Defense has Eagles coach Wulff smiling
Eastern Washington football coaches met into the evening Monday dissecting the afternoon scrimmage.
With a dominating defense and a cold, biting wind marking the first scrimmage of the spring, it was definitely a day where technique meant more than results.
“The offense had some dropped balls and the wind forced a few passes to go long,” head coach Paul Wulff said. “The offense is missing three or four starters right now, (tight end) Tim Calhoun and a few offensive linemen, that we could have used out there today. We just need to get some stuff on film and on paper so we can improve.”
Chris Peerboom quarterbacked the No. 1 offense and hit 2 of 3 passes for 16 yards. Matt Nichols went second and was just 1 of 7 for 10 yards but showed the best mobility with 16 yards on seven attempts. Josh Powell hit 3 of 5 for 7 yards.
Overall, the defense held the offense to 74 yards in 41 plays and produced two turnovers, and that pleased Wulff.
“I was very satisfied with the defense,” he said. “In our first scrimmage a couple years ago there were about seven or eight touchdowns and that ended up being a long year on defense. Usually it’s a good sign when we don’t allow a lot of scores on defense.”
There were no scoring plays Monday. Kyle Wilkins recovered a fumble forced by Jacob Kragt on the first possession. Later, Ira Jarmon stole a Nichols pass.
Six quick-whistle sacks deducted 30 yards from the 71 the running backs picked up on 20 carries.
“We’re good on defense but we have to keep working,” tackle George Lane said. “The offense is good, too, but has to continue working to knit.”
Lane, who is down to 275 pounds, more than 30 less than he weighed when he transferred from Missouri early in the season, is a big reason why. He and 290-pound Keith Grennan could be the Eagles’ most imposing tackle combination in years.
“We have to keep pushing forward, do it a day at a time,” Lane said. “We can’t think about championships right now.”
That attitude is what had Wulff smiling.
“I couldn’t be happier with the way things are going at this point,” he said. “There’s no question that there is a long way to go, but I’m excited the way our veterans and our young redshirt players have been going. If every player can take it upon themself to improve during each practice, then by the end of the spring we will be a much better football team than we were today.”
Eagles nest
In the good news department, neither offensive lineman Matt Alfred, an All-American guard, nor defensive lineman Gene Piffero needed surgery after injuring fingers in last Monday’s first practice. Alfred’s finger will be splinted for six to eight weeks. Piffero could play the final week. … Offensive lineman Michael Land (knee) participated in all drills for the first time this spring… . Toke Kefu led the running backs with 12 yards on four carries. Returning starter Ryan Cole had 12 on three. … Two of the hardest hits were delivered by two of the smallest players, cornerbacks Kevin Hatch (160 pounds) and Adam Macomber (170). … Another scrimmage is set Friday, weather permitting.