UI Running Game Shows Progress

Junior back Willie Alderson, sophomore quarterback John Welsh and junior-college transfer Rossi Martin stole the show Thursday at University of Idaho football scrimmage, the Vandals’ last before they open the season at Albi Stadium against Eastern Washington University.

Alderson put the fire back in a running game that struggled last Saturday in the Vandals’ first scrimmage. He gained 129 yards on 15 carries and scored on runs of 6, 57, 7 and 1 yards. His running was complemented by the 44 yards on five carries by junior Anthony Tenner and the flashy 53 yards on nine carries by redshirt freshman Rahimu Pettit.

“We went back to fundamentals and worked real hard on the running game,” coach Chris Tormey said. “I was real impressed with the running backs. They each showed what they’re capable of doing.”

The run wasn’t the only offense for the Vandals. The passing game was in sync, too, with Welsh connecting on 9 of 13 passes for 137 yards. He threw two touchdown passes but did have one interception. Junior Ed Dean completed 6 of 9 passes for 130 yards.

Tops among the receivers was Martin, a newcomer who caught five passes for 131 yards one a 70-yarder from Dean that went for a TD.

Defensively, the Vandals were solid with the No. 1 defense going primarily against the No. 2 offense. Rick Giampietri and Nicq Hale both had interceptions while Laki Ah Hi and Brad Rice each had two quarterback sacks.

“You’re always going to look back and see it wasn’t perfect,” Tormey said of the effort, “and as a coach you always want things to be perfect.”

The Vandals practice this afternoon and have Saturday off before returning to the practice field Sunday at 3 p.m. to make the final preparations for Thursday’s season opener against Eastern Washington. Kickoff at Albi Stadium will be 7:30 p.m.