Pressure’s on Vandals’ Reader

Football: Brian Reader has been here before. He’s seen Robb Akey make a sudden switch at quarterback to shake things up, and he knows it can work.

That’s because the last time it happened, Reader was the backup for Idaho who was thrust into action and helped spark a fourth-quarter rally.

Two years ago at San Jose State, he replaced Nate Enderle – who had tossed two fourth-quarter interceptions – and completed his lone pass in a winning touchdown drive. It was a brief moment in the spotlight, but it stuck with Reader.

“They threw me in for the last drive and (we) won the game,” he said. “I know Coach Akey won’t be afraid to do that if that ever comes about.”

Halfway through his first year as full-time starter, Reader is feeling pressure to again kick-start the offense. The Vandals (1-5, 0-2 in the WAC) haven’t scored an offensive touchdown in two games and Reader ranks last among eligible WAC quarterbacks in pass efficiency.

We spoke with the senior QB earlier this week after practice. The full conversation is available online at www.spokesman.com/

blogs/sportslink. Here’s a preview:

Q: The first three or four weeks you only had one interception, and the last two weeks you’ve had five. Is that maybe coming with trying to forcing things too much because you know things have to get going?

Reader: “I’m definitely pressing a lot more than I was in the first few weeks. That and the completion percentage is down just because I personally have been forcing. I want to make things happen instead of just letting stuff happen …”

Josh Wright

NIC Red-Gray meet at Mead

Wrestling: North Idaho College will hold its Red vs. Gray Intrasquad meet on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at Mead High School. NIC wrestlers will be vying for starting spots on the perennial nationally ranked Cardinals squad.

Admission is $2.