Eagles take simple plan into closer
Not wanting to jeopardize the momentum from four weeks of solid progress, Eastern Washington University football coach Paul Wulff plans to keep things simple for this afternoon’s final spring scrimmage.
“We’re going to keep it basic,” Wulff said Friday, on the eve of the Eagles’ Red and White Game. “I’m not sure if we have enough healthy kids to truly create two teams. We’re especially thin at receiver and it’s a struggle to fill our two-deep at some positions.”
Four weeks of spring practice end with the 2 p.m. scrimmage at Woodward Field. It will feature offense vs. defense for four 12-minute, running-clock quarters except for some no-huddle, 2-minute drill plays at the end of the second quarter. Mostly it will feature the No. 1 units vs. the No. 2.
“There are not going to be a lot of plays,” Wulff said. “We want to be crisp and go home.”
The game is part of the 24th annual Orland Killin Weekend, which includes the Killin Dinner, Dance and Auction starting at 4:30 p.m. The women’s soccer team scrimmages at noon today, the volleyball team at 1 p.m.
“It’s been a good spring,” Wulff said. “A lot of kids who haven’t contributed in the past have had an opportunity to get better. They will add a lot of depth in the fall (and) we expect greater things in the fall.”
A weekend ago, the Eagles wrapped up their third week of practice with a scrimmage Wulff said was one of the best in his six seasons as head coach. The offense rolled up 249 yards against a hard-hitting defense.
“You have to play that way – you can’t live in a glass house,” Wulff said. “We have to play football and we have to get better. And so far we’ve been doing that.”
Prior to that, the defense dominated the scrimmage after the first week and the offense had the upper hand after the second week.
All-America quarterback Erik Meyer has completed 16 of 27 passes (59 percent) for 239 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Backup Chris Peerboom has completed 15 of 29 (52 percent) for 172 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
The search for a new starting running back has gone well, with Oregon State transfer Ryan Cole leading the way with 67 yards on 13 carries in two scrimmages. Sophomore Toke Kefu has 58 yards on 17 carries in three spring scrimmages.
On defense, sophomore safety Gregor Smith has 14 tackles. Backups Jake Young at linebacker and Muhammad Shamsid-Deen in the secondary have added 15 and 12 tackles, respectively. Veterans Garrett Quinn and Harrison Nikolao have led the defensive line with three sacks apiece.
The Killin Dinner, Dance and Auction begins with a social hour, followed by the dinner, auction and dancing. For information and tickets, call 359-2463.