hunsaker

Gray offense LT Jon Ottenbreit LG Lincoln Walden-Schultz C Mickey Long RG Mike Sage RT Joe Criscione QB Paul Mencke RB Jeremy Thielbahr TE Corey Scott WR Nian Taylor WR Farwan Zubedi WR Alexe Rodopolos

Crimson defense DE Rob Meier DT Gary Holmes DT to be determined DE Serign Marong SLB Brandon Brown MLB Tupo Tuupo WLB James Price LCB LeJuan Gibbons SS Lamont Thompson FS Earl Riley RCB Dee Moronkola

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Mencke Tries To Make A Lasting Impression Passer Plays For Future As WSU Ends Spring Drills

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