Green Whitworth opens at Redlands

Whitworth College will open its 2004 football season on the road today, traveling to Redlands, Calif., to face the University of Redlands Bulldogs in a non-conference matchup that kicks off at 1 p.m.

The Pirates, 4-6 overall and 2-3 in the Northwest Conference last season, will feature a veteran offensive line that includes three returning starters. But the Bucs are young at quarterback, where sophomores Joel Clark and Zach Henningsen are expected to share snaps, and at running back, where redshirt freshmen Kyle Havercroft and Chris Ahsing are listed 1-2 on the depth chart.

The Pirates are also young on defense, where 10th-year coach John Tully has moved several of his veterans to new positions in an attempt to add speed. Among those operating at new positions are former safety Jeremy Scroggins and former end Daniel Jones, who will start the season as linebackers.

Whitworth has faced Redlands once, dropping a 20-7 decision in 2000.

“We don’t know very much about them, other than they have been in the playoffs the last two years and have an outstanding and successful program.” Tully said of the Bulldogs, who finished 6-4 last season after losing in the opening round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.

The Bulldogs are coached by Mike Maynard, who is 100-46-1 in 17 seasons at UR.